Inuyama-jo Castle
Aichi Prefecture, where the prefectural government is currently running a tourism campaign under the banner of ‘“Heart” of JAPAN – Technology & Tradition’, is geographically situated in the centre of the country, and as well as being rich with history and local culture is also an important agglomeration of high technology and design businesses.
As the leading industrial area, it is often called the ‘industrial capital’ of Japan. In particular, it is famous for automobile production, of which in the UK Toyota is the most well-known brand, and in recent years has been increasingly recognised for aeronautical and robotic manufacturing, becoming a treasure trove for ‘industrial sightseeing’.
Further, there are many tourist sites connected to the rich history of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, three famous historical figures and warriors from the Warring States era of Japan’s history. As well as this, the four seasons can be experienced in the changing natural landscape of the countryside. Additionally, the local ‘Nagoya-meshi’ cuisine is not only famous throughout Japan but is also becoming increasingly well known overseas.
Two ‘must see’ sightseeing spots include “Ohara Fureai Park” in Toyota City where you can see the unusual “Four Season Cherry Blossoms”. The beautiful scenery has stunning and cheery ‘sakura’ blossoms of spring which can be seen at the same time as the vivid crimsons of ‘kouyou’ autumn leaves which unusually can be enjoyed at the same time.
The next ‘must see’ site is Inuyama Castle in Inuyama City. The Castle is one of only five nationally which are designated as ‘national treasures’. Of those, the tower of Inuyama Castle is the oldest wooden tower in Japan. The view from the tower, built on a small mountain on the banks of the River Kiso, is truly magnificent. From the covered walkway that surrounds the top of the castle, beautiful views of the River Kiso, Mount Ontake (Japan’s second highest volcano after Mount Fuji), Gifu Castle in the neighbouring prefecture and the Nagoya Station high rise tower area can all be seen when the weather is fine.
The Inuyama Festival is also held around Inuyama Castle every year in early April. A sumptuous thirty-one car carnival float showcases “Karakuri dolls” traditional folk art from the Edo period, with matching flute and taiko drums, and in the evening the floats are lit up with 365 lanterns and together parade around the cherry blossom trees in full bloom downtown at the foot of the castle.
One recent major news story in April this year was that Aichi Prefectural Government Office announced “Ghibli Park” will be opened in 2022 in cooperation with the world famous Studio Ghibli. The site of the venue will be the former Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute City.
The aim to create one-of-a-kind park using the motifs of Ghibli works loved by many such as “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Princess Mononoke”. The park is now greatly anticipated by fans all over the world.
Plans, with illustrations for the park can be seen here on the Aichi Prefecture website (LINK, Japanese only, outside link to PDF)
