1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya

For those who prefer to eat their way through Japan, there probably aren’t many cities more “foodie-friendly” than Nagoya. With a large port and fertile plains, along with the wealth and resources of the powerful city of Samuri, Nagoya has long had access to a wide variety of foods distinctive from other regions of Japan. 

Nagoya’s cuisine, or as the locals call it, “Nagoya Meshi,” follows its own unique style of familiar feeling, hearty, comfort foods and includes specialties such as Miso-Katsu (deep fried pork cutlets covered in rich red miso sauce), Tebasaki (crispy fried chicken wings), Tenmusu (miniature riceballs filled with crunchy shrimp tempura), and so much more.

As we eat our way through Nagoya, you will also be able to marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace, relax as you gaze upon the reflecting pond of Mirai Tower, and learn about the day’s fresh catch at a bustling fish market as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.

This tour will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city, but also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more Nagoya Meshi on your own. 

Highlights

• Taste four dishes unique to the Nagoya/Tokai region of Japan. Learn about the history of “Nagoya Meshi” and the flavors of the region.
• Glimpse into the daily lives of fishmongers and chefs as we explore a bustling morning fish market.
• 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. 
• Shop for sales or just soak up the atmosphere as we explore a vibrant covered shopping district. 

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 8:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station if you feel the need.

Your guide will provide you with a brief history of Nagoya and set the scene as we depart Nagoya JR Station towards our first destination, Yanagibashi Central Fish Market, on foot. 

Yanagibashi is an active market where you will see giant tuna cut to size by long swords and glimpse professional chefs and restaurateurs negotiating prices with fishmongers as we navigate the stalls of this historic market. With around 130 shops selling fresh ingredients from Ise Bay and nearby farms, the market has become known as the “Pantry of Central Japan.” You are welcome to sample some of the products for yourself, or just soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this market. 

We will then continue our journey on foot to Endonji—a covered shopping district known for its nostalgic atmosphere, and home to some of the oldest cafes in the city. 

Nagoya is renowned throughout Japan for its thriving local coffee scene with a unique tradition that you won’t find in any other region of the country. The area has a breakfast culture called “morning service” in which guests order their beverage of choice and are then provided with a breakfast free of charge. 

You will have the opportunity to enjoy a “morning set” for yourself on this tour with your choice of beverage and toast. We highly recommend the “ogura toast”—a local specialty of red bean paste on a freshly toasted slice of buttered bread.

After we are sufficiently caffeinated, we will continue on foot to the iconic Nagoya Castle. As we walk around Nagoya Castle’s vast grounds, your guide will point out great spots for photos to commemorate your trip.

You will have the opportunity to enter Honmaru Palace and view the golden rooms which become more and more ornate as we make our way through the palace. Your guide will point out unique details and bring the palace to life as each room has its own story to tell. 

We will then stop for our next dish, “Tebasaki”—otherwise known as Nagoya chicken wings. Deep fried, coated in a salty-sweet sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds and lots of pepper, these mouth-watering wings are another specialty of Nagoya and come with an interesting backstory which your guide will share with you as you snack while gazing upon Nagoya castle.

Continuing on foot, we will stroll through Hiyasa-odori Park. Here, you will have some free time to shop, play a round of table tennis, or ride the elevator to the top of Mirai Tower. This might also be a great time for an optional gelato if you feel you have room for it.

Your guide will then lead you through Nagoya’s subway to a second covered shopping district for our final two dishes of the tour. The Osu shopping district houses over 1200 businesses including electronic stores, thrift shops, restaurants, bars, shrines, a “sento” (indoor hot spring bath), and plenty of food stalls. 

Your guide with provide you with stories of the area and plenty of recommendations as we make our way toward our third dish of the tour, Tenmusu. This dish is a small riceball with a crispy tempura filling. While traditionally filled with shrimp tempura, you will be able to choose from a seasonal selection of fillings including maitake mushrooms or eel.

Our final stop for food is perhaps the most well-known specialty of Nagoya, “Miso-Katsu” (pork cutlet with miso sauce). The skewered pork loin is breaded, deep-fried, and soaked in a delectable red soybean miso sauce. And where better to enjoy Miso-Katsu than the world-famous Yabaton? 

You will then be welcome to explore Osu for yourself. Feel free to shop for sales at any of the dozens of second-hand clothing stores or electronic shops, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a dessert worthy of Instagram. Of course, your guide will be available to help you take photos that will make your friends and family envious.

From here, we will return to the station via the subway and say our goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 8:00 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you arrive via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 8:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Transportation during the tour
• Entry fee at Nagoya Castle
• A beverage and toast set
• Tebasaki (chicken wings)
• Tenmusu (rice ball)
• Miso-Katsu (pork cutlet)

Excluded

• Additional food/beverages
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Nagoya average between 0℃-10℃ (32°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.
• There will be free time along the way for guests to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip.