Places You'll See
Highlights
- View Japan’s largest castle keep, Nagoya Castle, and tour the magnificent Honmaru Palace which was Japan's first castle to be designated a National Treasure.
- Tour a thatched-roof house in UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go as your guide shares the history (and dramas) of Edo-era life in this remote mountain village.
- View Japan’s most sacred shrine, the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise-Jingu).
- Marvel at the natural beauty of Ise Bay as we gaze upon Meoto Iwa.
- Glimpse into the lives of the Toyota family as we tour the Taisho-era home of Sasuke Toyoda and several other well-preserved estates.
- Taste premium wagyu beef or any number of local delicacies such as spiny lobster, fried oysters, or miso-katsu.
Description
Located in the center of Japan, Nagoya is known as “the Heart of Japan.” This modern and innovative city also has a diverse food scene, great access to nature, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal place to stay as you travel across Japan or into the mountainous heartland of Central Japan.
Only have time for a short trip to Nagoya? This 3-day itinerary allows you to make the most of your time in the region and conveniently returns to Nagoya each night—thus making it possible to stay in same hotel each night.
Day 1 NAGOYA
How to Start Your Day
One of the largest and most easily accessible cities in Japan, Nagoya is well suited to a multi-day visit combining regional highlights with the many attractions of a large city.
Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace, sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo, and tour the historical estates and private gardens of Nagoya's legendary titans of industry.
1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya's Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates / All Year Round
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 historic 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.
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 ISE
How to Start Your Day
Nagoya’s central location makes it ideal for exploring both large cities and remote hidden gems alike. One of the most fascinating locations in the region is Ise—renowned for the ancient Ise Jingu Shrine, considered one of Japan’s holiest sites, offering a spiritual retreat surrounded by lush forests. Beyond the shrine, Ise is also home to the tranquil Meoto Iwa, the "Wedded Rocks" that rise dramatically from the ocean—making Ise a perfect blend of cultural depth and natural beauty. Whether you’re after spiritual discovery or breathtaking landscapes, our second day of the itinerary provides a perfect counterpoint to Nagoya’s urban energy.
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
Once your tour concludes, we recommend grabbing dinner in one of Nagoya's popular shopping districts, Osu. The covered shopping arcade houses over 1200 businesses including electronic stores, thrift shops, restaurants, bars, shrines, a “sento” (indoor hot spring bath), and plenty of food stalls. The area hosts many events and festivals such as the “Osu Daido Chonin Festival” which celebrates the geisha courtesan parades of old, and the annual World Cosplay Summit. There is truly something for everyone in Osu and this "hodgepodge" atmosphere is one of the area’s most endearing qualities.
Recommended Accommodations
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 SHIRAKAWAGO & TAKAYAMA
How to Start Your Day
On this day, your adventure continues as you head towards two of Japan's most iconic destinations: Takayama and Shirakawago. These beautiful mountain retreats are worth visiting no matter which season you visit.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go / All Year Round
Day Tour
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
¥24,900
Hidden deep within the mountains of Central Japan, the historic towns of Hida-Takayama and Shirakawa-go provide an excellent retreat into the scenic countryside and an authentic example of life during Edo-era Japan.
Wander the charming streets of Takayama’s old town, where history comes alive, and taste local delicacies including premium wagyu beef. Experience the enchantment of Shirakawa-go and delve into the village’s traditional way of life with the unique chance to enter one of these picturesque homes.
Step into the past and savor the views of the Japanese countryside as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.
Day Tour
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
¥24,900
How to End Your Day
That's all for the 3-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.
