Top Aichi Prefecture Culture - page 8

This tour is part of the Toyota Green Life Experience series. Spend a day receiving life experience and wisdom from local farmers constantly out in nature as you work among the rich natural surroundings of the Inabu area in Toyota City. In spring, you can experience what it’s like to plant rice; in summer, dig up your own potatoes; and in fall, harvest sweet potatoes and taro root as well as rice in this agricultural experience with content changing by season. Wipe the sweat off your brow as you use your body, feeling the soil in your hands and the joy of harvesting nutritious foods rather than simply picking them up at the grocery store. Use nearby Donguri Workshop as your base to mingle with local farmers and learn about the connection between food and life through the agricultural practices of yesteryear. New discoveries and experiences await you in this rare chance to explore rural life in the mountains of central Japan. .e recommended for couples and families with children.

Highlights -Be dressed in a kimono of your choice by a professional dresser -Explore Shikemichi, a preserved district with storehouses and townhouses -Stroll Endoji Shopping Street, where old shops meet modern cafés -Discover local encounters and culture in Nagoya’s historic heart Tour Overview Begin at Nagonoya Café, where a professional dresser outfits you in a kimono — or a light yukata in summer — with traditional footwear. After choosing your pattern in advance, set out with a local guide to Shikemichi, rebuilt over 300 years ago after a great fire. Its earthen-walled storehouses, broad streets, and roof-deity houses reflect Nagoya’s heritage. Continue into Endoji Shopping Street, the city’s oldest arcade, still lively with family-run shops and stylish cafés. As you stroll, your guide shares stories where tradition meets daily life. This experience offers not only elegant kimono photos but also cultural immersion in a district where past and present coexist.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Japan with the Limited-Time Samurai Experience Tour, exclusively available during the Asian Games. Wear authentic samurai surcoat as you delve into the traditional martial arts and learn basic sword techniques. This unique program offers a glimpse into the spirit of Bushido, allowing you to connect with Japan's storied warrior heritage. Don't miss this chance to engage with a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture during this limited-time event. - Wear authentic samurai surcoat and feel the warrior spirit - Learn basic sword techniques guided by experienced instructors - Discover the philosophy and history behind Bushido - Exclusive cultural experience available only during the Asian Games

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.

Highlights - Explore Sawada Sake Brewery, crafting fine sake since 1848 in Tokoname - Learn sake-making from an expert and taste pristine brewing water - Sample five sake varieties with local Chita delicacies -Create a personalized sake can label as a souvenir Tour Overview Discover Japanese sake at Sawada Sake Brewery, a family-run producer in Tokoname with roots since 1848. The Chita Peninsula, famed for fermentation since the 17th century, provides a historic backdrop. Guided by an expert, learn each step of sake-making, from rice preparation to fermentation, while exploring traditional wooden vats and brewing rooms. Taste pure brewing water, then enjoy five distinctive sake varieties paired with local delicacies (non-alcoholic drinks available). Finally, design your own label for a 180ml sake can using a brush pen—an original keepsake to take home. Blending history, craftsmanship, and creativity, this tour offers a rare and personal encounter with one of Japan’s iconic traditions.

Discover Nagoya with a local guide born and raised in the city. Experience both iconic highlights and hidden gems that most travelers miss. Tour highlights: • Nagoya Castle – Explore the castle and hear unique stories •Historic streets of Nagono – Step back in time through charming streets • Osu Shopping District – Enjoy local street food and lively shopping •Arimatsu – Try traditional shibori craft in a beautifully preserved post town Perfect for travelers seeking a more local and authentic side of Japan. See a side of Nagoya most visitors never experience.

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.

Inuyama Castle This castle is one of the famous castles in Japan, located in the city of Inuyama. Situated atop a steep cliff, the castle's fortifications are considered a masterpiece of castle architecture from that era. The distinctive features include a triple-tiered bailey and impressive stone walls. The castle's keep (tenshu) has been designated as a National Treasure. Sado Experience Sado(Japanese tea ceremony) is one of the most representative traditional cultures of Japan. Beyond its aesthetic beauty and meticulous etiquette, Sado embodies the Japanese aesthetic sensibility and spirituality. Highly recommended experiencing the world of the tea ceremony to gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.

Travel to the scenic Hida Takayama area from Nagoya by Highway bus. Takayama is known as little Kyoto city of Gifu Prefecture and see the World Cultural Heritage, village of Shirakawago. Your own English speaking guide will wait for you in Shirakawago and Takayama!

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.

