Places You'll See
Highlights
- Explore the charming streets of small town Japan and discover a new side to Japan's third largest city.
- View Japan’s most sacred shrine, the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise-Jingu) and marvel at the natural beauty of Ise Bay as we gaze upon Meoto Iwa.
- Discover the secrets behind premium matcha and craft beautiful, traditional Japanese sweets in a hands-on workshop.
- Dance with the Gujo Odori dancers at a lively festival museum.
- Fill your camera roll with images from some of the Nagoya region’s most photogenic locations.
Description
This itinerary is perfect for the travelers who have already explored the major sights of Nagoya such as the iconic Nagoya Castle and the scenic Shirakawa-go, or seek to go deeper into the hidden gems of the region. This 4-day itinerary will take you off the beaten path to explore tranquil Shinto shrines, lush tea plantations, breathtaking gorges, and cultural treasures—each offering fresh, new experiences. You'll be able to stay in Nagoya each night, allowing you to rest comfortably between these exciting day trips, and return home with unforgettable memories. Whether you're a nature lover, a food enthusiast, or a photography aficionado, this journey through Central Japan will give you a fresh perspective on the region’s hidden beauty.
Day 1 ISE
How to Start Your Day
Start your adventure with a spiritual retreat in Ise, a place of immense cultural significance. Home to the revered Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s most sacred Shinto site, Ise offers a serene and inspiring experience. Today, you’ll explore sacred grounds surrounded by lush forests and tranquil landscapes. Come hungry as there will be plenty of time to indulge in the area’s famous cuisine, including Ise Udon and spiny lobster.
1- Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines / All Year Round
Located not far from Nagoya, Ise is blessed with abundant natural beauty, from towering cypress groves to indented coastlines and mountains painted in colorful foliage. The region is also home to Japan’s most sacred shrine, Ise-Jingu. Touring these sacred grounds is a special opportunity to understand the heart and soul of the Japanese people.
On our 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines you'll marvel at the natural beauty of the region and refresh your body and soul with spiritual experiences and delicious cuisine as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant city of Nagoya at your own pace. We highly recommend staying near the Nagoya Station area, offering convenient access to transportation and easy access to a variety of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, ensuring that your time in Nagoya is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Recommended Accommodation
As one of Japan’s largest cities, Nagoya has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
The area immediately around Nagoya Station has many large hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself. Located a short subway ride away from Nagoya station, the Sakae area of Nagoya is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. As such the area has many great options for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s fine dining or nightlife. For travelers looking for a more traditional stay, Nagoya and the surrounding areas also have many traditional ryokan to choose from.
Check out our Nagoya destination page for more information on where to stay.
Day 2 NISHIO
How to Start Your Day
Get ready to step into the world of Japan’s most famous green tea—matcha. Nishio, the birthplace of premium matcha, offers a deep dive into the traditions surrounding this beloved tea. You’ll visit matcha tea farms, learn about the meticulous process of tea production, and even create your own confections to complement the tea.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Matcha, Confections, and Traditions in Nishio / All Year Round
Step away from the hustle of modern Japan and into a world where centuries-old traditions meet unparalleled craftsmanship. As you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour, you will have the rare opportunity to explore the birthplace of premium matcha, experience the art of creating delicate Japanese confections, and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions that makes this region truly unique.
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it’s a deep dive into the production and cultural significance of one of Japan’s most beloved exports—matcha green tea. From crafting your own tea ceremony sweets to a behind the scenes look at the production of premium quality matcha, this tour will take you deeper into one of Japan’s most treasured traditions than ever before. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur, a culinary enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this is an opportunity to experience Japan in a way that few ever do—through the flavors, sights, and stories that make the country so uniquely captivating.
How to End Your Day
Your tour will conclude back at Nagoya Station. You can continue your culinary exploration there or by heading to the city’s lively Sakae district to enjoy a warm bowl of kishimen noodles, a crispy miso katsu, or any of the many other local specialties Nagoya has to offer. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations or let your nose lead the way!
Recommended Accommodation
For your convenience, all tours in this itinerary start and end in Nagoya, making it easy for you to return to the same hotel each night.
Day 3 KORANKEI
How to Start Your Day
Be sure to pack your camera today as Korankei Gorge is an unmissable destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Renowned for its vibrant autumn colors, this picturesque gorge is dotted with over 4,000 maple trees that reflect their stunning hues off tranquil streams, but displays exceptional natural beauty year round. Along the way, you’ll also visit Toyokawa Inari Shrine, known for its thousand stone foxes, and a lesser known but equally delicious form of sushi, Inari sushi.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Korankei Gorge & Fox Shrines—A Photographer's Paradise / All Year Round
Day Tour
¥24,900
Experience the natural beauty and captivating scenery of Japan on this unforgettable one-day tour, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Travel to the iconic Toyokawa Inari Shrine and capture the serene beauty of its one thousand stone foxes. Marvel at the natural beauty of Korankei Gorge, one of Japan’s top spots for autumn foliage, where the vibrant colors of over 4,000 maple trees reflect off the tranquil waters. Explore Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village, a picturesque open-air museum, where rural charms and traditional crafts await.
This tour is not only a photographer’s dream, taking you to some of Nagoya’s most photogenic spots, but also offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and timeless beauty.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, return to Nagoya and enjoy a relaxing dinner in Osu. This area, famous for its vibrant shopping streets, offers everything from traditional food stalls to quirky cafes and shops. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a fulfilling day.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 4 GUJO
How to Start Your Day
On your final day, venture to the idyllic town of Gujo Hachiman, known as "Little Kyoto" for its traditional atmosphere and scenic beauty. Pack some good walking shoes as you'll start with a short hike to the top of Gujo-Hachiman Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Explore the charming streets of this picturesque town before engaging in a hands-on experience at a food replica factory, where you can create your own sushi or sweets. Finally, immerse yourself in the lively dance culture of Gujo, learning the steps to the famous Gujo Odori dance.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
Embark on a family-friendly journey to Gujo Hachiman, a small-yet-picturesque mountain village nicknamed "Little Kyoto" where Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless traditions come alive.
Starting with a short scenic hike to Gujo-Hachiman Castle, you’ll stand where history was made, soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and town below. Wander the charming streets of this picturesque town, then partake in a truly unique creative experience at a food replica factory, crafting your own sushi platter or sweet treat. Dive into the lively world of Japanese festivals, where you’ll learn the steps of a dace from the local 24-hour dance festival that’s been celebrated for centuries. This 1-day tour from Nagoya allows you to experience the unique beauty, history, and (sometimes quirky) culture of small town Japan as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide.
How to End Your Day
That's all for the 4-day itinerary! From here you can continue on to many unique destinations in the region such as Kanazawa and Nagano, or head into the larger cities of Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo. For those returning home after your time in Nagoya, the Chubu Centrair International Airport offers a convenient and easily accessible location from which to fly out of.
Recommended Accommodations
For those with early morning flights, the airport, located on a man-made island in Ise Bay, offers a couple of hotels in the airport itself with more options just over the bridge on the mainland. For listings, see our ‘Chubu Centrair International Airport Area’ page.
