Nagoya Castle was built in 1615 as part of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s unification of Japan during the Edo period. All of Nagoya Castle except for the stone walls was burned down in an air raid during World War II. The castle tower was rebuilt in 1959, and the Honmaru Palace was restored in 2018.
Although it is a rebuilt castle, the castle tower and Honmaru Palace have been accurately rebuilt based on surviving blueprints, so you can see how they looked in the past.
The grounds of Nagoya Castle have been developed as a park, where various events are held, and you can enjoy the local B-class gourmet cuisine known as Nagoya Meshi at Kinshachi Yokocho, where Nagoya’s famous restaurants are gathered.
If you come to Nagoya, you should definitely visit Nagoya Castle! Your Aichi tour starts here.

Arimatsu shibori is a tie-dyed textile produced mainly in the Arimatsu and Narumi areas of Midori Ward, Nagoya. It is typically made by dyeing cotton fabric with indigo, and the pattern changes depending on how the thread is tied. It is a traditional craft of the Arimatsu and Narumi areas of Nagoya, and almost all of the processes are done by hand, so it is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. Another feature of Arimatsu shibori is that each piece is handmade, so there are no two exactly the same. Even outside of Japan, “SHIBORI” means Arimatsu. Although it is a traditional craft, many techniques have been continuously developed and improved.
During the tour, you will receive direct instruction from an Arimatsu Shibori designer and be able to create your own original Arimatsu Shibori piece. From traditional Arimatsu hand towels to fashionable scarves, you will work while listening to an experienced Arimatsu Shibori designer’s instructions, so even beginners can feel at ease. All materials and tools required for the work are available on-site, so you do not need to prepare them yourself.

Atsuta Shrine
Atsuta Shrine is a large shrine that seems to be located in the middle of a forest, with a large camphor tree over 1,000 years old providing shade within its grounds of approximately 20,000 sq. m.
The Treasure Museum on the premises houses and exhibits over 6,000 votive items donated by the Imperial Family and other worshippers from around the country, which tell the history of worship. In addition, Kusanagi Hall, a treasure trove of swords, exhibits around 450 famous swords that have been donated to the shrine. Over 170 of these are registered as designated cultural properties by the nation and Aichi Prefecture.

Hitsumabushi
We will have a lunch of “Hitsumabushi” at the specialty restaurant that created the famous Nagoya dish. “Hitsumabushi” is a Nagoya specialty dish of finely chopped grilled eel served on top of rice. It is characterized by the fact that eel can be enjoyed in a variety of ways by adding condiments and broth. It is now loved by many people, including Nagoya residents and visitors from overseas. A German gourmet woman praised “Hitsumabushi” as the best in the world, having traveled all over the world.

Osu Shopping Street
The town of Osu is lined with a wide variety of shops, from electronics stores to second-hand clothing stores and gourmet food. It accepts and incorporates a wide range of cultures, from underground to mainstream, regardless of age, gender or nationality. This “hodgepodge” atmosphere is one of the great attractions of Osu. You’ll lose track of time as you wander around the restaurants and general stores that match your tastes.

There is a miso storehouse in Hatcho Village (now Hatcho-machi), eight cho (approximately 870m) west of Okazaki Castle. Miso has been made here according to a recipe devised by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was Shogun at the time, for his own health. This recipe has been passed down for 360 years and has been passed down to the present day as Hatcho Miso, a high-quality miso that carries on the tradition. At this miso storehouse, you can see the ingredients placed in wooden barrels, weighted down with stones, and the miso being aged over two summers and two winters in a natural fermentation process.

After touring the miso brewery, you can enjoy stewed udon noodles made with Hatcho miso at the adjacent restaurant. You can experience the difference in umami and depth of flavor that is created by using Hatcho miso in stews. How about some miso ice cream for dessert after your meal? The rich spiciness of Hatcho miso and the sweetness of the ice cream create an exquisite balance, and you can feel it melt in your mouth.

Located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Okazaki Castle is the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became Shogun during the late Sengoku period of medieval Japan. During the Sengoku period, it served as an important base in the Mikawa region (located halfway between Kyoto and Edo). The current castle was restored in 1959 using reinforced concrete, and its exterior has been recreated to resemble its former appearance. Here, you will tour Okazaki Castle, and your tour guide will provide detailed explanations about the history and culture of the Sengoku period. Travel back in time to the Sengoku period and immerse yourself in the historical context in which the culture of the Shogun and Daimyo was born in medieval Japan.

