Top Aichi Prefecture How to Get Around - page 11

Embark on an adventure into Japan’s historical core with a private tour of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. These destinations provide a tranquil retreat into the nation’s heritage settings, a world apart from the bustling city life. Explore the vibrant streets and intimate passageways of Takayama, lined by the pristine waters and historic timber-framed houses that reveal the enduring allure of Japanese craftsmanship. Then stroll through Shirakawa-go; a picturesque village famed for its gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof houses) and a living museum of Japan’s rural traditions. This one day tour lead by an English-speaking guide from Nagoya gives you a comprehensive glimpse into the cultural traditions and architectural wonders of Takayama and Shirakawa-go.

Highlights ・Try traditional mochi pounding with wooden mallet and mortar ・Feel the festive rhythm of this time-honored celebration ・Enjoy freshly prepared mochi in two Japanese flavors at a historic café ・Share a warm cultural moment in a nostalgic neighborhood Tour Overview Join a hands-on mochi pounding experience in Nagoya’s Endoji Shopping Street, a tradition often celebrated during the New Year. Guided by friendly hosts, you’ll pound steamed rice in a wooden mortar, working in rhythm and unison just as generations have done. The lively atmosphere is filled with teamwork, laughter, and festive spirit. Afterward, step into NAGONOYA café, a retro landmark, to savor mochi prepared in two distinct Japanese flavors along with a refreshing drink. This short but memorable experience is more than food—it’s a celebration of tradition, togetherness, and Japan’s warm hospitality.

Embark on a shopping adventure to find the perfect Japanese knife, showcasing unparalleled quality This is a program where you visit Seki to test knives, allowing you to purchase the perfect knife suited for you while experiencing knife testing firsthand. Seki Blade Seki City, acclaimed worldwide for its outstanding cutlery and swords, owes its reputation to centuries-old traditions and unparalleled craftsmanship in blade forging. The blades crafted here stand out due to their exceptional sharpness, durability, and meticulous attention to detail, making them favorites among professional chefs and enthusiasts alike.

This tour connects three different sides of Aichi in one day: Toyota’s innovation, Toyota City’s sports culture, and Nagoya’s historic heritage. Instead of visiting only central Nagoya or only Toyota-related facilities, this private car tour links Toyota Kaikan, Toyota Stadium, and Nagoya Castle in a flexible route. It is designed for travelers who want to use their time efficiently from Nagoya Station, Nagoya Port, or Chubu Centrair International Airport. The Toyota Stadium visit is normally a photo stop, but groups of 10 or more may request an official stadium tour in advance if the stadium’s schedule and availability allow.

Discover Sacred Ise in Comfort From Nagoya, a 10-hour private charter to Mie's sacred sites. Seamless private travel, no public transport. Suggested Itinerary: Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku): Japan's most revered Shinto shrine. Dedicated to Sun Goddess. Serene ancient cypress trees. Okage Yokocho: Outside Naiku. Charming Edo street, ideal for lunch. Try "Ise Udon," "Akafuku," and crafts. Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks): Futami Okitama Shrine by sea. "Wedded Rocks" symbolize happy marriage. Famous for lucky frog statues. Ise Grand Shrine (Geku) Optional: Visit Outer Shrine, completing pilgrimage. Please note that this itinerary serves as a guideline. The schedule is flexible and can be adjusted on the day according to traffic conditions. Why Choose This Private Tour? Comfort for Groups: Spacious 7-seater (Alphard) or 10-seater (HiAce) vans. Ideal for families bor seniors; relaxing 2-hour drive. Hassle-Free: We handle driving, parking, tolls. Focus on your experience.

Recommended attractions: Gujo Hachiman Castle/Takayama Jinya/Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Go to Gujo Hachiman Castle to visit the exhibitions and historical introductions in the city, stroll along the city trails, and enjoy the natural scenery. Visit Takayama Jinya, explore different areas of the official residence, learn about the life and administrative functions of the Edo period, and understand and appreciate the architectural style and historical background of Jinya. Walk in the famous Shirakawa-go Gassho Village. Shirakawa-go Gassho Village is a typical Japanese mountain village surrounded by mountains. It is also listed as a World Cultural Heritage. A lighting ceremony is held every winter. At this time, Gassho Village will be brightly lit and is called a fairy tale town. This year's lighting dates are: January 13, January 19, January 26, and February 2, 2025. January and February are also the months when Shirakawa-go has the most snowfall.

Shirakawa-go and Takayama are other attractive cities, but if you are going to Gifu, we would like you to know the city of Gujo-Hachiman. Although it is a small town, it has a castle tower built on top of a mountain from which you can see the entire town, clean water that you can drink at the drinking fountain, and is known as the birthplace of silk-screen printing and food samples, a town that is a condensed version of the splendor of Japan. The city is also known as the birthplace of silk-screen printing and food samples, etc. Especially in summer, there are more things to see and do in the city as fishermen fish for sweetfish in the river and the Gujo Odori dance, known as one of the three major Bon Odori dances in Japan, becomes more active. It is also an attractive town for Japanese people and a vibrant town with young immigrants. We will offer experiences along with sightseeing, so please let us know if there are any experiences you are interested in.

Embark on a unique program in Seki, where you can test various knives and purchase one that best suits your needs. Immerse yourself in the ancient art of swordsmithing, shaping your very own samurai sword with the help of seasoned craftsmen. Seki Blade Seki City, acclaimed worldwide for its outstanding cutlery and swords, owes its reputation to centuries-old traditions and unparalleled craftsmanship in blade forging. The blades crafted here stand out due to their exceptional sharpness, durability, and meticulous attention to detail, making them favorites among professional chefs and enthusiasts alike.

