Top Nagoya Cultural Tours

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.

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.

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!

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.

Join us for a comfortable private car tour for all ages of Nagoya and its nearby surroundings, guided by a fun and experienced local expert. Relax and enjoy the views and engaging conversation as we travel from one location to the next. This itinerary is a template and can be customized to suit your preferences. Tokugawa garden and Osu Kannon old shopping street can be substituted for the Toyota museum (1200 yen pp)or a bamboo forest, where you can walk and actually touch and lick the trees! It's perfect for the warmer (eg melting hot) and cold (frozen into a popsicle) times. This tour is especially recommended for Cruise ship passengers, as you get picked up at the boat terminal and returned there in time. There is no better way to see Nagoya than by car.

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

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.

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.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embark on an unforgettable one-day adventure to Kamikochi, the crown jewel of the Japanese Northern Alps! This is your chance to step into a pristine natural paradise, where every view feels like a living postcard and every breath fills your lungs with fresh, ion-rich mountain air.

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.

Experience the excitement of Japanese sumo wrestling with this admission to one of the three annual tournaments that take place in Tokyo. Watch the bout with a guide who teaches you about sumo culture and traditions. Tickets for seats mean you don’t have to stand as you watch these giant warriors go head-to-head in the ring.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Sumo Tournament Experience in Nagoya is an experience at the famous Grand Sumo Tournament that occurs only once a year in Nagoya (July). The experience allows guests to learn about sumo traditions and culture with an English-speaking tour guide (expert in sumo wrestling) while watching one of the most exciting sports in Japan. This is a join-in group experience with about 15 - 20 guests (minimum of 15 people is required to operate this tour; if we do not have enough bookings, the tour will be canceled and the guest will receive a full refund).

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.

This half-day guided tour lets you stroll through the streets of Nagoya wearing a traditional kimono. Begin by choosing your favorite from your extensive collection of authentic kimonos, with a wide variety of colors and styles for both kimonos and obis, allowing you to express your own personality. Next, take a quick 5-minute subway ride to Nagoya Castle, where your guide will share fascinating stories about the castle’s history and the culture of Nagoya. Stop by Oasis 21 to enjoy shopping and take in panoramic views of the city from the rooftop. Finally, explore iconic spots like Hisaya Odori, often called the "Champs-Élysées of Japan," and capture memorable photos with your guide’s assistance.

Hida Takayama’s old town preserves the charm of an Edo-period castle town, with wooden machiya houses lining the Sanmachi streets. Lattice windows, flowing canals, and soft morning or sunset light create a timeless atmosphere, where craftsmanship and the scent of sake reflect the town’s quiet elegance. Shirakawa-go feels like a storybook village nestled in the mountains. Its gassho-zukuri farmhouses shine through every season—cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter snow—while clear streams and surrounding hills create a serene harmony with nature.

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.

Hi lovely travelers, A tour for all ages! Join this unforgettable tour of Korankei valley , a peaceful retreat from the busyness of Nagoya, with a stop at Toganji temple, under the guidance of a private experienced guide by minivan. Relax and enjoy the view while I take you from your place of departure to the locations and back. I will answer any questions you have about Japan and life in Japan, through the eyes of an unbiased "Japan lifer". Stroll through the historic streets, dip your toes in the river, and if you're feeling adventurous, embark on a gentle hike. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Edo period and enjoy the tranquility that Asuke has to offer. A great chance for travelers weary of large group of tourists and or have seen all the major toursits spots and would like to experience Japan's tranquil side. .