Okazaki City is the number one producer of Japanese candles in Japan. Japanese candles are traditional Japanese candles made primarily from vegetable oils and Japanese paper. Unlike typical Western candles, Japanese candles use Japanese paper and rush for the wick, which gives them a large, flickering flame and creates a unique atmosphere. They are also known for producing less soot and a long burn time. At Isobe Candle Shop, a specialty shop for Japanese candles, you can not only see the traditional manufacturing process of Japanese candles, but also have the mystical experience of watching the flickering flames of Japanese candles in a quiet studio.

The culture of nigiri sushi, which developed as Edomae sushi, has its origins in vinegar for sushi made in Aichi. As the number one producer of vinegar in Japan, Aichi is also the birthplace of nigiri sushi culture. “Honkaku Nigiri Sushi Tamahagane” is a restaurant that recreates a real sushi restaurant from before nigiri sushi became popular as conveyor belt sushi.

Here, a top-class sushi chef will personally teach you how to make nigiri sushi. The taste of the sushi you make yourself will be exceptional, and it will be fun to compare it with the nigiri sushi made by a professional chef.

The restaurant’s name, “Tamahagane,” comes from the fact that the real Japanese swords on display in the restaurant are made of Tamahagane. These Japanese swords are masterpieces that have been polished by swordsmiths in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. You, the person about to make your sushi, will be able to touch and appreciate these swords directly. This is the only sushi restaurant in Japan where you can hold a real Japanese sword in your hands.

Please enjoy the sushi making experience to your heart’s content at our shop where we create works of art like tamahagane.

There are certain dishes that are always available at traditional izakayas in Nagoya. One of them is the Nagoya specialty “Dote-ni.” “Dote-ni” is a dish made by simmering pork offal and beef tendons in red miso and mirin. In Nagoya, this dish is made with “Haccho miso,” a traditional miso made in Okazaki City.
“Haccho miso” is a high-quality soybean miso made only from soybeans, salt, and water, and is aged for two years while strictly adhering to a 370-year-old manufacturing method. Hatcho miso has a deep richness and unique astringency, and because the smelly innards are simmered in this miso, the distinctive taste is eliminated and the flavor is enhanced.
Another dish is “fried chicken wings.” It is a dynamic dish in which half a young chicken is fried and grilled as is, then dipped in a secret sauce that has been aged and flavored with various condiments. This has become a taste that many Nagoya residents desire. There are many izakayas in Nagoya that serve “fried chicken wings,” and each store competes with each other to come up with the best secret sauce, creating a taste that is unique to Nagoya.

Shinojima and Himakajima are beautiful islands located off the coast of the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture. Both islands are popular tourist destinations, with beautiful natural scenery and abundant seafood.

Shinojima
It is especially famous for its fresh seafood, especially octopus and clams, and Shinojima also has beautiful beaches and hot springs, making it an attractive spot for those looking to relax.

Himaka Island

Located near Shinojima, Himakajima is also rich in seafood. Himakajima’s “Himaka octopus” is particularly famous and popular with tourists. The island is also full of tourist attractions and accommodations, making it ideal for day trips or overnight stays.

Both islands are worth a visit, offering nature activities and the chance to experience the local food culture.

inuyama castle
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s castles designated as a national treasure, and was built in 1549. The castle tower is one of the oldest surviving castle towers, and is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. From the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kiso River and the surrounding beautiful scenery, and many tourists visit the castle, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves in fall. There are also historical documents and exhibits inside the castle, where you can learn about the history of Inuyama Castle.

Yurakuen
Yurakuen is a Japanese garden near Inuyama Castle, which was built by Yurakusai, a vassal of the Tokugawa family, during the Edo period. The garden features ponds, waterfalls, and teahouses, and you can enjoy seasonal flowers. In particular, the garden also has a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha green tea. It is a space where you can relax your mind and body while feeling nature in a quiet environment.

Kiso River Cormorant Fishing
Kiso River cormorant fishing is a traditional fishing method carried out on the Kiso River, which flows through Aichi and Gifu prefectures, and is known as a seasonal feature of the summer. This fishing method, which uses a bird called a cormorant to catch fish, has been practiced throughout Japan since ancient times, but cormorant fishing on the Kiso River is particularly famous.

inuyama castle
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s castles designated as a national treasure, and was built in 1549. The castle tower is one of the oldest surviving castle towers, and is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. From the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kiso River and the surrounding beautiful scenery, and many tourists visit the castle, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves in fall. There are also historical documents and exhibits inside the castle, where you can learn about the history of Inuyama Castle.

