Inuyama Castle

Welcome to Inuyama-jo, a structure that holds a place of profound significance in the architectural and military history of Japan. As a scholar of heritage, I invite you to look past the picturesque exterior and consider the raw…

Before we enter the wooden structure, we must pause to examine the base upon which it rests. The stone walls, or Ishigaki, of Inuyama-jo are built using a technique known as 'Nozurazumi.' If you look closely at the stones, you…

As you step onto the first floor, you are immediately struck by the massive wooden pillars and the polished, dark floorboards. This area is surrounded by a corridor called the 'Mushabashiri,' which literally translates to…

The climb to the second floor is your first real test of the castle's steep stairs. Take your time; the incline is nearly sixty degrees. …

We have reached the 'Mawari-en,' the balcony that circles the top floor of the Tenshu-kaku. Step outside, but be cautious—the railing is quite low, and the floor slopes slightly outward. …

As we descend and walk toward the exit, you will see a large, weathered cedar stump protected by a small roof and adorned with a 'Shimenawa' or sacred rice-straw rope. This is 'Osugi-sama,' a tree that is as much a part of the…

Leaving the castle's inner sanctum, we pass through the grounds of the Sanko Inari Shrine, located at the base of the hill. This shrine has long been the guardian of the castle’s southern approach. …

Our exploration of Inuyama-jo concludes, but its story is far from over. What makes this castle truly unique is not just its age, but its ownership. …