Top Aichi Prefecture Arts & Design

Take part in a shibori tie-dye workshop in Arimatsu and learn all about this ancient Japanese art from a local guide. The experience starts with a walking tour around the old city, so you can admire its original Edo-era buildings, shop for souvenir shibori art, and visit the Tie-Dyeing Museum. Afterward, you'll head to your workshop to create your very own shibori tie-dye masterpiece. Choose from two options when you book online.

Discover Tokoname’s most iconic destination, the “Pottery Footpath,” with a guided tour led by a local ceramic artist who grew up in the area and studied abroad. Their unique perspective ensures a seamless and enriching experience. While pottery can be found in many regions, this tour reveals why Tokoname stands out, adding depth to your journey. More than just admiring the scenery, this multilingual tour (available in English, Spanish, and more) offers insights into the history and culture of Tokoname. You'll also have the rare opportunity to interact with local ceramic artists, making your visit truly unforgettable.

Let's walk on the traditional road made of pottery with friendly guide! At first, you can see and take pictures the beautiful view of pottery town. Next you can know the Japanese history, culture and life style through entering into Japanese traditional house. If you become hungry, Let's take the Japanese traditional food & drink which the guide recommends. If you want to make or paint pottery, you can try it. If you don't have time, you can buy some souvenir of hand made pottery for your great memory.

Step into old Japan on a private tour of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, two towns rich in tradition and charm. Stroll Takayama’s historic streets, then head to Shirakawa-go to see its iconic thatched-roof farmhouses. Discover folk culture, taste local flavors, and enjoy mountain views on this unforgettable journey. Travel in comfort with a nationally licensed guide who picks you up in a private car from Nagoya—making your journey smooth, safe, and personal from start to finish. Few reviews here yet, but I have many 5-star reviews on other platforms—book with confidence! Highlights: ・Stroll Takayama’s timeless streets, where nature and history blend seamlessly. ・Discover Shirakawa-go’s thatched roofs and tranquil mountain scenery. ・Experience the peaceful village atmosphere, like stepping back in time. ・Trusted as a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (Cert. No. EN00703). ・Comfortable travel with a private car and 10+ years professional driving.

This fun-filled tour is perfect for cat lovers, pottery fans, and anime enthusiasts! Explore Tokoname—the setting of the Netflix anime A Whisker Away—and wander through its maze-like pottery path filled with charm and surprises. With your friendly guide, you’ll discover hidden lucky cats and feel the magic of this historic town come alive. You can also enjoy a Maneki-neko painting experience(optional), which is fun for both adults and children. You can take home the Maneki-neko you painted, creating a special memory of Tokoname.

Highlights -Step inside the Studio of an award-winning teapot craftsman, rarely open to the public -Learn the secrets of brewing smooth, flavorful tea with Tokoname teapots -Savor Japanese tea with traditional wagashi sweets in an intimate setting -Stroll Tokoname’s pottery path with a local guide -Explore galleries, shops, and cafés at your own pace after the tour Tour Overview Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns with over 1,000 years of history, is renowned worldwide for its teapots and living ceramic traditions. On this tour, you’ll step inside the studio of a master craftsman, normally closed to the public, to discover the artistry and function of Tokoname teapots and learn traditional tea brewing with seasonal wagashi sweets. A guided walk along the Pottery Footpath reveals historic kilns, galleries, and walls of clay pipes, offering insight into the town’s heritage. The tour concludes with free time to explore shops, cafés, or enjoy lunch at your own pace.

Highlights -Stroll through Gujo Hachiman, a charming Edo-period castle town surrounded by scenic nature -Watch a live performance of Gujo Odori, a traditional dance with centuries of history -Craft your own ultra-realistic food replica at a local “sampuru” workshop -Discover the beauty of Gujo Hachiman, a town famous for its pure, flowing spring water -Enjoy a personalized experience with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide Tour Overview Step into the living history of Gujo Hachiman, known for its clear waterways and preserved Edo-era streets. Enjoy a guided town stroll and a local lunch such as Hida beef or soba. Visit the Gujo Hachiman Hakurankan Museum to watch a live performance of the traditional Gujo Odori dance. Finish with a hands-on “sampuru” food model–making experience at Sample Village Iwasaki. This day trip from Nagoya offers culture, history, and craft in one memorable journey.

Discover the artistry of Japanese violin-making at the renowned Suzuki Violin Workshop! Take a guided tour through the workshop, where you can admire a handwritten letter from Einstein, a fan of the Suzuki Violin. Learn about the history of this internationally acclaimed company, famous for producing 100,000 violins annually during the Meiji Era. Then, try your hand at varnishing violin parts, turning them into a unique strap to take home as a special souvenir. With an English-speaking guide, this experience blends tradition, craftsmanship, and history, making it an unforgettable visit!

Get away from the crowds of the city and embrace the beauty of Central Japan as you journey to Shiga Prefecture. This stunning prefecture is blessed with historic castles, pleasant waterways, lush fields, and Japan’s largest lake. A feast for the eyes and the stomach, this captivating region is also home to the oldest brand of wagyu beef in Japan as well as one of the country’s most unique sweet shops. This tour will take you to two castle towns, Hikone—with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman—known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.

