INUYAMA, Aichi Prefecture--It may sound trite, but the keep of Inuyama Castle here really was built for keeps. A tree-ring analysis showed that the three-tiered, four-storied donjon was built ...

All 13 floats lined up at a square in front of Inuyama-jo castle, a national treasure, on April 1. Cherry blossom trees were in full bloom as if to welcome back the floats, and spectators were ...

Under boughs laden with cherry blossoms, loud cheers and the sound of Japanese flutes and drums could be heard as the floats were drawn past Inuyama Castle, itself designated a national treasure.