Inuyama, Historical castle town in Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Inuyama is a castle town on the Kiso River, where narrow lanes wind between wooden houses toward the hilltop. The fortress stands on a cliff above the water, overlooking plains stretching toward mountains in the east.
The castle was built in 1537 by the Oda clan and changed hands several times during warring periods. It remained privately owned by a noble family until the 20th century, when it came under state protection.
The city name translates to Dog Mountain, referring to the hills rising north of the river. Along the waterfront each summer, spectators gather at torchlit evenings to watch cormorant fishing demonstrations.
Trains on the Meitetsu Line connect the town to Nagoya in half an hour, running through countryside. Most sights are within walking distance from the station, while the castle hill requires about a 20-minute walk.
Four giant festival floats from the 17th century carry mechanical puppets that dance and spin without strings. The figures move through hidden mechanisms made of wood and bamboo, controlled by puppeteers inside the floats.
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