Jo-an
如庵
One of the places locals name first when asked what to see here.
Best season
Year-round; spring and autumn are most comfortable
Time needed
1–2 hours
Admission
Free or modest admission
Opening hours
Typically 9:00–17:00
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
What this place is
Jo-an (如庵) is a seventeenth-century Japanese teahouse (chashitsu) located in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture. Jo-an is said to be one of the three finest teahouses in Japan and has been in its current location in Inuyama since 1972. It was designated a National Treasure in 1951.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- A setting that gives you the character of the area in a single visit.
- Scenery and detail that shift with the season, the weather and the time of day.
- Easy to combine with other stops nearby, so it works as the anchor of a half-day plan.
What you can do here
- Take the main viewpoint first, then explore the quieter edges most visitors skip.
- Read the on-site information boards — they usually explain far more than online listings.
- Photograph in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewest people.
- Pair the visit with a nearby café, market or hot spring to round out the trip.
Getting there
We do not have step-by-step transit directions for this spot yet. Open the location on Google Maps for routes from where you are staying.
Good to know before you go
- Check the last admission and last bus/train before you go; rural services stop early.
- Carry cash — smaller sites and rural transport may not accept cards or IC.
- Weekday mornings are consistently the calmest time to visit.
Traveler reviews
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