Inuyama

After visiting the castle you can stroll through Urakuen Garden, which features a cozy teahouse. Castle admission is ¥550. The combined ticket for the castle and Urakuen Garden (without matcha tasting) costs ¥1,450; separate admission to the garden is ¥1,200.

A cozy teahouse founded by tea-master Oda Uraku. You can now try traditional matcha with Japanese sweets — ¥600 per set.

An open-air museum exhibiting buildings from the Meiji period (19th–20th century). Structures were relocated here from different parts of Japan so they wouldn’t be demolished — from residences and administrative buildings to a Catholic church and even a prison; most are open to visitors. The site also has working railway and tram lines with authentic trains. Entrance is ¥2,500. The museum is quite large and detailed; it’s easy to spend half a day here.

Located in the very center of town on a small hill, this is one of Japan’s oldest samurai castles. It was founded as early as the 15th century, when samurai clan leaders fought one another for power. The main keep was built in the 16th century and is now open to visitors; you must remove your shoes to enter. The castle is unique not only for its history but also because it remained in the possession of the Naruse clan from 1617 until 2004, which may have helped preserve its original appearance. From the top there are excellent views over the Kiso River and the inner courtyard. Castle admission is ¥550. A combined ticket for the castle and Urakuen Garden (without matcha tasting) costs ¥1,450.