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.

Discover the mountainous city of Takayama and the village of Shiragawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this full-day trip from Nagoya. Explore the markets and try local specialties in Takayama, then admire the picturesque landscapes in Shiragawa-go. To begin the tour, make your way to the meeting point, meet your guide, and board your transportation. Then, drive to the mountainous Hida region in the Gifu Prefecture to reach the beautifully preserved city of Hida Takayama. Upon arrival, take a walk along Sannomachi Street, taste local delicacies like Hida beef and Takayama ramen, and see the work of local craftsmen. Head to one of the morning markets — Miyagawa Market or Jinya-Mae Market — and get a taste of local life. You will also receive recommendations for the best spots to have lunch (not included). After lunch, head to Gasyomura in Shiragawa-go and take in the scenery of mountains, paddy fields, and trickling rivers. Come to understand why Shiragawa-go is known as the kingdom of forests and streams, and see why the origin of the name Shirokawa-go means "the white river." Head to the Ogimachi Castle Site Observatory to enjoy the beautiful views of Gassho-mura village and Mount Hakusan. Have some time to pop into the Ochiudo cafe, famous for its big dogs, decorative coffee cups, and snacks. Afterward, the tour returns to Nagoya.

Experience Edo-period Japan in Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village. This journey offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Japan, complemented by a sumptuous meal at Koshiyama, where you can savor top-tier Hida Beef and an Oden set (exclusive for those who choose the meal plan). Your adventure begins at the Nagoya VIP Liner Bus Stop. From here, you will embark on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride towards Takayama and Shirakawa-go. As you travel, enjoy the scenic views of the Japanese countryside. Upon reaching Takayama, you will have the opportunity to explore this captivating town, often referred to as the gateway to the Japanese Alps. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period streetscapes, Takayama's Sanmachi Suji District is a must-see. This district, comprising three streets in the heart of the town, is filled with traditional houses, shops, restaurants, sake breweries, and cafes. At your own expense, you can delve into the charm of this historic area, experiencing the ambiance of old Japan. After exploring Takayama, the adventure continues to Shirakawa-go. This village is renowned for its ancient gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) style houses. These unique structures, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and have been preserved as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled amidst serene rice paddies and surrounded by mountains, Shirakawa-go offers a picturesque and tranquil setting. A highlight of your visit to Shirakawa-go is a delectable Japanese-style teppanyaki set lunch at the renowned Koshiyama restaurant. Here, you can indulge in the local specialty, 'Hidagyuu' beef, known for its exquisite flavor and tenderness. Alternatively, you can opt for the Oden lunch, a traditional Japanese dish that features a variety of ingredients simmered in a flavorful broth. Both options showcase the authentic flavors of the region, providing a culinary experience to remember. Winter Note: During the winter months, snowfall may occasionally lead to road closures to Shirakawa-go. In the event of such closures, the tour will seamlessly transition to a captivating substitute journey. Instead of Shirakawa-go, you will visit the picturesque town of Gujo Hachiman, often referred to as the 'Little Kyoto of Gifu.' This charming town is known for its historic streets adorned with traditional buildings and its beautiful castle town. Immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of Gujo Hachiman, exploring its quaint shops and enjoying the serene waters that flow through the town.

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.

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.

Embark on a full-day journey from Nagoya to explore the hidden gems of Takayama and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiragawa-go. Takayama Tour Dive into the preserved town of Takayama, known for its rich history and vibrant markets, and stroll along Sannomachi Street, where local craftsmen showcase their skills, and indulge in culinary delights like Hida beef and Takayama ramen. For lunch, you will get expert recommendations for the best local spots to savor these culinary delights. Next, you can Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Miyagawa or Jinya-Mae Market to witness the pulse of local life and explore stalls offering a variety of goods. Explore Shiragawa-go Next, visit the enchanting village of Shiragawa-go. Here, you will get to feast your eyes on the UNESCO-listed landscapes, where traditional houses stand as timeless testaments to Japan's rich history along with serene mountains, lush paddy fields, and trickling rivers that define this region, earning it the name "the white river." Your adventure will be hassle-free with convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide. Don't miss the chance to visit the Ogimachi Castle Site Observatory for stunning views of Gassho-mura village and Mount Hakusan. Plus, take a moment to unwind at Ochiudo Cafe, famous for its unique 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.

