Inuyama's Hidden Gems | Discover Ancient Japanese Charm at Inuyama Castle and Sanko Inari Shrine

🌟Highlights: Inuyama Castle (also known as Hakutei Castle) is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Situated on a cliff about 40 meters above sea level, south of the Kiso River, it is a flatland castle built between hills and plains. Inuyama Castle boasts the oldest existing castle tower in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure. The name Inuyama Castle originates from the Three Kingdoms period in China, where the place where Liu Bei, emperor of Shu Han, passed away was called Baidi Castle, located in present-day eastern Chongqing. ❤Recommendation: Inuyama Castle has the oldest existing castle tower in Japan, a designated National Treasure. With a three-tiered exterior and a four-tiered interior, the castle walls also conceal two hidden floors. The castle structure is a flatland castle, and the tower is a retro-style three-tiered, four-story structure. From the top floor's "Koran Hall," you can enjoy panoramic views of mountains like Mount Kiso Ontake and Mount Ena, as well as the Nobi Plain downstream of the Kiso River. 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00, Tickets: ¥550. ✅Must-See: Inuyama Castle Town 🌟Highlights: Preserving the architectural styles from the Edo to Showa periods, the streets are quaint and charming, with many long-established shops and restaurants, filled with a rich Edo atmosphere. 🕙Opening Hours: Open all day, Free admission. ✅Must-See: Sanko Inari Shrine 🌟Highlights: A typical Japanese shrine located at the foot of Inuyama Castle, famous for its "money-washing pond" where you can pray for good luck, fortune, and more. Pet omamori charms are also available. 🕙Opening Hours: 8:30–16:30, Free admission. ✅Must-See: Kiso River Cormorant Fishing 🌟Highlights: From June 1 to October 15 every year, you can enjoy Japan's only "daytime cormorant fishing" performance on the Kiso River promenade. Fishermen use trained cormorants to catch sweetfish. Cormorant fishing at night is even more spectacular than during the day. 🕙Performance Time: Daytime 12:30–13:50, Evening 19:00–20:15 (June–August), 18:30–19:45 (September–October). 💰Average Cost: ¥3,500, ¥4,500 for evenings from August 1–10. ✅Must-See: Meiji Mura 🌟Highlights: An open-air museum themed around Japan's Meiji era, with many relocated Meiji-era buildings, such as the main entrance and lobby of the old Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, offering a glimpse into the Japanese lifestyle of the Meiji period. 🕙Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00, Tickets: ¥2,000.