Top Aichi Prefecture Cultural Tours

When in Nagoya, don’t miss the chance to explore Studio Ghibli. This hassle-free tour provides your entrance ticket to the park, a tasty bento box lunch, plus round-trip transfers from a meeting point in Nagoya. Once arrived, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, and make your way around Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Valley of Witches, and Mononoke Village.

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. 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. Shirakawago: Shirakawa-go and the Gokayama Gassho-Zukuri Villages are well known for the large number of gassho-zukuri houses, some 100 in all, that still remain and are used by the people who live there. The village has been inscribed in the Michelin Green Guide Japon and as a World Heritage Site. It is a place like the hometown of Japan where you can deeply feel the rural culture and lifestyle that is the original landscape of Japan.

Hiking in the forest is one of the most relaxing things you can do, but things can get stressful if you lose your way. This full-day tour of the Nakasendo Trail from Nagoya helps you immerse yourself in nature by including a guide who leads the way, so you don’t have to keep checking your phone.

Explore some of Nagoya’s top sites through the eyes of a local on this guided tour. Visit Nagoya Castle, the Oasis 21 tower, try some of Nagoya’s local food (at your own expense), the Nagoya downtown shopping area, and the Osu Kannon Arcade and Temple. Learn all about the history of samurai with the chance to meet a samurai or a ninja!

Discover the evolution of the automobile at the Toyota Automobile Museum, where over a century of automotive innovation comes to life. This guided tour immerses you in the rich history of vehicles, from horse-drawn carriages to the modern era, showcasing an impressive collection of authentic cars that narrate the global story of transportation. Explore how Japanese manufacturers, including Toyota, transformed the automotive landscape while gaining insights into social changes influenced by automobiles. With an expert guide, delve into the craftsmanship and design philosophies that shaped the industry, making this tour a must for technology and history enthusiasts alike. - Explore over 100 years of automotive history with authentic vehicles - Understand the evolution of design and manufacturing of the automobile - Experience the cultural impact of cars on lifestyle and national identity - Enjoy expert guidance that makes complex topics accessible to all

Reaching the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go and the Edo-period streets of Takayama from Nagoya on your own means navigating rural bus timetables with limited English signage. This round-trip bus tour handles all the logistics—driving you into the mountains of Gifu with a conductor who speaks English or Chinese. Upgrade to include a lunch of Hida beef teppanyaki or an oden set.

There’s so much to see in the capital of the Aichi Prefecture—Nagoya—but if you want to avoid the restrictions of a full-day shared group tour, and you’d prefer to select the sites you visit, then this private and customizable walking tour is the one for you. First, choose from a list of potential stops; then, let a guide create a personalized itinerary. Potential stops you can visit include the Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Nagoya Castle, and the Toyota Automobile Museum.

Swap the crowds and rigid itineraries of group tours for a private and personalized experience of Nagoya. This full-day walking tour allows you to customize the experience to suit your own interests, whether that's checking off Nagoya's most-important landmarks such as Nagoya Castle and the Atsuta Shrine, or diving into the city's rich culinary scene.

Experience the cultural richness of Kyoto on this day trip from Nagoya. Start your journey at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, known for its iconic red torii gates, where you'll have 90 minutes to explore. Savor a premium Kobe Beef/ Pork Shabu-Shabu lunch at Kyoto Wasabi Arashiyama, featuring the renowned A5-ranked beef. Discover the stunning Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama and enjoy views from the historic Togetsukyo Bridge. Finally, visit the impressive Kiyomizu-dera Temple for 100 minutes, and stroll through the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. - Full-day trip from Nagoya to Kyoto's top attractions - Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Arashiyama's Bamboo Grove - Indulge in a delicious Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu lunch - Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple and historic streets of Kyoto

Your guide will escort you to your reserved seat and provide clear, engaging explanations throughout your visit. During the tour, you'll gain insight into Japan’s unique architecture, traditional clothing, and etiquette. The guide will explain the structure of professional sumo—including the different divisions, early matches, and the roles of the referee (gyoji) and announcer (yobidashi), as well as the meaning behind their traditional attire. You’ll also learn about the rankings of sumo wrestlers, from yokozuna and ozeki to sanyaku and makuuchi competitors. With detailed commentary on winning techniques (kimarite) and match highlights, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this powerful and elegant sport. Tickets are subject to availability. In rare cases, an alternative date or seat type may be offered.

Watch Japan’s unique and traditional sport Sumo with a knowledgeable tour guide. If you are in Japan in July, you should not miss it!(the tournaments take place 6 times a year; 3 times in Tokyo, once in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka respectively. Each tournament lasts for 15 days. ) If you'd like to see sumo, it takes about two hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo, and about one hour by Shinkansen from Kyoto. Why not take this opportunity to visit Nagoya to watch sumo? Meet your English speaking guide and walk to the stadium. Your guide will talk you through what is Sumo, its history and rules before entering the stadium and give you additional tips in between the bouts. Feel the intense, serious atmosphere of the tournament while you are free to grab some beer, Yakitori(skewers), etc.. at the vendor inside the stadium and eat/drink at your seat. *Food and drinks are not included in this tour.

Step into the beating heart of Nagoya’s most colorful neighborhood: Ōsu Shopping Arcade, a covered maze of lively pedestrian streets with 1,200+ shops and eateries, where old-school temple town vibes mix with fashion, pop culture, and nonstop snack-hunting energy. On this walking tour, you’ll eat your way through Ōsu while stopping at the area’s most fascinating historical landmarks. Its perfect for travelers who want more than “just shopping.” What you’ll experience Street-food grazing: We’ll sample a lineup of 6 Ōsu favorites—think crispy fried bites, sweet treats, and Nagoya-style comfort snacks—chosen based on what’s freshest and most popular that day. Learn how Ōsu grew around major religious sites and how it evolved into today’s iconic shopping district. On your walk we'll discover surprising history tucked between storefronts and ancient, samurai-era, and Edo-period stories hiding in plain sight.

