Nagoya

Tours

See, learn, and experience tea through various programs at the lush park and the museum of Chazna in the town of tea, Uji. Get an introduction to the rich history and culture of Uji tea in an easy-to-understand manner through touchable exhibits. Head to the History Room where a huge 10-yen coin with the Byodoin Phoenix Hall will welcome you. Learn about the town and its history with digital exhibitions, including a large 4K HDTV digital screen with modernized townscape drawings or "Meisho-zue". Then, make matcha by grinding tea leaves from a tea mill into a powder. Then, under the guidance of a Japanese tea instructor, learn how to brew matcha, and enjoy your creation.

Depart from Nagoya to head to your stop, Gujo Hachiman. Located in the center of Japan in Gifu Prefecture, the streets of Gujo Hachiman have retained an atmosphere unchanged since the Edo period. See the rows of old houses that have been selected as a group of important traditional buildings by the national government. Explore the town known for its waterway that runs past the eaves of the houses. Your second tour stop is Hida Takayama, a castle town from the Edo period. Enjoy local gourmet food and shopping while strolling through the old streets, including traditional Hida handicraft stores and candy stores. The third and final stop of your tour is the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Gassho-Zukuri. These villages are known for their gassho-zukuri (steep thatched-roofed) houses of various sizes. Admire the building's unique architecture surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes before returning to Nagoya.

Experience the charm of Edo-period Japan in Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village, enhanced by a delightful meal at Koshiyama. Your journey begins at the Nagoya VIP Liner Bus Stop, where you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a scenic ride toward Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Japanese countryside as you travel. Stroll Through Takayama’s Historic "Old Town" Step back in time as you explore the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama’s "Old Town". Meander through narrow alleys, visit quaint shops, and admire traditional wooden houses that capture the essence of old Japan. Delight in a Delectable Meal at Koshi-yama Restaurant (Optional) Choose between two exceptional Hida region meals that offer a taste of local heritage: Hida Beef Steak (Yakiniku): Savor a tender, marbled Japanese Wagyu steak, grilled to perfection on a sizzling hot plate. Each bite of this melt-in-your-mouth beef is rich in flavor and showcases the best of Hida’s renowned wagyu. Gokayama Tofu Oden: For a comforting alternative, enjoy a bowl of oden made with locally produced Gokayama tofu. Crafted using traditional methods and clear regional water, the tofu has a firm texture and authentic soybean flavor. And perfect for vegetarians! Whether you opt for the tender Hida Beef or the wholesome tofu Oden, each meal offers a true taste of the region’s culinary excellence. Please choose your preferred option when booking for a personalized dining experience. Next, the adventure continues to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) houses. These distinctive structures, with steeply pitched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls, are a testament to the region’s rich history. Surrounded by serene rice paddies and mountains, the village offers a peaceful and picturesque escape. End the Tour & Return to Nagoya Winter Note: During winter, snowfall may occasionally cause road closures to Shirakawa-go. If this occurs, the tour will seamlessly transition to a visit to Gujo Hachiman, known as the 'Little Kyoto of Gifu.' Explore this picturesque town, with its historic streets, traditional buildings, and beautiful castle town atmosphere. Wander through charming shops and enjoy the tranquil waters flowing through the town. ※The itinerary is as follows for the selected lunch: Lunch Option: Travelers will have 45 minutes for lunch at Koshiyama Restaurant and 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to explore Shirakawa-go. No Lunch Option: Travelers will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to explore Shirakawa-go.

Discover the thrill of Japanese sumo wrestling at a genuine tournament in Nagoya. Attend with a guide who will fill you in on what's happening so you gain a deeper understanding of the matches and the sport as you watch from your seats. Meet your guide at Meijo koen station and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese sumo wrestling. Learn all about the history and traditions of sumo as you head for the arena. Marvel at the magic of the dohyo-iri ceremony as the wrestlers enter the ring. Feel the excitement continue as these incredible athletes demonstrate their authentic art in an electric atmosphere.

