Top Nagoya Arts & Design

Explore Japan’s rich craftsmanship on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Visit Tokoname, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, and discover the history of traditional pottery. Stroll the Tokoname Pottery Path, where winding pottery lined streets filled with traditional houses, artisan shops, and cafes await. Marvel at the intricate porcelain tiles, step inside a historic kiln, and enjoy the quirky exhibits—including a museum dedicated to toilets! Next, head to Arimatsu, a village renowned for its labor-intensive indigo-dyeing technique, Arimatsu Shibori. Watch skilled artisans create stunning textiles, and shop for one-of-a-kind hand-dyed fabrics. This tour offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm, as you are led by an experienced, English speaking guide on this unforgettable one-day tour from Nagoya.

Explore the refined beauty of Tokugawa-en, one of Nagoya’s most elegant daimyo gardens, on a guided walk through its carefully designed landscape. Originally connected to the Owari Tokugawa family, the garden reflects the taste, status, and cultural sophistication of Japan’s feudal lords. As you stroll past ponds, streams, bridges, waterfalls, wooded paths, and seasonal plants, your guide will introduce the ideas behind traditional Japanese strolling gardens and how nature was shaped to express both beauty and authority. Rather than simply viewing the scenery, you will learn how each element creates movement, perspective, and atmosphere. This peaceful experience offers time for photography, quiet observation, and a deeper appreciation of Tokugawa-en as a living expression of samurai-era aesthetics in Nagoya.

Discover Japan’s culture of ‘monozukuri' (craftsmanship) on this private half-day tour of Nagoya. Visit two renowned companies, the car manufacturer Toyota, and Noritake—a tableware and technology company. Hear how Central Japan became a key region for advanced manufacturing as you watch live demonstrations, hear informative commentary, and check out exhibitions on a tour that includes admission ticket and private guide.

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.

A true petrol head's tour! Buckle up, car lovers! This tour is a dream for anyone obsessed with horsepower and the scent of fresh interiors. After I pick you up at the location of your desire, cruise ship, hotel etc. The first stop will be the Toyota Automobile Museum, a treasure trove of mint-condition classics and modern marvels. Then, we cruise to Toyota City, birthplace of the Toyota family, to explore the Toyota Kaikan, where you can sit in, touch, and admire the latest models (no licking!). And, of course, your guide is a true car maniac—because what’s a car tour without a car-obsessed driver? We finish the tour with a stop at Autobacs, the car part specialty shop, just to nose around or buy a souvenir (macha flavored air-freshener?.) Note This tour is not possible on Mondays as the Automobile museum is closed - Duration: 6-7 hours with a customizable itinerary - Private tour for up to 9 participants - Door-to-door car service in a comfortable Delica D5 or Hiace van

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.

Highlights - Step inside the private home studio of internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Chikako Yoshikawa. - Meet master teapot artisan Yoshiki Murata, with over 60 years of craftsmanship. - Discover one-of-a-kind Tokoname teapots shaped by tradition, imagination, and playful creativity. - Walk Tokoname’s historic Pottery Footpath among kilns, brick chimneys, studios, and galleries. - Experience how tradition and contemporary creativity come together in Tokoname pottery. Overview Discover Tokoname pottery, where 1,000 years of tradition inspire new forms. Walk the historic Pottery Footpath, where old kilns, chimneys, and workshops reveal Tokoname’s ceramic heritage. Visit ceramic artist Chikako Yoshikawa’s private studio and hear about her vision and creative process Then meet Yoshiki Murata, a master artisan with 60 years of experience making Tokoname teapots. See his creations up close and discover how traditional techniques meet playful forms and colors.

Departing from Nagoya Station, take the train to Tajimi Station. Upon arrival, a bus will take you to the Mosaic Tile Museum, where you can enjoy the unique architecture and learn about the history of Tajimi’s tiles. Next, visit Honmachi Oribe Street, home to several tableware shops. Explore stores housed in over 100-year-old Japanese buildings and take your time finding your favorite pieces while enjoying the traditional atmosphere. Unlike other tourist spots, this area is calm and relaxed, allowing you to enjoy the day at your own pace. You’ll find everything from everyday tableware to high-end pieces rarely seen elsewhere in Japan—perfect for discovering a special item. While Tokoname is another pottery town accessible on a day trip from Nagoya, it’s interesting to compare the experience with the tour “Tokoname Pottery Village Day Trip from Nagoya.” The tour concludes with a train ride back to Nagoya Station.

