Top Aichi Prefecture Culture

Highlights -Visit Yaotomi Shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have prayed for victory. -Walk across the sea to Takeshima, a nationally protected natural monument. -Weave your own coaster using traditional Mikawa cotton and colorful threads. -Make samurai-style onigiri with local ingredients including rich Hatcho miso. -Cook rice in a traditional pot and learn to roll futomaki sushi. Overview Trace Tokugawa Ieyasu’s connection to Gamagori through its samurai history, craftsmanship, and food culture. Begin at Takeshima Island and visit Yaotomi Shrine, where Ieyasu is said to have prayed for victory before battle. Your professional guide will share stories connecting Ieyasu to the region. Next, discover Mikawa cotton, a traditional textile related with Ieyasu, and weave your own coaster on a loom. Finish with a hands-on cooking experience. Make rice balls with freshly cooked rice and local ingredients, then try making futomaki, classic thick sushi rolls. *Optional add-on available

・Discover Tokoname, Japan’s leading production center for bonsai pots. ・Wander the Pottery Path and trace over 1,000 years of Tokoname ceramic history. ・Meet a skilled bonsai pot artisan preserving Tokoname’s traditional mold-pressing technique. ・Step inside a working pottery studio and explore its diverse bonsai pot collection. ・Experience the harmony of bonsai and pottery in a beautifully curated bonsai garden.

・Explore Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kiln pottery regions. ・Wander the historic Pottery Path through kilns, brick chimneys, workshops, and galleries. ・Discover Tokoname’s centuries-old tradition of crafting large ceramic crocks and vessels. ・Visit Tokoname’s only workshop still dedicated to making traditional ceramic crocks. ・Craft your own fermentation crock with guidance from a third-generation artisan.

Discover Inuyama’s rich history and charm on this private guided tour. Start at Inuyama Station and explore the historic Castle Town, with stops at the Donden-kan and Former Isobe Residence, where you’ll learn about the town’s unique features. Visit the Castle and Town Museum to dive deeper into the area’s past. Then, capture the iconic red torii gates at Sanko Inari Shrine. Next, step inside Inuyama Castle, Japan’s oldest surviving castle keep and National Treasure. Learn about its fascinating history and enjoy breathtaking views from the top. The tour concludes at the serene Yuraku-en Garden, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the seasonal plants. While entry to the National Treasure tea room is limited, you can still experience traditional tea culture at Gen-an. This 3.5-hour private tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, ideal for anyone looking to explore Inuyama’s timeless charm.

Discover the history, culture, and craftsmanship of Inuyama while traveling comfortably by private air-conditioned car with a licensed English-speaking guide. Begin at Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan’s few remaining original wooden castles. From its hilltop location, enjoy beautiful views of the Kiso River while learning about Japan’s samurai heritage. Continue through the charming castle town, where traditional machiya houses, local shops, and historic streets preserve the atmosphere of old Japan. Visit the Karakuri Exhibition Room and Donden-Kan to admire the impressive festival floats and mechanical puppets that bring the famous Inuyama Festival to life. Perfect for history lovers and cultural explorers, this tour offers a relaxing and enriching journey through one of Central Japan’s most treasured destinations. Book now and experience the timeless beauty of Inuyama with the comfort of a private AC car and expert local guidance.

This full-day tour covers Nagoya's historic and industrial highlights with an English-speaking guide, meeting at JR Nagoya Station. Begin at Nagoya Castle, where the golden Kinshachi and gold-leaf interiors of Hommaru Palace are highlights, then continue to Tokugawa Garden with its waterfalls and lake. Visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to see live demonstrations tracing the company's evolution from textiles to cars. With a private vehicle, the day also reaches SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, 15km further out, to see Shinkansen trains and the Maglev. Given the distance, the public-transport version stays closer to the center, moving on to Osu Shotengai shopping arcade, home to Osu Kannon Temple and local specialties like miso katsu, finishing in Sakae near Mirai Tower. The itinerary can be adjusted within the allotted time.

Highlights - Discover two of Tokoname’s most celebrated pottery traditions: teapots and bonsai pots. - Meet skilled artisans and hear firsthand about their techniques, traditions, and craftsmanship. - See how specialized artisans balance efficient production with exceptional teapot craftsmanship. - Admire distinctive bonsai pots celebrated for their richly expressive Oribe glaze. - Walk Tokoname’s historic Pottery Footpath among kilns, brick chimneys, and ceramic-lined lanes. Overview Discover Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, with over 1,000 years of ceramic history, traditional teapots and bonsai pots, and local artisans. Stroll the Pottery Footpath, where historic kilns and workshops showcase Tokoname’s ceramic heritage. At Gyokko Toen, meet third-generation Traditional Craftsman Yukitaka Umehara and explore teapot techniques. At Koyo Toen, see fourth-generation artisan Juko’s bonsai pots finished with Oribe glaze. Working studios reveal Tokoname’s ceramic tradition.

Highlights - Explore the Suzuki Violin Workshop, Japan’s pioneering violin manufacturer with over a century of history - Learn directly from master violin makers, discovering the craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation behind Suzuki violins - Play and compare different violins, experiencing their unique sound and resonance in a professional setting - Exclusive customization options for buyers, including personalized name engraving and an original label inside the violin Overview Step into the world of Japanese violin craftsmanship with an exclusive visit to the Suzuki Violin Workshop, founded in 1887 by Masakichi Suzuki, a pioneer of Japan’s violin-making industry. Meet master artisans, learn about the making process, and compare the tones of different instruments. Guests who wish to purchase a violin may do so directly from the workshop after the tour. Credit card payment is accepted. *Please inform us at the time of booking if you are considering a purchase.

