11Inuyama Castle / Inuyama Karakuri Dolls / Karakuri Demonstration

There are currently only 5 castles recognized as a national treasure within Japan, there is Inuyama Castle (Former name: Hakutei Castle), Matsumoto Castle, Himeji Castle, Hikone Castle, and Matsue Castle. The castle is said to have been erected during the Muromachi period in the year 1537, and has an amazingly beautiful view from the top floor of the castle tower. The view from atop the castle tower found on the small hill next to the Kiso River which can be found nearby is also very beautiful.
Inuyama Castle is located in the prime location where you can have a nice stroll to the nearby castle town located to the south. There are many historic and traditional foods you can find within this town that make you feel as though you have travelled back in time such as home-made skewered sweet rice cakes served with soy sauce and miso and meatballs.
Furthermore, at Karakuri Exhibition Museum which can be found at the foot of Inuyama Castle, you can see the traditional “karakuri Dolls” such as the dolls that carry tea, as well as the “Yama” which is used in the Inuyama Festival and rides on the large parade float. There are not only exhibitions, but actual performances you can watch that include the use of these dolls.