Discover the ancient Japanese art of Incense Ceremony(Kodo) at the historic Tamesaburo Memorial Museum in Nagoya. This beautifully preserved cultural property offers an authentic setting to immerse yourself in one of Japan's most refined traditional arts. During this experience, you’ll not only learn about the 500-year-old tradition of Kodo, once enjoyed by samurai and aristocrats, but also participate in a unique and engaging incense identification game. This game challenges your senses to distinguish the subtle differences between various aromatic woods, deepening your appreciation for their delicate and complex fragrances. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll uncover the techniques and spiritual elements of Kodo, which emphasize mindfulness and sensory refinement. The serene traditional space of the Tamesaburo Memorial Museum, surrounded by tranquil Japanese gardens, provides the perfect environment for this meditative and cultural journey.

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 - 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.

Highlights -Walk Tokoname’s historic Pottery Path, shaped by over 1,000 years of ceramic tradition. -Discover brick chimneys, old kiln sites, ceramic-lined slopes, workshops, and galleries. -Visit an indigo workshop that grows, prepares, ferments, and dyes its own indigo. -Dye your own tenugui using natural indigo and centuries-old fermentation techniques. -Experience two distinctive Japanese traditions: Tokoname pottery and the deep hues of Japan Blue. Overview Discover Tokoname’s pottery heritage alongside natural indigo dyeing. Walk the Pottery Footpath, where old kilns, chimneys, workshops, and Clay Pipe Hill reveal 1,000 years of ceramic history. Then visit Konya no Namiho, an indigo workshop where plants are grown, fermented, and transformed into dye. Using a traditional indigo vat, create your own tenugui, a Japanese cotton cloth dyed in a rich blue known as “Japan Blue.” Experience two traditions shaped by generations of craftsmanship and the natural world.

・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.

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.)

Tour highlights -Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch featuring fresh wild boar and venison -Create your own original necklace using deer antler pieces with a local artist -Learn about sustainable living and how local communities make use of natural resources -Spend a day immersed in nature while discovering Toyota City’s mountain culture and traditions -Explore the rich natural environment of the Asuke area with knowledgeable local staff Tour details Experience Toyota Green Life through hands-on activities that showcase the region’s sustainable lifestyle and deep connection to nature. Enjoy a flavorful BBQ lunch featuring wild boar and venison sourced from the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, craft a unique deer-antler pendant using materials that are typically discarded. Engage all five senses as you learn about local culture, support community businesses, and appreciate the abundant gifts of nature in the mountains of Toyota City.

Discover the artistry of Japanese violin-making at the renowned Suzuki Violin Workshop! Take a guided tour through the workshop, where you can admire a handwritten letter from Einstein, a fan of the Suzuki Violin. Learn about the history of this internationally acclaimed company, famous for producing 100,000 violins annually during the Meiji Era. Then, try your hand at varnishing violin parts, turning them into a unique strap to take home as a special souvenir. With an English-speaking guide, this experience blends tradition, craftsmanship, and history, making it an unforgettable visit!

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.

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.

Combining mythology, history, and traditional craftsmanship, this tour offers a deeper look at Japan's spiritual and artistic traditions that have shaped Japan for centuries in a 1-day tour from Nagoya. In the morning, you'll visit Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. You'll explore its peaceful forest grounds and learn about the legends and history of the sacred sword housed on the shrine's grounds that has made this sacred site a place of worship for nearly 2,000 years. In the afternoon, visit the historic post town of Arimatsu, renowned for its 400-year-old tradition of Arimatsu Shibori. Stroll its preserved Edo-period streets and take part in a hands-on workshop, creating your own shibori-dyed souvenir with guidance from a local artisan. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to discover the mythology, history, and traditional craftsmanship of Japan in an unforgettable day from Nagoya led by a professional guide.

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 tour offers a full-day journey from Nagoya to Inuyama, combining history, culture, and local flavors. Explore Japan’s oldest castle, stroll charming streets, taste unique local delicacies, and enjoy hands-on traditional crafts like lantern painting—an immersive experience capturing the town’s heritage and charm.