Overview
Centrally located and surrounded by fertile plains, mountains, rivers, and the sea, it is easy to understand why Nagoya is known as “the Heart of Japan.” This castle city attracted samurai and craftsmen alike and, later, wealthy merchants and innovative leaders of industry. Today, Nagoya has cemented itself as Japan’s center of industry and is home to manufacturing giants such as Toyota, Brother, Noritake, Ibanez, Buffalo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This tour will take you into several historical estates and private gardens of these titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Entry fee at Tokugawa Garden
- Transportation during the tour
- English speaking guide
- Matcha Experience
- Entry fee at Nagoya Castle
- Entry fee at the Culture Path estates
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Transportation to/from Nagoya Station
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
The tour begins with a meetup at Nagoya Station at 09:00. Guests should wait inside the station, in front of the SILVER clock tower across from the Shinkansen exit gates. Your guide will greet you there. Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the city and set the scene as we depart from Nagoya Station toward Nagoya Castle via train.
Stop 2
We will tour Nagoya Castle grounds, explore the interior of the Honmaru Palace, and view rare artifacts that survived the destruction of the castle during World War 2. After visiting the castle and learning about it's construction and history, you will be able to relax in the garden a taste matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet.
Stop 3
We will stop for a quick lunch and free time to purchase souvenirs in Kinsachi Yokocho. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations or let your nose lead the way!
Stop 4
After lunch, we will head to Nagoya’s Culture Path on foot. It is about a 20-minute walk from Kinshachi Yokocho. Once we arrive at the Culture Path, your guide will lead you through several historical villas and gardens once owned by some of Nagoya’s wealthiest families.
Stop 5
We will set off on foot once again to our final destination, Tokugawa Garden and Art Museum. The walk from the Culture Path to Tokugawa Garden is about 20 minutes. Here, your guide will lead you through the Tokugawa Art Museum where you will see objects that were once used in the very castle you visited in the morning. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take a relaxing stroll through the garden.
Stop 6
The tour concludes at Nagoya Station, where the guide will say their goodbyes. *We cannot guarantee the end time as transportation could cause delays. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations, we recommend doing so for times of 18:00 or later.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Walking time is already included in the tour duration