A treasure hunt for curiosity in Inuyama, the city of National Treasures

Welcome to Our Neighborhood

Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden is a lifestyle hotel blending traditional and modern design, located next to the stunning Inuyama Castle and historic teahouse ‘Joan’.Guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with vibrant interiors, the only natural hot spring in Inuyama, ‘Hakutei-no-Yu’ known for its benefit for skin and creative cuisine made with fresh ingredients from surrounding Neighbourhood.

Japanese Garden Urakuen / National Treasure Tea House [Joan]

Urakuen, a Japanese garden located next to Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden, offers a serene and historically significant experience. Constructed under the supervision of Horiguchi Sutemi, a renowned architect of the Showa era, the garden showcases several notable attractions. These include the National Treasure teahouse ‘Joan’, an Important Cultural Property Former Shoden-in Shoin Gen’anand Ko’an, all of which exude a peaceful ambience. Notably, Joan, originally built at Kennin-ji temple in Kyoto, was designated a National Treasure in 1936. This teahouse, constructed by Oda Urakusai holds a significant cultural and historical value in the realm of tea ceremony culture. Visitors can explore and appreciate these remarkable relics within the tranquil setting of Urakuen Garden.

Facility information

Opening hours : 9:30~17:00 (entry until 16:30)

Tea serving hours

10:00~16:30 (reception until 16:00) *Please note that you may have to wait for tea during busy periods.

Fee

Admission fee: Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen

Tea fee: 600 yen per cup

Admission fee (including tea): 1,600 yen

National Treasure Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s five national treasure castle was built back in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu who was the uncle of Oda Nobunaga. The castle’s tower which still stands today is known to be the oldest of its kind in Japan. It is located on the border between Owari and Mino (Now named as Aichi Prefecture and Gift Prefecture). Moreover, Due to its location, the lord of castle switched frequently. Perched on a small hill next to the Kiso River, the three-story, four-floor castle tower, offers a breathtaking panoramic view. At Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden provides guests with the opportunity to witness this rich history firsthand with a panoramic view of Inuyama Castle from the hotel lobby and guestrooms. 

Facility information

Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30) Admission may be restricted depending on the level of congestion.

Admission fee: Individual (general) 550 yen, Individual (elementary and junior high school students) 110 yen

Inuyama Castle Town

Inuyama Castle Town was established alongside the construction of the castle, incorporating the existing town. It is said that merchants and craftsman of the same trade were ordered to live nearby, which led to the town’s development and remnants of this can be seen in the names of towns such as Kajiya-cho and Uoya-cho. The commoner was placed in the centre of the town, surrounded by the samurai district and the castle town boasted strong defenses with wooden gates, moats, and earthworks, encircling the perimeter. The town layout (town divisions) remains unchanged and buildings from the Edo to Showa periods stand in close proximity. The castle town is also known for its popular skewered food stands here the visitors can enjoy the food while walking around the town.

Kiso River Cormorant Fishing

Inuyama's "Kiso River Cormorant Fishing." Kiso River Cormorant Fishing is a traditional fishing method that has been passed down since the Asuka period and boasts a history of over 1,300 years. It is held every year from June 1st to October 15th, and is usually held at night, but Inuyama is the only place in Japan where you can enjoy "daytime cormorant fishing." Relaxing with the sound of the waves of the Kiso River is truly an invitation to a timeless journey. Experience the beautiful world of traditional Japanese culture while watching the cormorant fishermen's skill.

Period: June 1st to October 15th every year

Official website : https://kisogawa-ukai.jp/

Inuyama Festival

The Inuyama Festival is a festival of Haritsuna Shrine that began in 1635 and is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April every year. In fact, this festival is also designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. At the Inuyama Festival, 13 three-story floats, designated as tangible folk cultural properties of Aichi Prefecture, are paraded through the castle town, and mechanical puppets are performed to the sound of flutes and drums. At night,365 lanterns are lit on the floats, and they are paraded down the tree-lined streets where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The scenery is truly gorgeous, and you will feel like you are gazing at a beautiful nishiki-e painting work.

We have introduced tourist spots near Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen that are recommended by the neighborhood hosts. There are many other attractive places in Inuyama as well. If you are staying at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen, be sure to visit and explore them for yourself. We hope that all our guests will find their own adventure in Inuyama and have a memorable experience. We look forward to seeing you!