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.

Discover why Japanese whetstones are prized by chefs and sharpening enthusiasts worldwide. Step inside the factory of King Whetstone, a renowned Japanese sharpening stone maker. Follow the month-long process behind the making of Japanese waterstones. Learn knife sharpening directly from a fourth-generation craftsman in a hands-on workshop. Explore Tokoname’s historic Pottery Path, shaped by over 1,000 years of ceramics.

Highlights - Meet three renowned Tokoname bonsai pot artisans inside their working studios. - Discover distinctive techniques, glazes, and artistic philosophies behind exceptional bonsai containers. - Walk the historic Pottery Footpath through kilns, brick chimneys, and pottery-lined streets. - Admire a beautiful bonsai garden where trees and handcrafted pots exist in perfect harmony. - Travel comfortably from Nagoya with a professional English-speaking guide by train and taxi. Overview Discover Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, with a ceramic tradition spanning over 1,000 years. Visit three pottery studios and meet Tokoname bonsai pot artisans. At their workshops, learn how techniques, forms, and glazes complement each bonsai tree. At Ikko Pottery Studio, explore a bonsai garden with handcrafted pots and living trees. Along the way, discover Tokoname’s Pottery Footpath. With transportation from Nagoya and expert interpretation, discover this unique ceramic tradition.

Step beyond fiction and into the real power struggle that inspired stories like Shōgun. This tour is designed for travelers who want to understand the real history and drama of Japan’s samurai past. You will explore how alliances were formed, how betrayals changed the course of history, and how power was ultimately secured. Trace the full arc of Japan’s transformation from the warring state period to where the foundations of 260 years of Tokugawa rule were established on this one-day guided tour from Nagoya. Highlights - See the real locations of the events that inspired stories like Shōgun. - Walk Sekigahara Battlefield, site of Japan’s decisive battle - Visit Nagoya Castle and enter the Honmaru Palace - Travel comfortably in our company’s tour vehicles - Enjoy insights into samurai-era politics from a professional guide

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 -Visit a working teapot kiln and learn to brew tea the Tokoname way -Create your own pottery 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 potter. 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.

Step inside a candle workshop that preserves more than 300 years of Japanese craftsmanship and discover a centuries-old tradition that is still practiced by hand in Okazaki today. Experience the warm, mesmerizing flicker that makes traditional Japanese candles unique, and learn how natural plant wax and handcrafted wicks create their distinctive flame. Complete your visit by painting your own rice-bran wax candle and take home a personalized keepsake of this authentic cultural experience.

Discover Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred shrine, on a private day trip from Nagoya. Travel by Limited Express train and enjoy scenic views along the way. Visit Geku (Outer Shrine), dedicated to Toyouke, the goddess who provides food for Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. Your guide will explain their relationship and Japanese traditions. Next, explore Naiku (Inner Shrine), dedicated to Amaterasu. Walk through ancient forests and discover why millions visit this sacred place to pray. Then stroll through Oharaimachi, a traditional street lined with shops and restaurants. Enjoy local specialties such as Ise udon and Akafuku mochi. Your private English-speaking guide will share local stories and insights into Japanese culture throughout the day. Return to Nagoya by Limited Express train after discovering the spiritual heart of Japan.

Unlike standard sake tastings or automated factory tours, this private experience grants rare, behind-the-scenes access to Sawada Sake Brewery—a 170-year-old heritage producer in Tokoname, near Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture), where traditional hand-craftsmanship has thrived since 1848. What sets this exclusive experience apart is its personal touch and custom souvenir. Guided personally by the brewery owner, you will sample four premium Japanese beverages served in authentic Tokoname-yaki pottery paired with local fermented snacks. Afterwards, you will join a hands-on brush pen workshop to paint your own custom calligraphy label for a full 720ml bottle of fine sake to take home. By combining owner-led heritage storytelling, regional ceramic craftsmanship, and a traditional Japanese calligraphy experience, this activity transforms a classic tasting into an unforgettable cultural highlight in Greater Nagoya.

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 -Step inside a 150-year-old miso brewery and discover Aichi’s rich fermentation heritage. -Explore traditional wooden barrels and learn the secrets of naturally aged Japanese miso. -Meet the people preserving generations of craftsmanship behind the renowned Shippo Miso. -Taste different miso soups and discover their distinctive colors, aromas, and umami. -Browse the brewery shop for authentic miso and locally made fermented specialties. Overview Discover Japanese fermentation at Sato Brewery, home of Shippo Miso, made here for over 150 years. Explore the traditional brewery and learn how miso is fermented and aged. A brewery team member will introduce the craftsmanship behind this essential Japanese ingredient. Then taste several miso soups and compare their colors, aromas, and flavors. Finish at the brewery shop, where you can browse miso and other fermented specialties to take home. Experience the history, craftsmanship, and flavors of Aichi’s fermentation culture.

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 stunning Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the breathtaking landscapes of Kamikochi on this 2-day adventure from Nagoya. Marvel at the impressive snow walls reaching up to 20 meters as you traverse this iconic route. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Kamikochi, visiting scenic spots like Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge. Relax with comfortable coach transportation, scenic cable car rides, and a traditional kaiseki dinner at the Hakuba Sun Valley Hotel, where you’ll spend the night. With professional bilingual guidance and opportunities for incredible photography, this tour is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. - Marvel at towering snow walls along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route - Explore Kamikochi’s picturesque landscapes and serene ponds - Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner and a buffet breakfast at Hakuba Sun Valley Hotel - Benefit from professional bilingual guidance and comfortable transport from Nagoya

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.

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.

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.