Explore Japan’s heritage with a guided tour of Inuyama Castle, Ena Gorge, and historic Magome and Tsumago. Discover local customs with expert guides.
Explore Japan’s heritage with a guided tour of Inuyama Castle, Ena Gorge, and historic Magome and Tsumago. Discover local customs with expert guides.
- Inuyama Castle - Inuyama Castle (Inuyamajō) was originally built in 1537, and its donjon is among the oldest surviving in Japan. It is one of only twelve “original castles” remaining in Japan, meaning its main keep has remained intact since the post-feudal era began in 1868. Inuyama Castle is also one of just five castles whose main keeps have…
- Inuyama Castle - Inuyama Castle (Inuyamajō) was originally built in 1537, and its donjon is among the oldest surviving in Japan. It is one of only twelve “original castles” remaining in Japan, meaning its main keep has remained intact since the post-feudal era began in 1868. Inuyama Castle is also one of just five castles whose main keeps have been designated as national treasures. The other four are Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle, and Matsue Castle.
- Enakyo - Ena Gorge (Ena-kyo) is the lake and surrounding area formed behind the Oi Dam when it was constructed. It has been recognized as one of Gifu’s prefectural parks. On the right side of the gorge, “Sazanami Park” offers beautiful flowers throughout the year. By taking a sightseeing boat on the lake, visitors can view the uniquely shaped rocks and cliffs on the opposite side of the gorge. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom; in summer, vibrant green colors abound; in autumn, the leaves turn beautiful colors; and in winter, many birds gather in the area. The region around Ena Gorge also offers numerous accommodations, making it a delightful destination year-round.
- Magomejuku - Magome is a former post town in the Kiso Valley, which served travelers on the Nakasendo, a major route connecting Tokyo with Kyoto during the feudal era. While exploring Magome, visitors will likely encounter the name Shimazaki Toson. Born in Magome in 1872, Toson is a celebrated figure in Japanese literature. In his novel “Yoakemae” (Before the Dawn), he vividly describes life in the area during the Meiji Restoration. Its often-quoted opening line reads, “The whole of the Kisoji lies in the mountains.”
The town has been beautifully restored with a wide stone walkway lined with wooden buildings and meticulously maintained foliage. Magome’s enhanced preservation contrasts with the rugged authenticity of neighboring Tsumago. The two towns are linked by the Magome-Tsumago Trail, a path that was part of the Nakasendo.
- Tsumago-juku - Tsumago was a post town on the Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo. It is renowned today as one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan. The town and its residents make significant efforts to recreate the atmosphere of the Edo Period. Cars are banned on the main street during the day, and phone lines and power cables are hidden, allowing visitors to feel as though they have stepped back in time.
Tsumago also recreates the post town ambiance by maintaining its Honjin and Wakihonjin. In post towns, the Honjin was the main inn and served government officials traveling through. When additional lodging was needed, the Wakihonjin accommodated travelers of slightly lower status. Tsumago also preserves the office where laborers and horses were rented to assist in travel.

- Inuyama Castle First Avenue Admission Ticket
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
- Licensed Guide in English, Japanese, Mandarin
- Inuyama Castle First Avenue Admission Ticket
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
- Licensed Guide in English, Japanese, Mandarin
- Lunch
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Lunch
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Inuyama Castle is one of the five national treasure castles and among the oldest in Japan, still preserved in its original state.
- Natural Cliff Observation Deck - Eina Gorge Observation Deck
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Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku have been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide.
Local professional guides available in Chinese, Japanese, and English…
- Inuyama Castle is one of the five national treasure castles and among the oldest in Japan, still preserved in its original state.
- Natural Cliff Observation Deck - Eina Gorge Observation Deck
- Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku have been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide.
Local professional guides available in Chinese, Japanese, and English offer reliable and considerate service, with a detailed understanding of Japanese customs.
Notice:
The choice of vehicle model is based on the number of travelers in the group.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.