Local area

Inuyama Castle was constructed in 1537 and has one of Japan's oldest donjon. It is one of only 12 original castles left in Japan (i.e. castles whose main keeps have survived natural disasters and wars since the end of the feudal age in 1868). It is also one of only five castles whose main keeps have been designated as national treasures.

In the castle town, you will encounter many shops and buildings filled with history, such as machiya, traditional wooden townhouses full of personality.

Located inside the Urakuen Garden near the hotel grounds, the Joan Tea House will transport you back in time. It's one of the three finest tea rooms in Japan, and a national treasure. It was built by Oda Nobunaga younger brother, Urakusai. Oda Nobunaga was a leading figure of the Sengoku period and regarded as the first "Great Unifier" of Japan.

A national significant intangible gold cultural asset, started in 1635 as an annual festival of the Haritsuna shrine, and is still held every year on the first weekend of April. The highlight of this festival is the parade by 13 three-layered floats 25 feet in height, with the sound of Japanese flutes and drums. In the nighttime, every float is lit by 365 Japanese lanterns and its light and fully bloomed cherry blossoms make the scenery a truly unforgettable picture.

Kiso River Ukai is a summer tradition in Inuyama. This traditional fishing method using cormorant was born in the Asuka period 1300 years ago. It is usually held at night, but Inuyama is the only place in Japan where daytime Ukai also takes place. Admire the skills of the cormorant fishermen while gazing at the beauty of the timeless Kiso River.