Where to Stay in Inuyama: Our Experience at Hotel Indigo Urakuen Garden
Hotel lobby as you walked in
If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly hotel in Inuyama, Hotel Indigo Urakuen Garden is a stay you won’t forget. Located right beside the historic Urakuen Garden and offering stunning views of Inuyama Castle, this hotel became the highlight of our entire May trip to Japan.
Hotel lobby
We arrived in the evening, and check-in was smooth and efficient. The lobby immediately set the tone — soaring high ceilings, a calming atmosphere, and a breathtaking panoramic view of Inuyama Castle. It was one of those moments that makes you pause and soak it all in.
Our room was spacious enough for three adults and one toddler, with an extra bed added. While the extra bed wasn’t very comfortable (it made a lot of noise with every movement), the main bed was incredibly cozy, 100/100 for a good night’s sleep.
The bathroom setup was typical of Japanese hotels: one shower area, no bathtub, and a separate toilet. A detail we loved was the hotel’s choice of amenities — Biology Skin, an Australian-made vegan brand with clean ingredients. For a family with sensitive and dry skin, this was a big plus.
Morning view from the balcony
1000/100 for adorable duckling plushies in the lobby area
Morning brought the most beautiful surprise. When we opened the blinds, our balcony revealed a peaceful view of the hotel garden and the Kiso River. Since we visited in May, the bright pink azaleas were in full bloom, making the scenery picture-perfect.
Breakfast view
Japanese breakfast selection
Breakfast was another highlight. The dining area is spacious with large tables, very friendly for families and toddlers. From our table, we enjoyed a lovely view of Inuyama Castle. The breakfast includes a cold buffet plus a selection of Japanese or Western hot dishes. Everything we tried was excellent, but the eggs benedict deserves a special mention: hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. The green smoothie was another favorite — we had at least three glasses every morning.
The hotel also features an onsen. My husband loved it so much that he went every night before bed. I didn’t get to visit since I was looking after little Nori, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.
Since the hotel sits right next to Urakuen Garden, open from 9:30–17:00. You can enjoy traditional tea and sweets for a small additional fee, something I wish I didn’t miss this trip.
Overall, Hotel Indigo Urakuen Garden is easily the most memorable hotel we stayed at in Japan. I highly recommend it to families, slow travelers, and anyone visiting Inuyama looking for comfort, convenience, and an unforgettable stay.