Explore Japan’s rich craftsmanship on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Visit Tokoname, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, and discover the history of traditional pottery. Stroll the Tokoname Pottery Path, where winding pottery lined streets filled with traditional houses, artisan shops, and cafes await. Marvel at the intricate porcelain tiles, step inside a historic kiln, and enjoy the quirky exhibits—including a museum dedicated to toilets! Next, head to Arimatsu, a village renowned for its labor-intensive indigo-dyeing technique, Arimatsu Shibori. Watch skilled artisans create stunning textiles, and shop for one-of-a-kind hand-dyed fabrics. This tour offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm, as you are led by an experienced, English speaking guide on this unforgettable one-day tour from Nagoya.

This tour offers a deeper look into Nagoya’s culture, history, and craftsmanship. You’ll visit the sacred Atsuta Jingu Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines with over 1,900 years of history, and feel its calm spiritual atmosphere surrounded by ancient trees. Then, in the historic town of Arimatsu, you’ll explore beautiful Edo-period streets and join a Shibori tie-dye workshop inside a 100-year-old merchant house. A local artisan will kindly guide you step by step through the traditional techniques, helping you create your own design. You’ll take home a one-of-a-kind artwork — a handmade souvenir found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy strolling through the peaceful town, browsing Shibori shops, and relaxing in cozy local cafés.

Discover the rich history of Tokoname, one of Japan’s revered pottery towns, on a guided walking tour along the Yakimono Sanpomichi, or “Pottery Footpath.” Uncover how Tokoname's innovative spirit and abundant clay deposits shaped a legacy of practical ceramics that supported daily life across Japan. Explore the town's unique landscape, where ceramics define the scenery, and visit historic merchant houses that narrate the tale of maritime trade. The tour also sheds light on traditional techniques and modern interpretations of Tokoname ware, including the iconic maneki-neko. This immersive journey reveals the enduring connection between history, industry, and artistry in Tokoname. - Guided walking tour through Tokoname’s historic pottery district - Explore the Yakimono Sanpomichi, showcasing Tokoname's ceramic heritage - Visit historic merchant houses and learn about maritime trade connections - Experience modern and traditional Tokoname ceramics, including maneki-neko

Explore the serene elegance of Tokugawa-en, one of Nagoya’s most renowned daimyo gardens, on this guided walk. Discover the intricate design and philosophy behind this traditional Japanese garden, which blends natural beauty with cultural significance. As you stroll through the carefully crafted landscape, enjoy changing views of ponds, wooded paths, and seasonal plants that evoke a tranquil atmosphere. Learn about the role of daimyo gardens in Japan’s history and the interconnectedness of nature and power. This immersive experience allows for personal reflection, photography, and appreciation of the garden's living art form.

Departing from Nagoya Station, take the train to Tajimi Station. Upon arrival, a bus will take you to the Mosaic Tile Museum, where you can enjoy the unique architecture and learn about the history of Tajimi’s tiles. Next, visit Honmachi Oribe Street, home to several tableware shops. Explore stores housed in over 100-year-old Japanese buildings and take your time finding your favorite pieces while enjoying the traditional atmosphere. Unlike other tourist spots, this area is calm and relaxed, allowing you to enjoy the day at your own pace. You’ll find everything from everyday tableware to high-end pieces rarely seen elsewhere in Japan—perfect for discovering a special item. While Tokoname is another pottery town accessible on a day trip from Nagoya, it’s interesting to compare the experience with the tour “Tokoname Pottery Village Day Trip from Nagoya.” The tour concludes with a train ride back to Nagoya Station.

Seto, a pivotal town in Japan’s ceramic history, invites you to discover its rich tradition of pottery. Begin your adventure at the Seto-gura complex, home to the Seto-gura Museum, where the evolution of Seto ware is unveiled from the Heian period to contemporary designs. Learn about the unique characteristics of Seto ceramics, including their practical applications and innovative glazing techniques. The tour also includes a visit to a local ceramics shop, offering insights into modern usage and design. Experience the blend of tradition and modernity in this vibrant craft town. - Discover the history and evolution of Seto ceramics at the Seto-gura Museum - Explore practical wares that shaped Japanese dining culture - Visit a local ceramics shop for insights on modern designs - Learn about versatile glazing techniques that define Seto ware

Explore MITSUI OUTLET PARK Jazz Dream Nagashima which is a large shopping destination designed with comfortable spaces to enhance your shopping experience. It offers a wide range of high-quality brands, making it easy to find and purchase your favorite items. Convenient services, such as simple and straightforward tax refund procedures, cater to international visitors. Additionally, the center features numerous parent-child-friendly facilities, making it an ideal spot for the entire family to enjoy together. After an exciting shopping spree, unwind at the nearby Nagashima Hot Spring. This expansive hot spring facility, built with 13,000 tons of mountain stone, features 17 different types of indoor and open-air hot springs, all sourced from natural streams. Experience the largest hot spring in Japan, designed to showcase the beauty of seasonal flowers and trees, and divided into sections inspired by Oirase Keiryu and Kurobe Kyokoku, ensuring a rejuvenating and memorable experience.