This luxurious Japanese wellness spa offers a resort-like experience, reflecting Japan's elegance. It features exclusive fragrances supervised by one of only two Kodo head families in Japan. Guests access a culturally significant tea room, usually closed to the public, with enhanced spa ambiance through live traditional Japanese music. Luxurious treatments include a 24K gold pack for facial and body treatments, adding a unique touch. In Endoji Shopping Arcade, Wasuikouan tea room provides an opportunity for a meal with tea and sweets. Experience cultural richness and culinary delights in Nagoya's historic district. At Suzu-ki, enjoy kelp broth with water from Yoro, Gifu. Experience bonito shaving and a demonstration of Japanese dishes.

Tour highlights -Create your own authentic Japanese knife with a blacksmith in service for 200 years -Pound iron with your own two hands in the historical setting of a rural Japanese living museum -Learn the rural lifestyle techniques of a seasoned craftsman -Stroll through Asuke’s historic townscape with its roots in prehistory -Finish your totally unique, handcrafted knife in one day, ready to take home. Tour details This Toyota Green Life Experience tour invites you to craft your own knife in historic Asuke under the guidance of seventh-generation blacksmith Yuto Hirose. Learn traditional forging techniques as you shape a blade from scratch over open flames. In the afternoon, explore Asuke’s Edo-period streets and enjoy local specialties such as wild boar dishes or gohei mochi. Finally, pick up your finished knife—sharpened by the master—and complete the handle to take home a unique memento of your experience.

Discover the timeless beauty of rural Japan on a guided private journey along the historic Nakasendo Trail, once traveled by samurai and merchants. Departing from Nagoya, this full-day tour combines cultural insight, scenic landscapes, and sustainable travel. Begin with a visit to a museum showcasing the work of Utagawa Hiroshige, where you can learn traditional woodblock printing techniques used to paint each post town along the trail. Then explore the beautifully preserved post town of Tsumago-juku before embarking on an 8 km guided hike through forests, farmland, and waterfalls. Along the trail, enjoy peaceful moments in nature and connect with local traditions at a historic teahouse. Arrive in the charming hillside town of Magome-juku, where you can sample regional foods and browse handcrafted souvenirs. This experience offers an authentic and immersive way to connect with Japan’s cultural heritage at a relaxed and meaningful pace.

Gifu City is the capital of Gifu Prefecture, which can be reached from Nagoya in 30 minutes. On the other hand, Gifu City is a place where history is still being carved as a stage of unification of Japan since the Warring States Period, as a merchant town, and as a town that protects traditional fishing industry. It is one of the best places in Japan to visit, especially for those who have once visited Japan and are interested in Japanese history, nature lovers, and those who are interested in the townscape and culture typical of Japan. This tour is like a condensed version of the charms of Gifu Castle, the residence of Oda Nobunaga, who briefly united the country, a museum that tells the fascinating story of cormorant fishing, one of Japan's traditional fishing industries, and a walk through old streets where you can feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Warring States period.

Discover the cultural and creative of Nagoya on this well-planned tour. The experience begins at Nagoya Station, where you will meet your guide at the designated meeting point. The guide will be holding an Amigo Tours sign for easy identification. Train tickets will be arranged in advance, allowing you to travel independently from Tokyo to Nagoya. After meeting the group, enjoy a panoramic bus tour through some of Nagoya’s most notable neighborhoods as an expert guide shares insights into the city’s history, culture, and architecture. You will also have approximately one hour of free time to explore Nagoya Castle at your own pace (admission not included). The tour continues with a visit to Ghibli Park, inspired by the films of Hayao Miyazaki. Instead of rides, the park features immersive settings, exhibitions, and peaceful walking paths that bring the world of Studio Ghibli to life. Please note that the meeting point is in Nagoya, and participants must arrive independently.

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.

The Art of Jet-Black: Nagoya Kuromontsuki Dyeing Discover the elegance of Nagoya Kuromontsuki Zome, a traditional craft born from the samurai era. This exclusive tour is led by the master of Yamakatsu Senko, a distinguished studio preserving the art of "jet-black" dyeing since the Edo period. You will go behind the scenes to learn from a certified craftsman before creating your own masterpiece. Using iconic motifs like the Golden Shachihoko, you will dye a fabric item to take home—a unique memento of Japanese spirit and refined formal culture.

Craft Your Own Legacy in a Historic Textile Town Experience the magic of Arimatsu Shibori, a nationally designated craft with over 400 years of history. Kuno Dyeing Factory hosts private workshops guided by a master artisan, you will use traditional tie-dyeing techniques to transform plain fabric into a vibrant work of art. Whether you are creating a gift or a personal treasure, this hands-on workshop offers a peaceful retreat into the refined aesthetics of Edo-period Japan. Bring home your handcrafted creation as a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your journey through Nagoya.