Experience traditional Japanese culture through a private guided tour of Nagoya Castle by the Nagoya Hospitality Samurai Team and a Kodo (incense ceremony) experience by a master of the art. Kodo (香道) - This refers to the traditional Japanese art of appreciating incense, which might be unfamiliar outside of Japan or to those not versed in Japanese cultural arts.

A profound 2-day immersion into the Kumano Kodo Iseji route. Conquer ancient trails with private expert guides, connecting with the spirits of past pilgrims while savoring gourmet bento boxes amidst breathtaking nature.

This tour offers exclusive after-hours access to Nagoya Castle, originally built by Tokugawa Ieyasu. You will enjoy a private viewing of the Honmaru Palace, a masterpiece of early modern architecture revived through the cutting-edge craftsmanship of the Edo period. Nagoya Castle still radiates the majesty of the Tokugawa clan today. Imagine having the towering keep and tranquil stone walls all to yourself. This is a truly unique experience, allowing you to explore these historic grounds—usually bustling with tourists—in complete serenity. Under the watchful gaze of the golden shachihoko, you can enjoy a timeless moment and feel like the true lord of the castle.

Experience the fairy-tale charm of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where iconic thatched-roof farmhouses are set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and lush greenery, making it a must-see destination in any season. Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama enchants with its preserved Edo-period streets, bustling morning markets, and rich cultural heritage, offering a timeless glimpse into Japan’s traditional past.

Delve deep into Nagoya's history on a private samurai-guided tour at Nagoya Castle, and experience a traditional meal and geisha dance together at the historical restaurant "Kawabun". Daimyo: Daimyo were influential Japanese feudal lords who ruled regions under the shogun from the 10th to the 19th century. They managed private armies of samurai and had significant political and economic power.

Experience the magical tradition of cormorant fishing under the starlit sky, a mesmerizing display of harmony between humans and nature Embark on a fishing tour with an interpreter guide and dine at a restaurant run by Royal Fishermen who have preserved a traditional style of fishing for over a millennium.

Experience the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese umbrellas and samurai swords in Gifu, including a stay at Nagaragawa Onsen and a visit to a cormorant fishing museum. Ukai Cormorant fishing, a traditional fishing method using cormorants, is unique to certain regions in Japan and might not be widely recognized internationally.

Visit Izumo Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's most sacred shrines, and Matsue Castle, a national treasure, explore traditional tea ceremony culture at a historic teahouse, and stay overnight at a lakeside inn on Lake Shinji. Izumo Taisha (出雲大社) - This is one of Japan's most famous and oldest Shinto shrines, but its cultural and spiritual significance might not be immediately clear to international visitors.

Experience the spiritual Kumano Kodo Iseji route on this exclusive 2-day guided pilgrimage. Trek ancient stone paths, cruise the Kumano River by traditional boat, and discover deep history from Ise to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine.

This exclusive, after-hours tour offers a rare private encounter with the storied heritage of the Owari Tokugawa family. Led by an expert curator from the Tokugawa Art Museum, you will explore a magnificent collection that defines the pinnacle of feudal lord culture—from the world-renowned National Treasure "The Tale of Genji Illustrated Scrolls" to exquisite arms, armor, and bridal dowries. With the galleries reserved solely for your presence, the usual bustle is replaced by a profound, elegant silence. To gaze upon legendary swords, masterwork paintings, and delicate crafts in such tranquility is to embark on a timeless journey. This is the ultimate private viewing experience, offering a depth of intimacy with history found nowhere else in the world. (Note: Specific National Treasures may be replaced with other masterpieces depending on the exhibition period.)

Indulge in an exclusive culinary odyssey along the Kumano Kodo Iseji route. Savor world-class binchotan-grilled delicacies, rare local ocean treats, and premium citrus tastings, perfectly paired with breathtaking treks and traditional river cruises.

Immerse yourself in authentic Kumano Kodo Iseji culture. Savor gourmet cuisine grilled with world-class binchotan charcoal, visit traditional Owase Wappa artisans, and master the art of Mehari-zushi on this exclusive cultural journey.

An unrivaled 4-day curated journey through Kumano Kodo Iseji. Experience sacred shrines, ancient treks, traditional crafts, and scenic cruises, seamlessly blending Japan’s profound history, culture, and gourmet delicacies.

"KANAE" is a supreme tourist entertainment that combines the story of Toyokawa, historical and cultural assets, entertainment, gourmet food, and art, set in Aichi Prefecture's "Toyokawa Inari" and surrounding towns. A power spot famous as one of Japan's three major Inari shrines, Enjoy a fox mask painting experience, a dance show, calligraphy sounds, the Yuki Nishimoto Museum, and more. Afterwards, pray and visit the inner sanctum of the main shrine, which is said to make your wishes come true. The climax is a special dinner show at Saishoden. Enjoy a special time and space where you can feel the spirituality and cultural background of the Japanese people through an overwhelming view of the world.

Join us on a private guided tour to Tokoname, Japan's pottery mecca and one of the country's oldest ceramic towns. Traveling comfortably by private car with your guide, you'll discover the rich history, craftsmanship, and charm that make Tokoname so special. We will stroll through the old and charismatic streets, exploring narrow pathways lined with traditional pottery workshops, ceramic walls, and historic buildings. Along the way, you'll see old kilns that have helped shape Tokoname's pottery culture for centuries and learn about the town's fascinating heritage. The Pottery Footpath offers a unique blend of history and nature, with peaceful scenery, hidden corners, and countless opportunities to admire and purchase locally made ceramics. Whether you are interested in Japanese culture, photography, or simply enjoying a relaxing day outside the city, Tokoname is a wonderful destination.