犬山城
Inuyama Castle
Overview
Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure perched above the Kiso River, is one of the oldest surviving castle towers in Japan. Built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, uncle of Oda Nobunaga, it served as a crucial border fortress between Owari and Mino provinces, witnessing numerous battles during the Sengoku era. During the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute, Toyotomi Hideyoshi established himself here to face Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Naruse clan governed the castle during the Edo period, and until 2004 it was the only privately-owned castle in Japan. The view from the top floor, spanning the Kiso River and the Nōbi Plain, inspired the poetic name 'Hakuteijō' (White Emperor Castle).
Connection to Swords
The Owari and Mino region surrounding Inuyama Castle was a major sword production area. Mino-den is counted among the Five Traditions (Gokaden) of Japanese swordmaking, with Seki (present-day Seki City) as its center. Owari Province was the domain of the Owari Tokugawa, the foremost of the three Tokugawa branch families, known for their deep appreciation of swords. The Sengoku era, when Inuyama Castle was repeatedly fought over, was precisely when demand for practical Mino swords peaked. The castle town also housed craftsmen involved in sword-related trades. Visiting alongside the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya deepens understanding of Owari's sword culture.
Highlights
- National Treasure tower (among the oldest surviving)
- Stunning view of the Kiso River from the top floor
- Historic castle town streets
- Haritsuna Shrine
- Inuyama Festival (spring and autumn)
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.
Nearby Castles
松本城
National TreasureMatsumoto Castle
Lord: Ishikawa Kazumasa / Matsudaira clan
名古屋城
Special Historic SiteNagoya Castle
Lord: Tokugawa Yoshinao (first lord of Owari Tokugawa)
金沢城
National Historic SiteKanazawa Castle
Lord: Maeda Toshiie / Maeda clan
丸岡城
Important Cultural Property (extant tower)Maruoka Castle
Lord: Shibata Katsutoyo / Arima clan
上田城
National Historic SiteUeda Castle
Lord: Sanada Masayuki / Sanada clan
躑躅ヶ崎館（武田氏館）
National Historic SiteTsutsujigasaki Yakata (Takeda Clan Residence)
Lord: Takeda Shingen / Takeda clan
春日山城
National Historic SiteKasugayama Castle
Lord: Uesugi Kenshin / Uesugi clan