Highlights -Explore Nagoya Castle’s history and architecture with expert guidance -Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Honmaru Palace -Step into restricted areas, including the shogun’s chambers -Admire dazzling craftsmanship in serene evening silence Tour Overview Discover Nagoya Castle as few ever do — after closing, free from crowds. Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, it remains a symbol of the city with its golden shachihoko ornaments. Enter the Honmaru Palace, once the political heart of the Tokugawa lords. Destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt with traditional methods, it reopened in 2018 as a showcase of Japanese artistry. Walk cedar corridors, admire brilliant fusuma paintings, and sense the grandeur of shogun life. This exclusive tour also grants access to restricted spaces, including the shogun’s chambers, for rare photo opportunities. An unforgettable evening where history and art come alive.

Experience a day of sightseeing around the National Treasure Inuyama Castle, one of the oldest surviving castles in Japan. Inuyama Castle is one of only five castles in Japan currently designated as a National Treasure, and is now attracting attention not only from all over Japan but also from around the world. Enjoy the spectacular view from the Tenshukaku (main keep), which only the lord of a single kingdom is allowed to view. Eating and shopping in the castle town, which still flourishes today, is also a real highlight of this tour. Inuyama is also home to Sanko Inari Shrine, famous for its pink ema (votive picture tablet), which is popular on social networking sites. The shrine is said to bring blessings related to family safety, marital harmony, and marriage. This is a highly recommended spot for those who love castles and those who love Japanese traditions and culture.

Discover the best of Nagoya in comfort and style on this full-day private tour with your own air-conditioned vehicle. Perfect for travelers who want to explore more in less time, this experience takes you through Nagoya’s top highlights and hidden gems without the stress of navigating public transportation. From the iconic Nagoya Castle and the peaceful Atsuta Shrine to the vibrant streets of Osu and the modern energy of Sakae, you’ll experience the perfect balance of history, culture, and city life. Along the way, enjoy a variety of authentic Japanese local snacks — a light and fun tasting experience that lets you explore local flavors without committing to a full meal. Your expert local guide will handle all the details, share cultural insights, and customize the itinerary based on your interests, making your day truly personal and unforgettable. Book now and turn your day in Nagoya into a memorable journey filled with culture, comfort, and local discoveries.

Highlights -Explore Nagoya Castle with expert insights into samurai history -See 17th-century towers and the exquisitely rebuilt Honmaru Palace -Step inside the Sarumen Teahouse, a nationally designated cultural property rarely open to the public -Experience an authentic tea ceremony by a master in seasonal décor -Savor wagashi once crafted for the Tokugawa lords Tour Overview This exclusive afternoon tour blends the grandeur of samurai legacy with the refinement of tea culture. Begin with a guided exploration of Nagoya Castle, commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu and famed for its golden shachihoko. While the main keep was destroyed in WWII, original towers remain, offering a direct link to the 17th century. Continue to the Sarumen Teahouse, normally closed to the public, where a tea master performs a traditional ceremony. Seasonal sweets, tied to Nagoya’s heritage, complement the matcha. Together, this rare experience offers a multi-sensory encounter with Japan’s past.

Explore the best of Nagoya with a local guide who will take you to both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Visit the majestic Nagoya Castle, known for its golden shachihoko statues, and stroll through the serene Tokugawa Garden, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Dive into Japan's industrial heritage at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology or explore the engaging exhibits at the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. Discover Nagoya's vibrant shopping districts, such as Osu and Sakae, where you can indulge in local delicacies like miso katsu and hitsumabushi. Our guides offer unique insights into the history and culture of Nagoya, giving you a deeper understanding of the city. Public transportation will be used for an authentic experience, but a private vehicle can be arranged upon request. Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with our expert guide on this unforgettable Nagoya tour!

Discover the best of Nagoya in comfort and style on this full-day private tour with your own air-conditioned vehicle.Perfect for travelers who want to explore more in less time, this experience takes you through Nagoya’s top highlights and hidden gems without the stress of navigating public transportation. From the iconic Nagoya Castle and the peaceful Atsuta Shrine to the vibrant streets of Osu and the modern energy of Sakae, you’ll experience the perfect balance of history, culture, and city life.Along the way, enjoy a variety of authentic Japanese local snacks — a light and fun tasting experience that lets you explore local flavors without committing to a full meal. Your expert local guide will handle all the details, share cultural insights, and customize the itinerary based on your interests, making your day truly personal and unforgettable.Book now and turn your day in Nagoya into a memorable journey filled with culture, comfort, and local discoveries.