When you visit Nagoya area, Inuyama Castle is one of famous sight seeing spots because there is the castle tower designated Japan National Treasure. There are 5 castle towers in Japan designated national treasures, Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture, Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture, Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture, and Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture. The castle tower of Inuyama Castle is the oldest among those 5 castles.
In 1537, Inuyama Castle was built by Nobuyasu Oda who is an uncle of Nobunaga Oda, famous hero of the Warring States period in Japan. Through the Warring States period, the owner of Inuyama Castle was changed several times and in around 1600, the castle had been equipped fully.
In 1584, during the battle of Komaki and Nagakute, Hideyoshi Toyotomi who is another famous hero of the Warring States period came into Inuyama Castle from Osaka at the head of a large army with over 120 thousands samurais to battle Ieyasu Tokugawa who is also famous hero took up his position in Komakiyama mountain.
In 1637, Masanari Naruse who was a chief retainer of Owari Clan became the owner of Inuyama Castle. Since then, Naruse family passed ownership down for generations until Meiji period.
In 1871, based on abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures, Inuyama Castle was abandoned and most of the castle’s surrounding buildings were torn down except the turrets, the gate and the tower.
In 1891, by Nobi earthquake, some of the turrets were broken heavily and Naruse family took over the ownership with the condition to repair those.
The castle got damaged by Ise Bay typhoon. From 1961 until 1965, the castle were overhauled.
Inuyama Castle was designated a National Treasure in 1935 by Japanese Ministry of Education.
There is many traditional shops and restaurants in front of the castle like a castle town. You can enjoy Japan traditional cuisines and shop souvenirs.
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