Inuyama Castle in Japan

The Inuyama castle is not only one among the few remaining castles in Japan, it is also the oldest. Placed to the south of the Kiso River, the monument is so antique, that no authentic record is available on its year of construction. The original castle was probably a 1440 construction, and the present building is essentially an improvisation by Oda Nobuyasu in 1537. The castle, with its towering six floors, is a splendid white structure worth its name Hakutei Castle or the White Emperor Castle. The observatory on the top floor, gazing down to a vast landscape takes one to the bygone age when the lord's army looked out to spy an approaching enemy.

The fort had been seized from the Naruse family in the Meiji period, but after most of the ancient structure was shattered to ruins by the Great Nobi Earthquake, the government restored the monument to its original owners, and the Inuyama Castle has continued to be a private estate ever since. The castle is a unique construction with its Muromachi-period style design, and has naturally been chosen as a National Treasure.

How to reach Inuyama: Inuyama is the last station of the Meitetsu Inuyama Line. It is a 30 minutes trip from Nagoya. It would take around fifteen minutes to reach the castle from the Inuyama Station or Inuyama-Yuen Station.

Other attractions of Inuyama: Apart from the ancient castle, Inuyama has a number of other fascinating places to cater to its tourists. The Kiso River is a wonderful boating destination with its rapids and rock formation. The tourists can also go for catching Cormorant down the river.

Quite near is the Urakuen garden, famous for the tea ceremonies it hosts.

It's worth visiting Meiji Mura, an architectural museum displaying the evolving architectures of the Meiji and Taisho period.

The Japan Monkey Park is an amusing destination conserving different species of apes.

Accommodations in Inuyama: Inuyama has a number of splendid hotels for the tourists. Some of the most comfortable and accessible are:
Meitetsu Inuyama Hotel is an elegant abode offering a beautiful view of the castle and the river. Inuyama Youth Hostel is comfortable and in a convenient location. Minakamikogen Prince is another famous hotel of the city

Accommodation in Japan
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