This tour offers a full-day journey from Nagoya to Inuyama, combining history, culture, and local flavors. Explore Japan’s oldest castle, stroll charming streets, taste unique local delicacies, and enjoy hands-on traditional crafts like lantern painting—an immersive experience capturing the town’s heritage and charm.

This Nagoya food tour lets you experience the city through its signature dishes while discovering local spots you might overlook on your own. It begins at Oasis 21 in Sakae, where your guide shares the history of Nagoya and introduces key symbols like Nagoya Castle, the golden shachihoko, and Atsuta Shrine. After enjoying views from the observation deck, you head to the first tasting. A short walk brings you to a restaurant specializing in miso nikomi udon made with rich red miso. You then sample Moriguchi pickles before visiting the basement of Japan’s oldest department store to try local favorites such as tenmusu, seasonal oni manju, and fragrant shrimp crackers, along with the stories behind them. The highlight is hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s famous grilled eel over rice. The tour ends at a local izakaya with a drink and spicy tebasaki wings. With 7–8 dishes included, it offers a full introduction to Nagoya-meshi.

A true petrol head's tour! Buckle up, car lovers! This tour is a dream for anyone obsessed with horsepower and the scent of fresh interiors. After I pick you up at the location of your desire, cruise ship, hotel etc. The first stop will be the Toyota Automobile Museum, a treasure trove of mint-condition classics and modern marvels. Then, we cruise to Toyota City, birthplace of the Toyota family, to explore the Toyota Kaikan, where you can sit in, touch, and admire the latest models (no licking!). And, of course, your guide is a true car maniac—because what’s a car tour without a car-obsessed driver? We finish the tour with a stop at Autobacs, the car part specialty shop, just to nose around or buy a souvenir (macha flavored air-freshener?.) Note This tour is not possible on Mondays as the Automobile museum is closed - Duration: 6-7 hours with a customizable itinerary - Private tour for up to 9 participants - Door-to-door car service in a comfortable Delica D5 or Hiace van

Enjoy a truly special day in Nagoya—where samurai history meets traditional craftsmanship. Start at Nagoya Castle, known for its iconic golden roof ornaments and elegant palace. Then, stroll through Kinshachi Yokocho and enjoy local dishes like miso katsu or kishimen noodles. Visit the Japanese Sword Museum to see real samurai swords and learn their history. Finish with a hands-on fan-making workshop, where you’ll create your own folding fan with help from a skilled artisan. This tour is a perfect mix of history, food, and craft—all with a friendly local guide!

Discover the beauty and elegance of Japanese culture through a traditional tea ceremony at the Tamesaburo Memorial Museum in Nagoya. This cultural gem, a registered tangible cultural property, offers an authentic setting where visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless art of tea. Guided by experienced tea masters, you'll learn the rituals and philosophy behind the Japanese tea ceremony, a practice that has been cherished for centuries. From the careful preparation of matcha (powdered green tea) to the graceful movements involved in serving and receiving, every aspect of the ceremony reflects harmony, respect, and mindfulness. The museum's tranquil tea room, surrounded by traditional Japanese architecture and gardens, provides the perfect backdrop for this unique experience. Whether you're new to Japanese culture or a seasoned traveler, the tea ceremony at Tamesaburo Memorial Museum promises to be a memorable and enriching journey into the heart of Japan's traditions.

Tour highlights -Make traditional “washi”, or Japanese paper, with a history of 500 years, acclaimed for its use in sliding shoji doors and Japanese umbrellas -Set in a mountain town using plant-derived materials in its famous, local paper brand -Explanation by curator of Obara’s washi paper culture and production processes -Make your own authentic washi from the first step of pounding paper mulberry material to the finished product -Enjoy local, seasonal bistro at a restaurant in a traditional Japanese folk house -Take home your own Japanese paper booklet made with your own two hands every step of the way Tour details Experience the Toyota Green Life series in Obara, a region famed for traditional washi. Learn how paper mulberry becomes paper as you pound bark, add colors and patterns, and bind your own unique washi booklet. Enjoy lunch in a rustic folk house using seasonal local ingredients. This hands-on tour offers an authentic look into Japan’s traditional papermaking culture.

Highlights -Visit a working teapot kiln and learn to brew tea the Tokoname way -Create your own pottery guided by master artisans at a historic kiln -Wander the atmospheric Tokonbame Pottery Footpath lined with shops and studios -Experience over 1,000 years of ceramic history in one of Japan’s oldest pottery towns Tour Overview Tokoname on the Chita Peninsula is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns and has produced ceramics for over 1,000 years. Famous for its high-quality teapots, the town blends deep tradition with a vibrant craft culture. This one-day tour takes you into the heart of Tokoname’s pottery heritage. Begin with a visit to a teapot kiln for a hands-on tea brewing experience using Tokoname ware. Then try pottery-making at Kakuzan Tōen, a historic kiln guided by local artisans. Conclude with a stroll along the Tokoname Pottery Footpath, lined with galleries, climbing kilns, and charming shops. A curated journey through craftsmanship, tradition, and Tokoname’s warm hospitality.