Okazaki Castle | Review by wendy

If you're visiting Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, I highly recommend taking a walk along Yakimono Sanpo-michi, where you can experience the history and culture of the famous Japanese ceramics known as Tokoname ware firsthand.

The whole walking area retains a strong retro atmosphere. As you stroll through the alleys, you'll see many old houses, ceramic works, and unique little shops. The overall atmosphere is very relaxing. There aren't too many visitors, so it's comfortable for taking photos, and you don't need to set aside much time. Even a casual walk around the area feels rewarding.

If I had to describe it, it's a bit like Taiwan's Treasure Hill and Yingge combined. You can admire old street architecture and ceramic art as you walk, making it perfect for people who enjoy photography or are interested in ceramics.

There are quite a few small ceramics shops along the way, all selling distinctive pieces. If you like Tokoname ware, you can take your time choosing some favorite items to bring home.

Unfortunately, I visited on a Monday, so many of the shops were closed, and even the nearby Shinmeisha Shrine wasn't open.

Also, the signs along the walking route aren't very clear, so first-time visitors may have a little trouble finding their way.

If you're visiting Inuyama Castle, I definitely recommend stopping by Inuyama Castle Town too! It preserves the look and feel of the old castle town, with historic buildings lining both sides of the street. Walking through it feels like stepping back into old Japan.

The entire street is packed with food options, including many stands where you can grab something to eat while walking, which is very convenient if you're short on time. Of course, there are also plenty of restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace. If you have enough time, it's a great place to eat and browse as you go. As you head toward Inuyama Castle, you'll also find many unique little shops where you can take your time hunting for interesting finds.

At the end of the food street, there's also the Dondenkan Museum, where you can learn about Inuyama's traditional festival floats. It's well worth a visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and traditional culture. If you want to avoid the crowds, I really recommend coming early in the morning! There are far fewer visitors then, making it more comfortable to take photos. You can leisurely explore the old streets before slowly making your way toward Inuyama Castle.

Inuyama Castle is one of Japan's five national treasure castles and the oldest of the 12 surviving original castle keeps. Built on high ground beside the Kiso River, its rustic wooden keep still retains a strong sense of history.

You have to remove your shoes before entering the keep, and plastic bags are thoughtfully provided at the entrance so visitors can carry them. However, the wooden stairs inside are extremely steep and narrow, making the climb quite challenging. People with limited mobility or knee problems may want to think twice. As you climb from floor to floor and see the armory, armor storage room, and original wooden structure, you can almost imagine the battles of the Sengoku period.

The highlight is reaching the top floor. Standing on the balcony around the keep with the wind blowing and looking down over Inuyama's castle town and the Kiso River, the expansive view really makes you forget all your worries for a moment.

After visiting Inuyama Castle, I also recommend taking a leisurely walk through the castle town, wearing a kimono, trying traditional snacks, and relaxing at a cafe for an easygoing afternoon.