Inuyama Castle — Japan's Oldest Original Castle

Inuyama Castle (犬山城) is one of only 12 original Japanese castles (never destroyed, continuously standing since construction) and the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan, built in 1537. The three-story wooden tower crowns a 40-meter cliff overlooking the Kiso River, offering panoramic views across the river valley into Gifu Prefecture. Unlike concrete reconstructions, every beam, floorboard, and staircase in Inuyama Castle is authentic 500-year-old timber, worn smooth by generations of visitors.

The castle was designated a National Treasure in 1935 — one of only five castles to receive this status. Until 2004, it was privately owned by the Naruse family (descendants of the original castle lords), making it the last privately owned castle in Japan. The interior preserves original features: steep staircases requiring hands-and-feet climbing, low doorways forcing visitors to bow (defensive design), and observation platforms with vertigo-inducing views through original wooden railings.