Inuyama Castle, the symbol of Inuyama City, was constructed in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu [the uncle of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga]. One of the five designated National Treasure with the oldest castle donjon of all castles still standing in Japan, is also registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. Placed on top of a hill [Shiroyama] at the south of the Kisogawa [Kiso River], it makes the view of Inuyama city, Kisogawa and the buildings of Nagoya station spectacular.

Inuyama Castle was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga. The connection to the Nakasendo and Kisokaido roads made Inuyama an essential base throughout the "Sengoku Era" (Warring States Period, 1467-1615), located at a strategic point for trade, politics, and economics on the Kisogawa [Kiso river]. Due to the location on the border of Owari and Mino Provinces [present day Aichi and Gifu Prefectures], Inuyama Castle was additionally regarded as strategically vital for the capture of the country, and famous warlords, starting with Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu and others all made attempts to seize the castle. During the Edo Era (1603-1868), Naruse Masanari, the senior vassal of the Owari Tokugawa clan, took possession of Inuyama Castle in 1617, and the Naruse clan continued to hold the castle until the end of the Edo Era. The Naruse clan modified the Donjon to its current form when the castle was overtaken.

In 1871, the Meiji government abolished the old provinces of the "Han" [Domain] system and replaced with prefectures as of today. Inuyama Castle became the property of Aichi Prefecture, and almost all the buildings beside the castle Donjon were destroyed. In 1891, the Great Nobi Earthquake significantly damaged the remaining donjon, which was returned to the Naruse clan under the condition of repairing it themselves. With the great effort of both the Naruse clan and the citizens of Inuyama, the Castle Donjon was repaired, and in 1935, it was designated a National Treasure and re-registered as such following revisions to the rules in 1952. In 2018, the old parts of the castle, from the Honmaru [inner compound] ruins to the Matsunomaru ruins and the entire Sankoji area, were designated as the Inuyama Castle Ruins National Historic Site. The castle used to be the only privately owned and preserved castle in Japan until 2004 and now owned by a public interest foundation established to exhibit National Treasures for preservation for future generations. Inuyama City currently manages day-to-day operations at the castle.

The elegant townscape, retaining the traces of the old days, stretches out at the foot of the Inuyama Castle. The town layout has been remaining since the Edo Era (1603-1868), and the streets are lined with historical buildings dating back from the Edo Era all the way to the Showa Era (1926-1989). The town is home to a variety of stores such as shops serving Gohei-mochi rice cakes [rice cakes grilled on fire with miso paste], Dengaku [grilled tofu with miso paste], and other local delicacies, kimono rental shops and cafes that have remodeled old machiya-style townhouses with a modern touch. Recently, even more shops have started to serve food to be enjoyed while walking, making Inuyama Castle Town a popular tourist spot for all. So, dress in Kimonos and stroll the old-fashioned streets while tasting local food!