Enjoy a safe and reliable 24-hour private intercity transfer between Nagoya and your accommodation in Suzuka Circuit. Avoid long taxi lines, busy public transport, and language barrier confusion, then sit back and relax. Be greeted by your driver, who will be waiting for you at your accommodations. Load your luggage, then sit back and relax as your driver gets you to your destination. Save yourself from carrying heavy bags while navigating the public transportation system, and take comfort in knowing that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high-quality standards.

Stroll the streets on a personalized tour of Nagoya with a local guide. Choose from 2, 4, 6, or 8-hour options for maximum flexibility based on your schedule. With your local host leading you to the spots that truly define Nagoya, you could explore Nagoya Castle, where real-life ninjas put on demonstrations (if you can find them), or you could see 1900-year-old Atsuta Shrine, one of the most significant in Japan You could flip through manga in Osu, a centuries-old shopping district and major otaku hub that hosts the annual World Cosplay Summit and also happens to be home to tranquil temple Osu Kannon and the Kitano and Miwa shrines. Or perhaps you’d like to head eight miles south to Ise Bay’s bustling Port of Nagoya – the largest and busiest in the country – where you could hop on the giant ferris wheel at the amusement park, or board a former Antarctic research ship that’s now a floating maritime museum. Important: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences.

Depart from Nagoya Station and head to Inuyama Castle, built during the Muromachi Shogunate period. It is located on a hill next to the Kiso River and is also called Baidi Castle. The name of the castle was indeed reminiscent of the poem "Early Departure from Baidi Castle" written by Li Bai. Inuyama Castle is one of the twelve ancient castle towers existing in Japan, and its style is relatively old. Together with Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Hikone Castle, it is also known as one of the "Four National Treasure Castles in Japan". It has 3 floors on the outside, 4 floors on the inside, and 2 floors underground, which is rare among Japanese castles. Continue to the Ena Gorge, a man-made lake formed when the Kiso River was intercepted to build the Oi Dam about 80 years ago. It was named Ena Gorge by geographer Shige Subaru in 1920. Ena Gorge is dotted with strange rocks formed by natural erosion, starting from the man-made lake formed by intercepting the Kiso River by Oi Dam and continuing to the Nakatsu River upstream. The Umbrella Rock, which is like a piercing into the ground, is a natural protected area of the country. It and the red rock covered with brown moss are both representatives of the strange rocks and rocks in the canyon. In spring, about 200 cherry blossom trees bloom in Ren Park, complementing the beautiful azaleas. In summer, the red Einakyo Bridge is highlighted by the rich green trees, while in autumn, red leaves and maple leaves add color to the lake surface. In winter, mandarin ducks and starlings will fly here, making it suitable for bird observation. The charm of Ena Gorge varies throughout the year. Next, visit Magome-juku, the 43rd of the 69 campsites on the Nakasendo Road built in the Edo period. It is about 332 kilometers away from Edo Nihonbashi, the starting point of the Nakasendo Road. It is built with stones on both sides of the steep mountain road. After Tokugawa Ieyasu unified the country, he began to repair roads. A total of five roads were built starting from Edo (Tokyo). Among them, the 540-kilometer "Nakasendo" became the only way for merchants to travel. The streets of Magome-juku are still paved with stone pavements from those days, and the wooden houses on both sides are home to various stores. There are many ancient tea shops, izakayas, art shops, and hotels. Colorful flowers are planted in front of each house. The wells and waterwheels used back then have been preserved, adding to the ancient feel. Finally, visit Tsumago-juku, a charming little place. The post road between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku has now become a popular place for hiking and has been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide.