Top Aichi Prefecture Arts & Design - page 2

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.

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.

Atsuta Jingu Shrine: Sanctuary of the Sacred Sword Atsuta Jingu Shrine is one of Japan’s most venerable sanctuaries, enshrining the "Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi"—a legendary sword and one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. Guided by a specialist, you will journey through the essence of Japanese spirituality while breathing in the crisp, sacred air of this ancient forest. The vast grounds, marked by a majestic 1,000-year-old camphor tree, serve as a vital link to the Imperial lineage and the samurai era. Most famously, it is where the great warlord Oda Nobunaga prayed for a miraculous victory before his most historic battle. This tour offers a profound immersion into Shinto tradition, including a visit to the Kusanagi-kan sword museum and an exclusive prayer ceremony at Takakura-musubi-miko Shrine, a site renowned for bringing good fortune and luck in child-rearing.

Kakuozan, an area ofNagoya rich in culture and history, is a great place for international visitors to experience authentic Japanese culture. This tour is designed around an authentic Nagoya experience, including a tea ceremony experience using actual tea utensils used by Furukawa Tamesaburo (not replicas), traditional villa architecture and gardens, and visits to historic temples such as Nittai-ji and Sooji. The tour also includes an English guided stroll through the Kakuozan shopping arcade.

Kakuozan, located in Nagoya, is an area rich in culture and history, making it an excellent place for international visitors to experience authentic Japanese culture. This tour is designed around authentic experiences in Nagoya, including a Kodo (incense Ceremony) experience with genuine incense, not replicas, and visits to the Furukawa Art Museum, distinguished traditional villa architecture like Yokiso, and historical temples like Nittaiji and Sououji. The tour also includes a guided stroll through the Kakuozan shopping district in English.

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.

Book a special half-day tour to discover the sacred atmosphere of Atsuta Shrine in the fresh morning air with a knowledgable guide. Here, you’ll soak in the centuries-old serenity at the home to one of Japan’s legendary sacred treasures, the Kusanagi Sword. Afterward, at a renowned Japanese sweets shop you’ll learn to make traditional sweets, and you’ll make authentic matcha green tea and receive a tea whisk as a keepsake. A unique chance to fully immerse yourself in Japan’s rich cultural traditions off the beaten track.

Highlights -Learn the 400-year-old tradition of Nagoya’s paper lanterns -Create your own with guidance from a skilled craftsman -Choose washi paper and assemble a keepsake -Foldable design makes it easy to carry -Experience culture in a historic district Tour Overview Step into the world of Nagoya Chōchin, lanterns that have lit Japan’s festivals for 400 years. Backed by the Tokugawa shoguns, they are known for bamboo frames and the soft glow of washi. By the Meiji era, Nagoya was Japan’s top producer, exporting them worldwide as symbols of refined artistry. At Wazamon Chaya in Japan Culture Village, discover this heritage and make one yourself. Guided by an artisan, choose washi, paste it on the frame, and craft a lantern that folds flat — a practical, memorable souvenir. The workshop is set in Japan Culture Village, home to shrines, old shops, and cafés, where tradition and modern life meet.

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.