Join our tour and enjoy a captivating journey through time and culture as you explore the hidden gems of central Japan. Begin your day with convenience and comfort as you depart from Nagoya Station. Delve into tranquility at Kokeizan Eihoji Temple, nestled in the serene countryside. Explore its peaceful grounds, adorned with lush gardens and ancient structures, offering a serene start to your cultural exploration. Ascend to Enakyo Observatory for panoramic views of the Ena Gorge. Capture breathtaking vistas of the winding river and surrounding mountains, a perfect moment to connect with nature's beauty. Step back in time at Magome-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Wander along cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, indulge in local delicacies, and browse quaint shops offering handmade crafts. Continue your journey to Tsumago-juku, another charming post town frozen in time. Explore its well-preserved streets, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Japan's Edo period. Conclude your day enriched with cultural discoveries as you return to Nagoya Station. Reflect on the day's experiences and cherish memories of Japan's rich heritage. Join us on this extraordinary adventure from Nagoya to Magome and Tsumago. Your cultural odyssey awaits.

【Program Features】 Enjoy Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony experiences. First, you will begin by making yourself a type of Japanese traditional sweet called "Nerikiri". You will start the making process from the coloring of the white bean paste. You will continue with the Tea ceremony experience using Uji Matcha. Finally, you can enjoy the Japanese sweets you prepared along with your own Matcha tea. "Nerikiri" is a sort of high-grade Japanese sweet. It is made using colored white bean paste crafted in the shape of seasonal flowers/fruits. Coloring and crafting processes are a great opportunity to express your creative sense. You can make real Japanese sweets using white/red bean paste produced by Kyoto's long-established shops. After preparing yourself the Matcha, you can enjoy it along with the previously prepared sweets. The sweetness of the high quality white/red bean paste will perfectly balance the taste of the Matcha. Enjoy with us the world of Tea during this Japanese culture experience. 【Program Schedule】 00min Start of the experience ↓ Explanation regarding Japanese traditional sweets ↓ Flower shaped "Nerikiri" making ↓ "Kinton Nerikiri" making 55min Break time 65min Explanation regarding Tea ↓ Matcha grinding demonstration ↓ Tea-ceremony experience ↓ Picture time 85min End of the experience ↓ Eating/Drinking time 95min Room departure

On this tour, you can explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Shirakawa-go in just one day. As it is a self-guided tour, you can enjoy meals and sightseeing at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the special charm of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the history and architecture of its iconic gassho-zukuri houses. Enjoy a hassle-free journey from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go, with non-stop direct bus service. -Nagoya/Shirakawa-go Roundway bus ticket- 7:15 AM from Nagoya 11:05 AM at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal Enjoy leisure time for exploration. 2:15 PM from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal 6:35 PM in Nagoya -One-way bus ticket from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go- 7:15 AM from Nagoya 11:05 AM at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal Enjoy leisure time for exploration. -One-way bus ticket from Shirakawa-go to Nagoya- 2:15 PM from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal 6:35 PM in Nagoya -One-way bus ticket from Takayama to Shirakawa-go- 10:00 AM from Takayama Green Hotel 11:05 AM at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal Enjoy leisure time for exploration. -One-way bus ticket from Shirakawa-go to Takayama- 2:15 PM from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal 3:20 PM in Takayama Green Hotel Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary for Shirakawa-go: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Gassho-style village. Visit the gassho-zukuri that is open to the public [Wada family, Kanda family, Nagase family] Ogimachi Observatory Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Stroll around the Gassho-zukuri again Experience the historical charm of either Shirakawa-go's World Heritage site or Hida Takayama's Edo period streets. Travel conveniently with direct non-stop bus service from Nagoya. Enjoy onboard restroom bus for a comfortable journey. No need for redemption! Present your voucher upon boarding for easy access.

