Inuyama

Inuyama blends one of Japan�s oldest surviving castles with a beautifully preserved castle town and a serene riverside setting � a place where feudal history, traditional crafts and gentle scenery come together in perfect harmony.

Inuyama is one of central Japan’s true hidden gems: a small riverside city whose history is dominated by its remarkable castle, standing proudly above the Kiso River on a natural rise of land. The fortress — built in 1537 and considered one of Japan’s oldest existing castle keeps — retains an authenticity that few others can match. Its steep wooden staircases, creaking floors and panoramic top-floor balcony offer a palpable sense of feudal Japan, while its status as a National Treasure marks it as one of the country’s most important surviving historic structures.

At the foot of the castle lies Inuyama’s jōkamachi, a beautifully preserved castle town whose heritage dates back centuries. Here, visitors can wander through streets that still follow their early layouts, passing traditional wooden facades, old merchants’ houses, small shrines and family-run stores. This district remains the cultural heart of the city — a place where the rhythms of daily life continue much as they have for generations.

The Kiso River, flowing quietly beside the town and castle, lends Inuyama much of its atmosphere. From the castle’s balcony, the river spreads below in wide, shimmering curves, with views stretching across the valley into neighbouring Gifu Prefecture. In every season, the riverside shifts its colours: cherry blossoms soften the landscape in spring, fresh greens line the banks in summer, and fiery maples ignite the hillsides in autumn.

A visit to Inuyama is as much about ambience as it is about sightseeing. Spend time exploring the castle’s historic interior, pause for a snack along the old streets, or stroll beneath the shade of riverside trees. Add in nearby shrines such as Sanko Inari, charming local cafés, and the gentle pace of this compact town, and the result is a destination that feels both quietly soulful and deeply rooted in Japan’s cultural past.

Whether as a day trip from Nagoya or an unhurried stop on a longer journey, Inuyama invites travellers to slow down, look up at its ancient keep, and step into a world shaped by centuries of tradition — a place where history, scenery and simple pleasures all come together.

Weather & Climate

Weather in Inuyama

The Climate Guide for Inuyama , Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	7	8	12	18	22	26	29	31	27	21	16	10
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	0	-1	3	8	13	18	22	23	19	12	7	2
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	5	5	6	6	6	5	5	6	5	5	5	5
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	Low	High	High	Low	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	18	17	18	15	15	18	19	17	18	14	14	16
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	47	72	127	173	172	242	258	155	258	118	79	36
UV Index (Maximum)	2	4	6	7	9	10	10	10	8	6	3	2

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Small Group Tour

Luxury Japan (IJT Superior)
- Tokyo
- Inuyama
- Kyoto
- Nagasaki
- Fukuoka
- Osaka
- Tokyo
Iconic highlights and hidden gems with premium comfort, expert Insider guidance and unforgettable cultural encounters across Japan.

14 nights: US$11578 Read more >

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