Inuyama Castle, Museum Meiji-mura and Korankei are the best day trips from Nagoya, each offering a different side of Aichi Prefecture: an original samurai castle, a vast open-air museum of historic buildings, and a mountain gorge that blazes red every November. Inuyama is only about 30 minutes north of Nagoya by train, and staying a night there lets you enjoy the castle town after the day-trippers leave. This guide covers what to see at each spot, how to get there by public transportation and where to stay in Inuyama.
1. Inuyama Castle
Inuyama Castle is one of only twelve castles in Japan whose original keep has survived, and one of five designated as National Treasures. Its compact white keep stands on a wooded hill above the Kiso River, and it is often described as having the oldest surviving keep in the country. Inside, you climb steep, worn wooden stairs, so wear shoes that are easy to slip off and keep your hands free. The reward is the open balcony that wraps around the top floor, with sweeping views over the river, the town and, on clear days, the mountains of Gifu. The castle is open from 9:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30, and admission is 1,000 yen for adults. Below the castle, the old castle town has been restored with wooden shops selling dango, skewered snacks and local sweets, making it a fun place to graze. It is about 15 minutes on foot from Inuyama-yuen or Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu line. In summer, traditional cormorant fishing takes place on the Kiso River at night.
2. Museum Meiji-mura
Museum Meiji-mura is a huge open-air museum in the hills outside Inuyama, where more than 60 historic buildings from Japan’s Meiji era, the period of rapid modernization from 1868 to 1912, have been moved and preserved. You can wander through Western-style mansions, a church, a prison gate, schools and old shops. The highlight for many Americans is the reconstructed entrance lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel, which once stood in Tokyo; its carved stone and warm lighting make it one of the most striking interiors in Japan. You can also ride a vintage Kyoto streetcar and a steam train inside the park, and some buildings offer retro costume rentals and cafes. The grounds are large and hilly, so plan at least half a day and wear comfortable shoes. Admission is 2,500 yen for adults, and opening hours change by season, so check the official calendar before visiting. Buses run from Meitetsu Inuyama Station to the museum in about 20 minutes.
3. Korankei Gorge
Korankei is a river gorge in the Asuke area of Toyota City, east of Nagoya, and one of the most famous autumn foliage spots in central Japan. Thousands of maple trees line the Tomoe River and cover the slopes of Mount Iimori, and when they turn crimson in mid to late November, the red Taigetsu Bridge framed by the leaves becomes one of Aichi’s signature views. During the Korankei Momiji Festival, held through November (November 1 to 30 in 2026), the slopes are illuminated every evening from sunset until 21:00, and entry to the gorge is free. Nearby, the old merchant town of Asuke and the Sanshu Asuke Yashiki folk village, where craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills, are worth a look. Getting there takes some planning: take the Meitetsu line to Higashi-Okazaki or Toyotashi Station, then a Meitetsu bus to Korankei. Weekend traffic in November is extremely heavy, so go on a weekday morning if possible, and check the last bus times before you go, as there are no weekday buses back toward Higashi-Okazaki after 19:00.
Where to Stay Near Inuyama
Where to stay: InuyamaHotel links in this section go to Orbitz. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Inuyama is a charming base for northern Aichi. The castle, the castle town and Urakuen Garden are all within walking distance, Meiji-mura is a short bus ride away, and Nagoya is about 30 minutes by Meitetsu train. Staying overnight means you can enjoy the castle town in the quiet morning hours. For Korankei, which lies on the other side of Nagoya, a hotel near Nagoya Station is more convenient.
Luxury
Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden by IHG sits beside Urakuen Garden, home of the National Treasure Jo-an teahouse, and within walking distance of Inuyama Castle. It is a stylish boutique hotel with some of the best guest reviews in the area.
Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden by IHG
Boutique hotel by Urakuen Garden, a walk from the castle.
Mid-Range
Hotel Mu Style Inuyama Experience is a modern, well-reviewed hotel run by the Meitetsu railway group near Inuyama-yuen Station and the Kiso River, a short walk from the castle area.
Hotel Mu Style Inuyama Experience
Modern hotel near Inuyama-yuen Station and the river.
Budget-Friendly
Inuyama City Hotel is a simple business hotel with good-value rooms, a practical choice if you mainly need a clean place to sleep between days of sightseeing.
Simple, good-value business hotel in Inuyama.
Compare prices before you book
Hotels in Inuyama on Orbitz
Stay in the castle town, wake up to quiet streets below Inuyama Castle, and reach Meiji-mura and Nagoya with ease.
Affiliate link — if you book through Orbitz, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Tips for Visiting
- Arrive at Inuyama Castle near opening time to beat tour groups on the narrow stairs.
- Plan Korankei for mid to late November and go on a weekday; weekend traffic jams can last hours.
- Combine Inuyama Castle and Meiji-mura in one day, or split them over two half days.
- Bring cash for snacks in the Inuyama castle town and for local buses.
- Meitetsu trains are not covered by the JR Pass; use an IC card.
Getting there by train: Meitetsu trains run from Meitetsu Nagoya Station, next to JR Nagoya Station, to Inuyama in about 30 minutes. Nagoya itself is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo and about 35 minutes from Kyoto by Nozomi on the Tokaido Shinkansen. The JR Pass does not cover the Meitetsu line or local buses. Read our guide to riding trains in Japan, learn how to ride the Shinkansen, and check whether the JR Pass is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inuyama Castle original?
Yes. Inuyama Castle is one of only twelve castles in Japan with an original surviving keep, and it is designated a National Treasure. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults.
How do you get from Nagoya to Inuyama?
Take the Meitetsu line from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Inuyama or Inuyama-yuen Station, about 30 minutes. The castle is about 15 minutes on foot from either station.
What is Museum Meiji-mura?
It is an open-air museum near Inuyama with more than 60 preserved buildings from the Meiji era, including the entrance lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel. Admission is 2,500 yen for adults.
When is the best time to see autumn leaves at Korankei?
The leaves usually peak in mid to late November. The Korankei Momiji Festival runs through November, with evening illuminations until 21:00.