The grand sumo tournament tour in Nagoya is a small group tour with real-time commentaries by a sumo expert guide. Nagoya is conveniently located from the nearby Osaka / Kyoto area; about 50-minute train ride from Osaka and 34-minute from Kyoto. What decisively differentiates this tour is: Firstly, each traveler will receive three items below which are hard to come by. 1) A pamphlet showing photos and profiles of each wrestler with English translation. The guide will walk you through it as you watch each fight. 2) A cheering towel for a particular wrestler. The guide will show you how to use it when the wrestler is going to fight; cheering a particular wrestler will significantly increase the joy of watching. 3) A sumo booklet which tells pretty much all about sumo. Secondly, what also sets apart this tour is use of an earphone guide system. Your guide will provide real-time commentaries through your headset throughout the tour. Toward the end of the tournament, you will ① Enjoy the fights and have lots of fun. ② Get excited with your fellow travelers while cheering a wrestler with your cheering towel. ③ Learn a lot about sumo by listening to your guide’s real-time commentaries. You will watch the bouts by top-division wrestlers for 3 hours from 15 o’clock. While some might think “the longer the viewing hours, the better,” our experience tells otherwise; in the past, those who started to watch much earlier got bored over time and left the arena before the top division match started! Hence, let’s start watching the bouts at 15 o’clock with all our might. Apart from viewing the tournament itself, this tour includes an optional walking tour in Nagoya Castle where the sumo arena is located. Nagoya is the fourth-most populous city in Japan. It is also known as the home of Toyota, the world's largest automotive company. While Nagoya is the third largest metropolis Japan, the city made a humble start from Nagoya Castle built by the Tokugawa clan who ruled Japan for almost three centuries. Built in early 17th century, the castle exhibits most of the traits Japanese castles offer. Learn from your expert guide: 1) The historical backdrop when the castle was constructed. 2) How the Tokugawa clan mobilized the feudal lords who were once antagonistic toward the clan. 3) Architectural techniques used to build it. 4) Its effectiveness as a fortress / dungeon. Last but not least, marvel at the beauty of the Honmaru Palace featuring extensive use of valuable hinoki cypress wood, decorative metal fittings, and the fine art gracing the walls, ceilings, and sliding doors.

Legoland Nagoya, located in Nagoya, Japan, is part of the renowned Legoland theme park chain known for its LEGO-inspired attractions and rides. Opened in April 2017, it has quickly become a favorite destination for families and LEGO enthusiasts. The park is divided into seven themed areas: Factory, where visitors can learn about LEGO's history and watch bricks being made; Bricktopia, an interactive zone for creating LEGO models and participating in building challenges; Adventure, featuring exciting rides like a roller coaster and a safari adventure; Lego City, a miniature city where children can drive LEGO-themed vehicles and role-play as firefighters, police officers, or pilots; Knights' Kingdom, a medieval-themed area with a castle and a dragon roller coaster; Pirate Shores, which offers water-themed rides including a log flume and a pirate ship; and Miniland, showcasing famous Japanese landmarks and global structures made entirely of LEGO bricks. The park also features live shows, restaurants, and a LEGO-themed hotel for overnight stays. Designed to be family-friendly, Legoland Nagoya provides a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages with its impressive LEGO creations, thrilling rides, and interactive activities.

Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced, English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare. This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan. *As lunch options are limited, please purchase a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. Time will be allotted to eat while on the trail. **Non-Hiking Nakasendo Tour Option: A non-hiking option of this tour is available for individuals who are not able to hike or prefer a more leisurely pace. We highly recommend this option to families with small children or individuals with mobility issues. This option also starts at Nagoya Station at 10:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. Your guide will provide you with a tour of Tsumago-juku and describe what life was like for those living or traveling on the Samurai Roads during the Edo era. After the tour of Tsumago-juku, your guide will continue on the trail with those who have selected to hike the trail. Non-hikers will be given an hour of free time in Tsumago to enjoy the shops, take pictures, and explore at their own pace. You will then meet back up with your driver to continue on to Magome-juku. At Magome, you will have time to enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, sample regional specialties, or shop for handcrafted souvenirs at your own pace before meeting up with your guide and the hikers at 16:30 for your return trip to Nagoya. For those wishing to visit the beautifully preserved post towns of Tsumago and Magome without the need to hike between them, please select "Non-Hiking Nakasendo Tour" at check out.