Yurakuen
Yurakuen is a Japanese garden near Inuyama Castle, which was built by Yurakusai, a vassal of the Tokugawa family, during the Edo period. The garden features ponds, waterfalls, and teahouses, and you can enjoy seasonal flowers. In particular, the garden also has a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha green tea. It is a space where you can relax your mind and body while feeling nature in a quiet environment.

Kiso River Cormorant Fishing
Kiso River cormorant fishing is a traditional fishing method carried out on the Kiso River, which flows through Aichi and Gifu prefectures, and is known as a seasonal feature of the summer. This fishing method, which uses a bird called a cormorant to catch fish, has been practiced throughout Japan since ancient times, but cormorant fishing on the Kiso River is particularly famous.

The Mino Washi Paper Making Experience is a traditional Japanese paper making experience held in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture. Mino Washi has a history of about 1,300 years and is widely known as “Mino Washi” due to its high quality. In this experience, you can make your own Japanese paper while learning about the washi paper making process.

Contents of the Mino Washi Paper Making Experience

Explanation of the history and production process of washi paper：Before the experience, you will be given an explanation about the history and production methods of Mino Washi paper. You will learn how it is made and the materials and tools used.

Preparation of materials：We will use plants such as “kozo” and “mitsumata”, which are the raw materials for washi paper. We will prepare these materials and learn the necessary processes.

Production of washi paper：Now we will begin the actual process of making washi paper. The fibers soaked in water are ground up to create the raw material for washi paper. After that, the paper is made using special tools.

drying and finishing：The paper you make will be dried and any necessary finishing touches will be added. You can then take home the paper you made.

Creating artworks：After your experience making washi paper, you can use it to draw pictures or create collages.

The charm of the experience
Understanding traditional culture: Through making Mino washi paper, you can gain a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese culture and techniques.
Expressing creativity: By making your own washi paper, you can express your creativity.
★Making memories with family and friends★

The Seki Blade Making Experience is a traditional blade making experience program held in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. Seki City is known as a production center of Japanese blades and has a history of several hundred years. In this experience, participants can learn the process of actually making a blade and see the craftsmanship of the craftsmen up close.

The experience includes choosing the material for the blade, designing the shape, sharpening it, and more, and at the end you can take home your very own original blade. Many programs are suitable for beginners, making it popular with families and tourists alike.

This tour requires advanced booking, so let us know early if you are interested.

Ise Shrine
Located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s most important shrines and enshrines Amaterasu Omikami. Ise Jingu is made up of two main shrines, Naiku and Geku, with Naiku dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami and Geku dedicated to Toyouke no Okami, respectively. Many worshippers visit the shrine every year, and it is especially lively during New Year’s and festivals.

Okage Yokocho
Located near Ise Shrine, this is a tourist spot and a commercial facility that recreates the streets of the Edo period. Here, you can enjoy local specialties and traditional foods, such as Ise udon and Akafuku mochi. There are also many souvenir shops and restaurants, so you can feel the culture and history of Ise while strolling around.

Ise Shrine and Okage Yokocho are very popular spots for tourists, and by visiting both, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Ise. When visiting, it is a good idea to check the manners for worshipping and the opening hours of Okage Yokocho in advance. Please come and enjoy a wonderful experience.

Gensaka Sake Brewery
Genzaka Sake Brewery is a sake brewery located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, and continues to produce sake using traditional methods. The sake, which is painstakingly made using high-quality local rice and pure water, is popular with local Japanese people as well as foreigners from overseas, and some people even travel all the way to Ise just to see the brewery.However, the sake brewery tour and tasting program is not open to everyone, but is only available to guests of luxury hotels and travel agencies that have contracts with Motozaka Sake Brewery. Visitors can learn about the sake brewing process while enjoying fresh, juicy sake.

Japanese cuisine: Hinakaya
This famous Japanese restaurant was awarded one Michelin star in the Mie Michelin Guide. It stands next to the pesticide-free “Isenishiki” rice fields that Gensaka Sake Brewery has revived, and serves exquisite seasonal kaiseki cuisine amid a spectacular view of the scenic and abundant Isemiya River. With its thatched roof, earthen walls, earthen floor, and hearth, the restaurant retains the original scenery of good old Japan, allowing you to feel Japan through its food and architecture.

Visiting Gensaka Sake Brewery and Hinakaya will give you a valuable experience of enjoying Ise’s sake culture and local ingredients. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in sake or want to learn more about local culture.
This time, the tour will be specially designed to pair the cuisine of Hinakaya with Gensaka Sake Brewery’s sake.

