- Explore Nagoya Castle and uncover the powerful Owari Tokugawa family's history
- Try traditional Arimatsu shibori tie-dyeing alongside skilled local Japanese artisans
- Taste Nagoya's famous miso katsu after visiting a traditional red miso brewery
- Discover Tokoname's pottery heritage through artisan workshops and historic kiln-lined streets
- Trace Toyota's remarkable journey from textile machinery to automobile manufacturing
Nagoya: Crafts, Culture & Cuisine 5-Day Add-On
There's a lot more to Nagoya than most visitors to Japan realise. Conveniently located between Tokyo and Kyoto, this often-overlooked city has played an important role in shaping Japan's history, craftsmanship and industry. This five-day add-on takes you beyond the usual tourist trail to explore the traditions that have developed across Nagoya and the surrounding Aichi region. Begin at Nagoya Castle, once the seat of the powerful Owari Tokugawa family, before visiting the Tokugawa Art Museum to discover the samurai armour, swords and treasures they left behind. You'll also venture into Arimatsu, a historic town known for its centuries-old shibori tie-dyeing tradition, where local artisans will introduce you to the techniques behind this intricate craft.
Food and craftsmanship are central to this itinerary, with experiences that reveal how local traditions continue to influence everyday life. Visit a traditional miso brewery to learn about Nagoya's distinctive red miso, followed by a lunch of miso katsu, one of the city's best-known dishes. In Tokoname, explore streets lined with pottery workshops and kilns, before discovering how the region's textile industry eventually gave rise to Toyota. With private English-speaking guides, a combination of guided excursions and free time, and four nights based in Nagoya, the itinerary offers a comfortable pace without feeling rushed. It's an ideal addition to a longer Japan holiday, particularly for travellers interested in traditional crafts, regional food and discovering a different side of the country.
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Nagoya, a city in central Japan with a rich samurai history and strong connections to the Tokugawa shogunate. After settling in or leaving your luggage at the hotel, meet your private guide and begin exploring the city's historical landmarks.
Visit Nagoya Castle, originally built in the early 17th century under Tokugawa Ieyasu, and explore the reconstructed Honmaru Palace, known for its elaborate interiors and traditional artwork. Continue to the Tokugawa Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of samurai armour, swords, tea utensils and treasures belonging to the powerful Owari Tokugawa family. Afterwards, stroll through the neighbouring Tokugawa Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden centred around a large pond, before returning to Nagoya Station.
Today, travel with your guide to Arimatsu, a historic town on the outskirts of Nagoya that has been producing traditional shibori textiles for centuries. Known for its beautifully preserved streets lined with old merchant houses, Arimatsu remains one of Japan's most important centres for this distinctive form of tie-dyeing. Explore the town and learn how local craftspeople developed intricate patterns by folding, binding and stitching fabric before dyeing it. You'll also have the opportunity to try shibori yourself during a hands-on workshop with local artisans, gaining an appreciation for the skill and patience involved in creating these textiles. Return to Nagoya later in the day, with the remainder of your time free to explore independently. (B)
Discover an important part of Nagoya's food culture with a guided visit to a traditional miso brewery that has been producing this Japanese staple for around 150 years. The region is particularly known for its rich, dark red miso, which has a deeper, more robust flavour than the lighter varieties commonly found elsewhere in Japan. Learn about the fermentation process, how miso is produced and why it plays such an important role in local cooking.
Afterwards, enjoy a lunch of miso katsu, one of Nagoya's signature dishes, featuring a crispy pork cutlet topped with a rich red miso sauce. The afternoon is free for you to explore Nagoya at your own pace, whether you prefer to discover more of the city or simply enjoy some downtime. (B,L)
Travel to Tokoname, one of Japan's historic pottery towns, where generations of craftspeople have shaped the local landscape through ceramic production. Explore its traditional pottery district, where old kilns, workshops and streets lined with ceramic pieces reflect the town's long history of craftsmanship. Visit an artisan studio to learn about Tokoname's pottery traditions, particularly its renowned Japanese teapots, and enjoy an introduction to Japanese tea brewing.
Return to Nagoya to visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Discover how Toyota began as a textile machinery manufacturer before becoming one of the world's best-known carmakers. Through working machinery and interactive exhibits, you'll see how the region's long history of textile production helped shape Japan's modern manufacturing industry. (B)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart Nagoya for your onward journey. (B)
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- All taxes and charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Train journeys to and from Nagoya
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
- Shinkansen fares at the start and end of this itinerary are not included; please speak to one of our travel specialists if you would like to tailor this journey, including rail arrangements or extend it into a longer Japan itinerary designed around your preferences.
- Price is per person based on 2 adults travelling together with a 1 June 2027 arrival
- Please speak to one of our Travel Specialists for single supplement pricing.
- Hotels featured in this itinerary are subject to change depending on availability at the time of booking.
- Holiday and peak season surcharges are not included in the above prices. Additional charges may apply during peak travel periods.
- This is a suggested itinerary that can be customised to suit your preferences. We can remove certain excursions or add other destinations as needed. This provides an overview of what you can experience in the area, but it is by no means exhaustive. Please reach out to one of our travel specialists to help you create your ideal holiday.
Tour Route Map
- Japan, Nagoya
Tour Accommodation
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