1-Day Tour: Nagoya’s Industrial Legacy and Toyota's Innovation

Nagoya is known as the “Heart of Japan” for not only its central location and historical significance but also for its great contributions to the culture and industry of Japan. A city of innovation, the industrial prominence of the region had led it to become the home to manufacturing giants such as Toyota, Brother, Noritake, Ibanez, Buffalo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

From automobiles to AI, and from edo-era lodgings to glass skyscrapers, this journey through Japan’s center of commerce will provide you with a glimpse into Nagoya’s industrial past and its dreams for a technological future as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour.

Highlights

• Enjoy a guided tour through the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and marvel at some of its most recent innovations while also learning about the company’s unique beginnings. 
• Glimpse into the past as we explore a well-preserved warehouse district from Nagoya’s Edo era.
• Shop for tableware or simply appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of the porcelain artisans at Noritake Garden Gallery and Museum. 
• Watch the sunset as you enjoy an expansive panoramic of Nagoya from atop its tallest building. 

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

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 10:00 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 on foot toward our first destination, Shikemichi Townscape and Endon-ji Shotengai. As we walk through this well-preserved district, you will be able to imagine what life was like for Edo-era residents of this city of samurai.

Continuing our journey on foot, we will make our way through Nagoya’s bustling city center towards Noritake Garden. Famed throughout Japan and around the world as Japan’s premier manufacturer of porcelain and china tableware, Noritake originated in Nagoya over 100 years ago and maintains an impressive museum and gallery which your guide will lead you through.

You will then have the opportunity to dine on Noritake chinaware, shop for your own collection, or simply soak up the scenery of the garden as we stop for a bit of free time and lunch.  

After lunch, we will continue on foot to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Your guide will lead you through the museum as you view the actual machinery used by Toyota as well as real-life demonstrations of the car manufacturing process. You will also learn of the company’s unique beginnings and direction for the future. 

Our final stop of the tour will be the Sky Promenade atop Nagoya’s tallest skyscraper. This semi-open-air observation deck will allow you a stunning 360-degree view of the city.

Your guide will be on hand to point out unique landmarks as well as today’s locations as you relax on the chaise lounge or use the binoculars to play a round of eye-spy. 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 to say our goodbyes. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel. Optionally, you are also welcome to end your tour at the Sky Promenade and watch the sunset and the city lights come to life.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 10:00 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 are arriving 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 10:00 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
• Entry fee at Noritake Garden
• Entry fee at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
• Entry fee at Sky Promenade

Excluded

• Lunch
• 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.