Gensaka Sake Brewery
Genzaka Sake Brewery is a sake brewery located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, and continues to produce sake using traditional methods. The sake, which is painstakingly made using high-quality local rice and pure water, is popular with local Japanese people as well as foreigners from overseas, and some people even travel all the way to Ise just to see the brewery.However, the sake brewery tour and tasting program is not open to everyone, but is only available to guests of luxury hotels and travel agencies that have contracts with Motozaka Sake Brewery. Visitors can learn about the sake brewing process while enjoying fresh, juicy sake.

Japanese cuisine: Hinakaya
This famous Japanese restaurant was awarded one Michelin star in the Mie Michelin Guide. It stands next to the pesticide-free “Isenishiki” rice fields that Gensaka Sake Brewery has revived, and serves exquisite seasonal kaiseki cuisine amid a spectacular view of the scenic and abundant Isemiya River. With its thatched roof, earthen walls, earthen floor, and hearth, the restaurant retains the original scenery of good old Japan, allowing you to feel Japan through its food and architecture.

Visiting Gensaka Sake Brewery and Hinakaya will give you a valuable experience of enjoying Ise’s sake culture and local ingredients. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in sake or want to learn more about local culture.
This time, the tour will be specially designed to pair the cuisine of Hinakaya with Gensaka Sake Brewery’s sake.

Sawada Sake Brewery is a sake brewery located in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, that produces sake using traditional methods. Sawada Sake Brewery offers sake that is painstakingly crafted using high-quality local rice and pure water. In particular, they are known for being a sake brewery beloved by locals, focusing on sake brewing that makes use of the specialty products of the Iga region.

Sawada Sake Brewery offers a program where you can tour the brewery and enjoy sake tastings, where visitors can learn about the sake brewing process while enjoying freshly brewed sake. You can also learn about the history and culture of sake brewing, so it is a particularly recommended spot for those who are interested in sake.

If you plan on visiting, it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance and check the opening hours. This experience at Sawada Sake Brewery will be a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the local sake culture. Please do visit.

Take a leisurely drive around the Shima Peninsula, visiting capes and lighthouses, and eventually visit a real ama hut. Inside the hut, you can hear stories about ama fishing from current and former ama divers, which you don’t usually get to hear, and reflect on the traditional culture of Ise-Shima.

After the talk, you can enjoy fresh seafood such as spiny lobster and turban shells caught in the waters of Ise-Shima, hand-cooked by the divers themselves in the dining facility adjacent to the diver’s hut.

After your meal, board a sightseeing boat or a sightseeing ship and enjoy a short cruise around the islands of Ago Bay, which has nurtured the region’s seafood. By touring the complex bay and islands, you will understand why this area has become one of Japan’s leading producers of high-quality seafood.

Mikimoto Pearl Island, located in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, is a facility that introduces pearl farming and its culture. It is known as the place where founder Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in cultivating the world’s first pearls. At Mikimoto Pearl Island, you can learn about the pearl farming process and its history, and also enjoy activities such as actually harvesting pearls and making pearl accessories. There is also a program where you can experience the traditional fishing methods of “Ama” (female divers) who are engaged in pearl farming, and you can watch a performance by the female divers. In 1975, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom also visited the island. Enjoy the history and culture behind the beautiful pearls.

Matsusaka city is located halfway between Ise Grand Shrine and Nagoya, so 200 years ago in the mid-Edo period, it was bustling with pilgrims from Edo to Ise Grand Shrine, and it was the town that gave birth to the Matsusaka merchants who laid the foundation for the commercial development of Japan.Today, it is the production center of “Matsusaka beef,” known as the world-famous brand of Wagyu beef. Sukiyaki made with this Matsusaka beef is said to be artistically delicious, with the beef melting in your mouth. Enjoy this Matsusaka beef sukiyaki on your way back from Ise-Shima.

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 40-minute high-speed ferry ride from Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. Enjoy the short boat trip while taking in the scenery of Ise Bay from the window.

After arriving at Chubu Centrair International Airport, we will take you on an optional tour to Sawada Sake Brewery, located across the river from the airport. Sawada Sake Brewery is a long-established sake brewery founded in 1848, and the sake “Shiraoi” produced here is a famous sake that has won gold medals at the National New Sake Tasting Competition many times. At Sawada Sake Brewery, you can observe the brewing process and sample the sake. Why not take a moment to experience the mellow aroma of sake at this long-established brewery before returning home?