From Nagoya: Inuyama Castle and Tea Half-Day Tour (small group)

From Nagoya: Inuyama Castle and Tea Half-Day Tour (small group)

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Tour in Nagoya

Step back into Japan’s samurai past on this half-day small-group walking tour of Inuyama, home to one of the country’s oldest and best-preserved castles. You’ll explore historic streets, a national treasure castle, and a tranquil tea garden, complete with a traditional matcha tasting. Great for first-time visitors to Japan, history lovers, and travelers looking for an easy day trip from Nagoya, this tour has been specifically designed to provide you with the prefect blend of history, shopping, and photo opportunities, while still allowing you with plenty of time for other activities around Nagoya. The small group size allows you to experience these beautiful locations up close and personal. Discover why Inuyama is one of Japan's most cherished National Treasures.

Why Visit Nagoya?

Nagoya, Japan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Nagoya provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Nagoya

You can reach Nagoya, Japan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city has excellent public transportation systems, including trains, subways, and buses. Taxis are widely available, and the transportation infrastructure is efficient and reliable.

What's Included

  • Entry fees at all locations on the tour
  • Round-trip transportation from Nagoya (train)
  • Matcha Experience

What's Not Included

  • Lunch
  • Accommodations

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour involves climbing stairs and may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews and ratings are available on Viator. View all reviews on Viator

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

Tour Inuyama Castle—the oldest existing wooden keep in Japan

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded.

End Point

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded.

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Tour Inuyama Castle—the oldest existing wooden keep in Japan 1 hour

Tour Inuyama Castle—the oldest existing wooden keep in Japan. Your guide will lead you through the castle, revealing the details (and dramas) of life in the castle. As Inuyama Castle is the only one of the five castles designated the status of “National Treasure” where you can venture out onto the cornice, those brave enough and without a fear of heights will have the chance to observe a beautiful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and towns.

As we make our way to the castle, we will visit Sanko Inari Shrine 20 minutes

As we make our way to the castle, we will visit Sanko Inari Shrine. While the shrine specializes in romance, peaceful households, and harmonious marriages, there is also a legend of a wish-granting stone here. So be sure to bring along plenty of wishes!

After exploring the castle, will continue our journey... 1 hour

After exploring the castle, will continue our journey to the town's historic castle street district. The area remains much the same as it did during the Edo era, making it a perfect place to take a stroll and explore the hidden alleys and traditional architecture. This is also the perfect time for us to stop for lunch, as the town is also a foodie’s paradise. From wagyu to cheesecake and everything in between, the town boasts many street vendors and restaurants selling almost anything you can imagine on a skewer. We recommend some local favorites such as “Dengaku”—a miso glazed roasted tofu, or the “Gohei-mochi”—rice cake coated with a sweet and sour sauce.

After lunch and a bit of free-time for... 45 minutes

After lunch and a bit of free-time for shopping, we will make our way to a traditional Japanese tea garden. It’s impressive enough for a town to have one National Treasure, but Inuyama boasts a second national treasure, the tea house at Uraku-en. The garden grounds are a sight to behold on their own, but the truly unique feature is the 400-year-old tea house designed by a master of tea ceremony. Your guide will inform you about the art of the tea ceremony as you sip Matcha tea and enjoy a traditional Japanese sweet in this peaceful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

Ready to book this experience? Click the button below to check availability, select your travel date and party size, and complete your booking on Viator.

Book Now on Viator

You'll be redirected to Viator's secure booking platform to complete your reservation.