transfer time 2 hours (round trip)

First stop: Located at the base of Inuyama Castle, Sanko Inari Shrine boasts a rich and storied history. Originally known as “Sankojisan,” the shrine has long been held in high esteem by local and distant practitioners alike. Every year on July 22, a traditional festival draws families to the shrine after dark, carrying small red paper “chochin” lanterns hanging from bamboo branches. On this day, large Makiwara boats adorned with numerous paper lanterns in a dome shape float down the Kiso River, accompanied by traditional music. The reflection of the swaying lanterns on the water's surface is particularly enchanting, making this summer tradition a beloved event in Aichi.

Visit Japan's oldest mountain castle located in Inuyama. Inuyama Castle, built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu—the uncle of the renowned warlord Oda Nobunaga—offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rich history. The castle is surrounded by three distinctive shrines, making it an ideal destination to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Lunch, the third most important meal of the day: A little chill time, we can have lunch at a nearby restaurant, or we can sit somewhere and have a lunch box. We can also stroll around in our next location and eat while we walk.

A charming street leading to the castle, Joka Machi, which means "castle town," boasts a unique atmosphere with quaint shops, traditional houses, and delightful eateries. You can wear a kimono or yukata as you explore the town, return to the castle for stunning photos.

enjoy a cup of green tea with wagashi (traditional japanese sweets)in a traditional setting in the Urakuen garden. This garden was created for a single purpose: to serve as the setting for Jo-an, a priceless seventeenth-century tea house. Jo-an is a masterwork of tea house architecture and one of only three tea houses recognized as National Treasures.

A mere 30 minutes away from Inuyama, is the little city of Komaki. Komaki is home to the yearly Tagata Jinja Shrine's Honen Festival, one of the rarest festivals in Japan as they carry around huge wooden carved penis and deliver it to this shrine. This shrine is full of phallus symbols, whether of stone or wood and comes in all sizes. It's a small shrine, but worth a visit.