Top Aichi Prefecture Arts & Design

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

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.

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.

This fun-filled tour is perfect for cat lovers, pottery fans, and anime enthusiasts! Explore Tokoname—the setting of the Netflix anime A Whisker Away—and wander through its maze-like pottery path filled with charm and surprises. With your friendly guide, you’ll discover hidden lucky cats and feel the magic of this historic town come alive. You can also enjoy a Maneki-neko painting experience(optional), which is fun for both adults and children. You can take home the Maneki-neko you painted, creating a special memory of Tokoname.

Discover Tokoname’s most iconic destination, the “Pottery Footpath,” with a guided tour led by a local ceramic artist who grew up in the area and studied abroad. Their unique perspective ensures a seamless and enriching experience. While pottery can be found in many regions, this tour reveals why Tokoname stands out, adding depth to your journey. More than just admiring the scenery, this multilingual tour (available in English, Spanish, and more) offers insights into the history and culture of Tokoname. You'll also have the rare opportunity to interact with local ceramic artists, making your visit truly unforgettable.

Let's walk on the traditional road made of pottery with friendly guide! At first, you can see and take pictures the beautiful view of pottery town. Next you can know the Japanese history, culture and life style through entering into Japanese traditional house. If you become hungry, Let's take the Japanese traditional food & drink which the guide recommends. If you want to make or paint pottery, you can try it. If you don't have time, you can buy some souvenir of hand made pottery for your great memory.

Seto, a pivotal town in Japan’s ceramic history, invites you to discover its rich tradition of pottery. Begin your adventure at the Seto-gura complex, home to the Seto-gura Museum, where the evolution of Seto ware is unveiled from the Heian period to contemporary designs. Learn about the unique characteristics of Seto ceramics, including their practical applications and innovative glazing techniques. The tour also includes a visit to a local ceramics shop, offering insights into modern usage and design. Experience the blend of tradition and modernity in this vibrant craft town. - Discover the history and evolution of Seto ceramics at the Seto-gura Museum - Explore practical wares that shaped Japanese dining culture - Visit a local ceramics shop for insights on modern designs - Learn about versatile glazing techniques that define Seto ware

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.

Discover the beauty and elegance of Japanese culture through a traditional tea ceremony at the Tamesaburo Memorial Museum in Nagoya. This cultural gem, a registered tangible cultural property, offers an authentic setting where visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless art of tea. Guided by experienced tea masters, you'll learn the rituals and philosophy behind the Japanese tea ceremony, a practice that has been cherished for centuries. From the careful preparation of matcha (powdered green tea) to the graceful movements involved in serving and receiving, every aspect of the ceremony reflects harmony, respect, and mindfulness. The museum's tranquil tea room, surrounded by traditional Japanese architecture and gardens, provides the perfect backdrop for this unique experience. Whether you're new to Japanese culture or a seasoned traveler, the tea ceremony at Tamesaburo Memorial Museum promises to be a memorable and enriching journey into the heart of Japan's traditions.

Highlights -Step inside the Studio of an award-winning teapot craftsman, rarely open to the public -Learn the secrets of brewing smooth, flavorful tea with Tokoname teapots -Savor Japanese tea with traditional wagashi sweets in an intimate setting -Stroll Tokoname’s pottery path with a local guide -Explore galleries, shops, and cafés at your own pace after the tour Tour Overview Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns with over 1,000 years of history, is renowned worldwide for its teapots and living ceramic traditions. On this tour, you’ll step inside the studio of a master craftsman, normally closed to the public, to discover the artistry and function of Tokoname teapots and learn traditional tea brewing with seasonal wagashi sweets. A guided walk along the Pottery Footpath reveals historic kilns, galleries, and walls of clay pipes, offering insight into the town’s heritage. The tour concludes with free time to explore shops, cafés, or enjoy lunch at your own pace.

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.

Step into old Japan on a private tour of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, two towns rich in tradition and charm. Stroll Takayama’s historic streets, then head to Shirakawa-go to see its iconic thatched-roof farmhouses. Discover folk culture, taste local flavors, and enjoy mountain views on this unforgettable journey. Travel in comfort with a nationally licensed guide who picks you up in a private car from Nagoya—making your journey smooth, safe, and personal from start to finish. Few reviews here yet, but I have many 5-star reviews on other platforms—book with confidence! Highlights: ・Stroll Takayama’s timeless streets, where nature and history blend seamlessly. ・Discover Shirakawa-go’s thatched roofs and tranquil mountain scenery. ・Experience the peaceful village atmosphere, like stepping back in time. ・Trusted as a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (Cert. No. EN00703). ・Comfortable travel with a private car and 10+ years professional driving.

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.

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.)

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 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!

Take part in a shibori tie-dye workshop in Arimatsu and learn all about this ancient Japanese art from a local guide. The experience starts with a walking tour around the old city, so you can admire its original Edo-era buildings, shop for souvenir shibori art, and visit the Tie-Dyeing Museum. Afterward, you'll head to your workshop to create your very own shibori tie-dye masterpiece. Choose from two options when you book online.

This Nagoya food tour lets you experience the city through its signature dishes while discovering local spots you might overlook on your own. It begins at Oasis 21 in Sakae, where your guide shares the history of Nagoya and introduces key symbols like Nagoya Castle, the golden shachihoko, and Atsuta Shrine. After enjoying views from the observation deck, you head to the first tasting. A short walk brings you to a restaurant specializing in miso nikomi udon made with rich red miso. You then sample Moriguchi pickles before visiting the basement of Japan’s oldest department store to try local favorites such as tenmusu, seasonal oni manju, and fragrant shrimp crackers, along with the stories behind them. The highlight is hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s famous grilled eel over rice. The tour ends at a local izakaya with a drink and spicy tebasaki wings. With 7–8 dishes included, it offers a full introduction to Nagoya-meshi.

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.

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.

Step into Japan’s samurai past on a hands-on, small-group journey to Inuyama, home to one of the country’s oldest original castles, where history comes alive through sword practice, tea rituals, and local street food. This immersive day blends cultural depth, interactive experiences, and hidden-town charm just minutes from Nagoya, offering a side of Japan most travelers miss.

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.

Aichi has numerous castles and castle ruins. Among them, Okazaki Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Nagoya Castle are definitely not to be missed! This tour offers you a detailed explanation of the castles with each history from an English-speaking guide. In the castle town, enjoy eating and shopping at cafes in townhouses and stores! You can also enjoy local transportation.