Inuyama is most known for Inuyama Castle, the oldest original castle in Japan and a National Treasure. However, Inuyama boasts a second national treasure at Uraku-en.
While Inuyama Castle draws much of the attention in this historic town, Uraku-en Garden offers an equally profound experience of traditional Japanese culture. Nestled quietly near the base of the castle, Uraku-en is a landscape gardenfamous for being home to the Jo-an Teahouse, a National Treasure of Japan and a masterpiece of tea ceremony architecture.
Surrounded by moss-laden paths, whispering bamboo, and seasonal blossoms, this serene garden was designed with one purpose in mind: to honor the art of the Japanese tea ceremony.
A Brief History of Uraku-en & Jo-an Teahouse
- Jo-an Teahouse was constructed in the early 1600s by Oda Uraku, younger brother of the famous Oda Nobunaga.
- The teahouse is one of only three tea houses in Japan designated as a National Treasure.
- It features a rare blend of simplicity and subtle sophistication reflective of early Edo-period aesthetics.
- Uraku-en Garden was purpose-built to complement the practice of tea ceremony
Jo-an stands as a timeless example of wabi-sabi, the Japanese concept of beauty in imperfection and impermanence. It includes design elements such as bamboo-screened windows, a sliding fusuma decorated with a lunar calendar, and an unusually placed low entrance to the tea room.
Experiencing Uraku-en Garden
It is said that the entire garden was constructed for the sole purpose of tea ceremony—which is easy to imagine strolling throughout the peaceful moss covered grounds. Matcha and traditional Japanese sweets are served in the garden for a fee and are included in our tour of Inuyama.
Jo-an Teahouse
The garden grounds are a sight to behold on their own, but the truly unique feature is the 400-year-old Joan tea house designed by the master of tea ceremony Oda Uraku. Jo-an, is a rare example of tea architecture that remains largely intact from the early Edo period. Though the interior is not always accessible to visitors, the structure can be admired from various vantage points throughout the garden.
Matcha Experience
For a small fee, guests can enjoy a traditional tea service within the garden—matcha and seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) are served in a tatami-floored tea room. This experience is included in our guided tour of Inuyama.
Recommended Tour: Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a "city of swords," and the charms of Central Japan on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle.
Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword, meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife, and stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food under the shadow of Japan's oldest original castle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Jo-an Teahouse?
Jo-an is a 400-year-old tea ceremony house built by tea master Oda Uraku. It is one of only three teahouses in Japan to be designated a National Treasure.
Can you go inside the Jo-an Teahouse?
The interior is occasionally open to the public for special viewings or tours, but it can usually only be seen from the outside.
What makes Jo-an architecturally unique?
Jo-an features distinctive elements such as a bamboo-covered window, fusuma with a lunar calendar, and an entryway placed deliberately low, reflecting the humility at the heart of the tea ceremony.
Is matcha served at Uraku-en?
Yes, visitors can enjoy matcha tea and traditional sweets within the garden. The tea service is available for a fee and often included in Inuyama walking tours.
How do I get to Uraku-en from Inuyama Castle?
Uraku-en is located just a short walk from Inuyama Castle, making it an ideal combined visit.
Snow Monkey Resorts includes both locations in their 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle, including round-trip transportation and a local, English-speaking guide.
