Nagoya Castle and Inuyama Castle are two of the most prominent historical landmarks in Aichi Prefecture, and are wonderful destinations for travelers with beautiful architecture, exciting histories, and a variety of things to do outside of the castle grounds.
While we highly recommend visiting both castles, we understand that sometimes tight travel schedules and busy itineraries just simply don’t leave enough time to see everything a region has to offer. So if you have time to visit only one castle around Nagoya, we’ll go over our recommendations for which castle to choose.
Nagoya Castle
- Best for travelers with limited time or busy itineraries
What Makes Nagoya Castle Unique?
Nagoya Castle, originally constructed in the early 17th century during the Edo period under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, is one of the best examples of the grandeur and political authority of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its size, beauty, and cultural importance contributed to it becoming the first castle to earn the status of “National Treasure” in Japan.
The castle is renowned for its massive stone walls, impressive golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish ornaments), and expansive, landscaped grounds.
Unfortunately, the original structure was largely destroyed during World War II air raids. But due to its importance it was fully reconstructed after the war. The Honmaru palace was also reconstructed, though much more recently and using traditional methods and historic blueprints. Work is now underway to restore the main castle keep in a similar manner with traditional materials and methods.
While the restoration of Nagoya Castle’s main keep means that visitors can not go inside the largest tower, visitors can still enter the castle grounds and explore the Honmaru Palace, castle garden, and museum featuring the original decorative screens and paintings inside the palace.
Nagoya Castle Access, Tickets, and Visitor Tips
Situated in the heart of Nagoya, Nagoya Castle is highly accessible and surrounded by plenty of other things to do including museums, shopping, and restaurants, making it ideal for those looking to pack a lot into one day.
Tickets to Nagoya Castle cost ¥500 for adults with free admission for children 12 years old and under. Admission includes entrance to the castle grounds, museum, and Honmaru Palace.
After visiting Nagoya Castle, we recommend stopping at Kinsachi Yokocho for lunch where you can try some of the amazing food Nagoya is famous for.
Nagoya Castle Guided Tour
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya's Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates will take you into several historical estates and private gardens of Nagoya's titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Inuyama Castle
- Best for history lovers and those looking for a short day trip from Nagoya
What Makes Inuyama Castle Unique?
In contrast, Inuyama Castle, located on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, is one of Japan’s twelve original castles that have survived since the feudal era without being reconstructed. Built in 1537, it is widely recognized as the oldest standing castle in the country and has been designated a National Treasure.
Inuyama Castle’s modest size and wooden interiors offer a remarkably authentic glimpse into Japan’s pre-modern military architecture. Unlike the reconstructed grandeur of Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle’s appeal lies in its historical integrity and its scenic natural surroundings. Visitors can climb to the top floor for panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside, which is, in our opinion, one of the best castle views in Japan.
Inuyama Castle Access, Tickets, and Visitor Tips
Tickets to enter Inuyama Castle cost ¥550 for adults and ¥110 for children 12 years old and under. Admission allows visitors to enter the historic tenshu (main keep), where you can climb the steep wooden stairs and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
After visiting the castle, we recommend strolling along Inuyama Jokamachi, the preserved castle town street near the entrance, where you can sample local snacks, browse souvenir shops, and experience the atmosphere of this historic area.
It is important to note that the stairs inside Inuyama castle are very steep, so it is not recommended for those with knee pain or mobility restrictions.
Inuyama Castle Guided Tour
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 Private 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.
Bonus Castle: Hikone Castle
- Best for those who love photography/scenic views or travelers looking for a full-day trip from Nagoya
What Makes Hikone Castle Unique?
Hikone Castle—located in nearby Shiga Prefecture—is also one of the only five castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure. Hikone Castle is surprisingly close to Nagoya but often overlooked by international travelers to Japan.
Completed in 1622, Hikone Castle retains its original keep, moat, walls, and many ancillary structures.
For travelers who can extend their journey, Hikone Castle offers a balanced experience that combines historical authenticity with aesthetic appeal, making it a compelling alternative to both Nagoya and Inuyama.
Hikone Castle Access, Tickets, and Visitor Tips
Tickets to Hikone Castle cost ¥1000 for adults and ¥300 for children 12 years old and under. Admission includes entry to the castle keep as well as the beautiful Genkyuen Garden, a traditional daimyo garden located at the base of the castle. You can also purchase tickets to the Hikone Castle Museum housing a collection of artifacts owned by the Ii family for an additional ¥700/adults or ¥350/child.
After exploring the castle, we recommend stopping by Yume Kyobashi Castle Road nearby, a charming street designed to resemble an Edo-period town. Here you’ll find local restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafés where you can relax and try regional specialties, including Japan’s oldest bread of wagyu, after your visit.
Also, similarly to Inuyama Castle, Hikone Castle has very steep stairs, so is not suitable for those with mobility concerns or a fear of heights.
Hikone Castle Guided Tour
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman will take you to two castle towns, Hikone, with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman, known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.
What Are the Best Castles Near Nagoya?
Given the differences between Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Hikone Castle, we recommend travelers choose between them based on their individual preferences and travel goals.
For those with an interest in Edo-era political history, large-scale architecture, and convenient access to urban amenities, Nagoya Castle is the recommended choice. Conversely, travelers who value authenticity, scenic beauty, and the atmosphere of a preserved historical site would find Inuyama Castle more rewarding. And Hikone Castle, with its preserved structures and refined landscape, stands as an excellent day trip for travelers with a deeper interest in Japan's architectural and feudal heritage.
FAQ
Is Nagoya castle open to the public?
Yes, Nagoya Castle including the castle grounds, museum, and palace is open to the public, however the castle keep is currently closed and under construction.
We at Snow Monkey Resorts are proud to offer a variety of guided tours and day trips to Nagoya Castle.
Are castle palaces accessible for people with mobility issues?
Many palaces have steps and narrow corridors not suitable for wheelchairs. However, some, like Nagoya Castle, provide ramps or even elevators to certain areas. Please contact us if you have specific questions about any locations you wish to visit during your trip to Japan.
When is the best time to visit castles in Japan?
Spring (during cherry blossom season) and autumn (for the fall foliage) are particularly scenic, as gardens surrounding the palaces are often at their best. We recommend avoiding Japanese holidays and visiting on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
