Inuyama, Japan

Inuyama is located in the northwestern part of Aichi Prefecture. Here's a detailed introduction: Tourist Attractions - Inuyama Castle: Also known as Hakutei Castle, it was built in the latter half of the 16th century. It is the only privately owned castle in Japan, and its tenshu (castle tower) is the oldest existing one, designated as a National Treasure of Japan. - Urakuen Garden: About a 20-minute walk from Inuyama Station or a 5-minute walk from Inuyama Castle, this is a nationally designated garden. Inside is the Jo-an teahouse, built in 1618, an outstanding example of Japanese teahouse architecture. - Meiji Mura: An open-air museum with the theme of Japan's Meiji era. Many Meiji-era buildings have been relocated here, such as the main entrance and lobby of the old Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of Meiji-era Japan. - Little World Museum of Man: Exhibits 33 buildings and facilities from 22 countries, as well as ethnic materials from 70 countries, allowing visitors to experience architectural styles and ethnic cultures from around the world. - Japan Monkey Park: Home to various monkeys and other entertainment facilities, it's a great place to learn about primates. - Sanko Inari Shrine: A typical Japanese shrine located at the foot of Inuyama Castle, famous for its "money-washing pond," which attracts many visitors. Special Events - Cormorant Fishing: From June to October every year, traditional cormorant fishing performances can be seen on the Kiso River. Fishermen use trained cormorants to catch sweetfish, a unique traditional activity in Inuyama. - Inuyama Festival: Held on the first weekend of April every year at Haritsuna Shrine, it is listed as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. People carry floats through the cherry blossoms, creating a lively atmosphere. Local Specialties - Inuyama-yaki: A type of Japanese pottery from Inuyama with over 200 years of history. It mainly produces ceramics in styles such as Ming Dynasty Wu-zhou red painting, bright red and green, and Jiangnan color painting.