Top Nagoya How to Get Around in 2026

Step back in time and discover the charm of Japan's historic post towns on this private guided day tour from Nagoya. Travel comfortably by private vehicle to the beautifully preserved towns of Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku, two former post stations along the historic Nakasendo Trail, which once connected Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the samurai era. Begin your journey in Magome-juku, a picturesque hillside town known for its stone-paved streets, traditional wooden buildings, and scenic mountain views. Continue to Tsumago-juku, one of Japan's best-preserved post towns. Carefully restored to reflect its Edo-period appearance, it offers a rare glimpse into Japan's past. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the history and culture of the Nakasendo route, helping you gain a deeper appreciation of rural Japan's rich heritage.

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.

Highlights - Discover Chita's rich fermentation heritage through sake, pottery, and seasonal local cuisine. - Discover traditional sake brewing at a family-run brewery founded in 1848. - Visit a Tokoname pottery studio creating tableware for Japan's finest restaurants. - Enjoy an award-winning seasonal French lunch paired with local sake. - Travel comfortably by private vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide. Overview Discover Chita’s culinary culture, south of Nagoya. Begin at Keigama, a Tokoname pottery studio representing one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. See how artisans create BAN tableware, developed with chefs to showcase food at its finest. Next, visit Sawada Sake Brewery, founded in 1848, and discover its sake-making traditions. The journey culminates with lunch at Le Coeuryuzu, one of Chita’s leading restaurants. An award-winning Chef serves seasonal ingredients on BAN pottery, paired with Sawada sake. Discover how it all comes together in Chita’s food culture.

Highlights Explore Chita's finest producers alongside award-winning Chef Watanabe. Meet local growers and discover the stories behind exceptional seasonal ingredients. Experience Japan's rich farm-to-table culture through exclusive producer visits. Enjoy an exclusive tasting menu at Le Coeuryuzu, paired with carefully selected local sake. Discover why the Chita Peninsula is one of Japan's most celebrated culinary regions. Overview Discover Chita’s rich food culture on an exclusive farm-to-table tour with Chef Watanabe, Le Coeuryuzu's owner-chef and a recipient of Japan’s prestigious Ryori Masters award. Visit seasonal producers, such as farms, vegetable growers, or local markets, and hear about their products and traditions. Learn how the chef selects ingredients and builds relationships with producers. Return to Le Coeuryuzu for a seasonal French tasting course featuring local ingredients, paired with local sake. Enjoy the flavors of Chita while speaking with Chef Watanabe.

Discover the timeless charm of Takayama on a private, customizable 10-hour tour designed around your interests. Step into Japan’s past as you explore the historic Takayama Jinya, once the seat of the shogunate, and stroll through the old streets of Sanmachi Suji, lined with beautifully preserved wooden houses, sake breweries, and local craft shops. At the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, admire the magnificent festival floats that showcase centuries of craftsmanship and culture. With your knowledgeable local guide, enjoy insider stories, hidden gems, and authentic flavors at your own pace. Whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, food, or photography, this experience offers the perfect blend of culture and discovery. Relax with private transport, flexible scheduling, and personalized attention. Book your Takayama adventure today and experience the heart of Japan’s Edo heritage in an unforgettable way.

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.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. Journey north from Nagoya Port by private taxi via the expressway to a beautifully preserved corner of old Japan. Visit Inuyama Castle, home to Japan’s oldest original castle keep, then stroll the highly picturesque Inuyama Castle Town for samurai-era streets, local skewers, and lunch. The highway route skips train transfers, helping you arrive quickly and comfortably at the castle gates before returning to port on time. Itinerary (7 hours): Nagoya Port → Inuyama Castle (National Treasure) → Inuyama Castle Town (lunch & stroll) → Nagoya Port

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. Embark on a magnificent day trip to Japan's most profoundly sacred spiritual site. Travel comfortably via expressway to Ise Jingu, walk through ancient cedar forests, and taste legendary local food. This classic route pairs the timeless serenity of Ise Jingu (Naiku) with the highly energetic, beautifully preserved streets of Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho—ideal for “Ise Udon” noodles and famous local sweets.

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.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion departs from Nagoya Port and takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses. Enjoy free time to stroll the village, take panoramic photos, and visit key houses/museums before returning to Nagoya Port.

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.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. Embark on an impossibly grand expedition connecting the absolute masterpiece of World Heritage architecture with profoundly monumental historic towns and flawlessly therapeutic hot springs. Discover incredibly striking merchant streets, walk perfectly through crystal-clear water alleys, and stand in absolute awe before majestic thatched-roof houses.

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.)

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.

Travel through the Japan Alps on a 4-day private vehicle journey from Nagoya, connecting Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Toyama, the Tateyama Alpine Route, Kamikochi, and Matsumoto without returning to Nagoya each day. This continuous route reduces repeated travel and allows you to explore several contrasting mountain and cultural regions with your luggage traveling with you. Default route: Day 1 Nagoya → Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Toyama; Day 2 Toyama → Tateyama Alpine Route → Takayama; Day 3 Takayama → Kamikochi → Matsumoto; Day 4 Matsumoto → Matsumoto Castle area → Nagoya. This is a private vehicle and driver service only. Accommodation, meals, attraction tickets, professional guide service, English-speaking driver service, Tateyama Alpine Route transportation, and Kamikochi shuttle or taxi fares are not included. Route timing may change due to traffic, weather, mountain road conditions, seasonal operations, or parking restrictions.