Sumo, Japan's traditional national sport, right in front of your eyes. Experience the excitement of Japan's national sport with your July Sumo Tour at IG Arena! The tour begins as you meet your English-speaking guide at the iconic sumo arena. You'll receive an introduction to sumo, its centuries-old traditions. Next, explore the inside of the facility with your guide, who will point out key areas and share cultural insights. You’ll also have time to browse the official sumo souvenir shops, where you can purchase unique memorabilia such as sumo-themed goods, snacks, and exclusive merchandise. 　And finally, the highlight is watching a live sumo match! Feel the intensity and tradition as you sit in your reserved A class seat, surrounded by local fans and the powerful atmosphere of real competition.

*Easy meet up point, 5mins walk at JR Nagoya station. *Specials tour directly to go to observatory deck not changing shuttle bus. *Walk around the old townscape of Takayama.Also can have free time to visit by own. *World Heritage Site- Hida Shirakawa-go Japan's Unexplored Region - Hida Shirakawa-go The ``Gassho-zukuri Village'', which is registered as a World Heritage Site, is known for its large number of over 100 Gassho-zukuri buildings remaining, and where people still live there. There are also plenty of other sightseeing spots where you can experience traditional wisdom and techniques, as well as magnificent nature, such as Hirase Onsen, whose source is at the foot of the sacred mountain Hakusan.

Explore Nagoya your own way on this private and personalized walking tour. Your guide will create a customized itinerary that is entirely tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you want to discover the ancient history of Nagoya, experience its contemporary culture, or enjoy the best of both worlds. Your itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted as you explore.

Unravel Nagoya's secrets with Shachihiko, the city's legendary golden shachihoko! Journey from the futuristic Nagoya Station through Edo-era merchant streets, majestic Nagoya Castle, bustling food alleys, and cosmic science museums, finishing amidst Sakae's neon glow. History, humor, and immersive storytelling await on this self-guided adventure blending samurai legends with modern marvels. Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

Enjoy the traditional Japanese fishing method "Ukai" that has been passed down for centuries, together with a private guide and Japanese cuisine. This private tour offers you Kiso River Ukai, traditional cormorant fishing with Japanese Dinner. Witness the grace and precision of the cormorant fishermen as they guide their boats and control the trained birds to catch fish in the Kiso River. Marvel at the captivating interplay of the flickering lanterns, the graceful movements of the cormorants, and the stunning natural backdrop of the river valley. Let's enjoy the fantastical, ethereal world created by the bonfires as we gaze at the illuminated Inuyama Castle and feel the pleasant breeze.

Nagoya is known as the “Heart of Japan” for not only its central location and historical significance but also for its great contributions to industry and innovation in Japan. The industrial prominence of the region had led it to become the home to manufacturing giants such as Toyota, Brother, Noritake, Ibanez, Buffalo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This journey through Japan’s center of commerce will provide you with a glimpse into Nagoya’s industrial past and its dreams for a technological future as you are led by a professional guide on this full-day tour.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history, development, and modern life of Nagoya in a single day. Unlike custom tours, where flexibility may vary, this tour ensures that you'll explore all the listed highlights. Begin with the Toyota Commemorative Museum, where you’ll learn about Nagoya's industrial revolution. Then, head to Nagoya Castle, marveling at its golden shachihoko and exploring the Honmaru Palace. After a visit to Osu Kannon Temple and shopping street, enjoy a delicious local lunch. In the afternoon, visit Atsuta Shrine, home to the sacred Kusanagi sword, before concluding the tour. Experience everything from ancient to modern Nagoya in just one day!

・Visit World Heritage Site Shiragawa-go in Gifu Prefecture with the largest scale of thatched roof houses, which is called “Gassho-zukuri”. The houses are capped with snow during cold time in winter and the scenery is just like a fairy-tale! ・Appreciate the historic streets of Hida Takayama. There are many delicious country-style restaurants in Takayama, so please enjoy eating out on your own. ・Gujo Hachiman is also called the "water town". It is full of atmosphere, with pebble roads, waterways, rows of willow trees, and large mansions. ・There will be shopping stop for local souvenirs such as pickles or soy bean ice-cream！ ・Depart from and return to Nagoya Station, which is easily accessible for public transportation.

Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore Inuyama Castle, the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a “city of swords,” and the charms of Central Japan. - Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword. - Meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife. - Stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food and find locally crafted souvenirs. - Discover the well-preserved Inuyama Castle—a National Treasure and historically significant stronghold of the Oda clan. - Wish for good fortune in a shrine legend to grant wishes. - Sip matcha tea in a garden designed by one of Japan’s pioneers of tea ceremony. Journey to Central Japan and experience its pristine rivers, skilled craftsmen, and historic towns as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.

Check off two of Nagoya’s most popular attractions in one day: the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and SCMAGLEV & Railway Park. Whether you’re interested in Japanese design, engineering, and manufacturing, or want an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, this guided tour is a great way to learn. Discover how the Japanese railway was transformed, from steam locomotives to the Shinkansen (bullet train) and MAGLEV (magnetic speed train).

Go beyond the guidebooks to experience a traditional and culturally significant Japanese sport—sumo wrestling. This experience gives you the rare chance to secure tickets to the renowned Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, held at the newly opening IG Arena in summer 2025. An English-speaking guide is on-hand to provide insight throughout the tournament, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.