Inuyama’s small but beautiful castle is a registered National Treausre and the oldest remaining wooden castle in Japan. Indeed, the castle is only one of twelve remaining castles in Japan after the majority were intentionally pulled down through the later-Edo followed by Meiji Periods.

Originally constructed in 1537, the castle is only one of five in Japan declared a National Treasure – along with Matsumoto, Himeji, Hikone and Matsue. The castles keep (main tower) can be entered and explored, providing an interesting insight into the design and defensive function of this and other castles.