Inuyama Castle and the Sacred Goma Fire Ritual Experience

Nagoya, Japan
Duration6h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Highlights
- Explore Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s original surviving wooden castles
- Stroll through a nostalgic castle town filled with shops, snacks, and local culture
- Visit the Karakuri Exhibition Museum to see traditional mechanical puppets and festival floats
- Experience a traditional goma fire ritual to purify and set intentions
- Reflect with tea and sweets in a tranquil temple atmosphere

Overview
Step into Japan’s rich heritage with a journey through Inuyama. Begin at Inuyama Castle, one of only twelve original castles that have survived since Japan’s feudal era and one of just five recognized as National Treasures.
Explore the castle town, where shops and street food stalls offer a taste of regional culture, and enjoy local dishes for lunch. Continue to Inuyama Naritasan Temple to witness the sacred goma fire ritual and enjoy Japanese tea with seasonal sweets.
This tour offers a unique combination of history, culture, and spiritual reflection—all within a single day.

What's included

  • Travel insurance
  • Protective charm and tea with Japanese sweets
  • Admission fees to Inuyama Castle
  • Admission fees to IMASEN Inuyama Karakuri Exhibition Museum
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Round-trip transportation (taxi/train) during the tour
  • Goma fire ritual experience at Inuyama Naritasan
  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Lunch and beverages during free time
  • Guide gratuities (optional)

What to expect

  1. Inuyama Castle
    2h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Tour one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles, designated a National Treasure. Climb its wooden steps and enjoy sweeping views of the Kiso River.
    *Inuyama Castle may have entry restrictions during busy periods. In such cases, there may be a wait time to enter.
  2. Inuyama Jokamachi
    2h
    Walk the retro-style streets of Inuyama, lined with local shops, traditional foods, and cultural curiosities.
    Enjoy lunch of regional specialties at a local eatery of your choice in the castle town
    Transfer to Inuyama Naritasan Temple by taxi
  3. Daisyoji Temple
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Participate in a solemn goma fire ceremony, where your wish-written wooden tablet is burned to cleanse the spirit and invite good fortune. Receive a temple talisman as a keepsake.
    Wind down with a quiet moment of reflection over matcha and Japanese confections.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Gather at the tourist information center inside Nagoya Station and travel together by Meitetsu train to Inuyama.

End point

Gather at the tourist information center inside Nagoya Station and travel together by Meitetsu train to Inuyama.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Inuyama Castle has steep staircases—those with limited mobility may require assistance
  • A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.
  • Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and sitting
  • Some cash for lunch and drinks (many smaller restaurants do not accept credit cards)

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
40,700.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Nagoya
From
40,700.00 JPY per person
Check availability