Nagoya tours

Things to do in Nagoya

Welcome to Nagoya, a city where innovation dances with tradition. The industrial heartbeat of the city coexists harmoniously with its cultural gems. From the stately Nagoya Castle to the lively Osu Shopping Street, this city presents a fascinating blend of the old and the new. With a local guide, your private tour reveals stories behind the architecture and offers flavours that speak of the land. Walk through serene gardens or indulge in a culinary exploration, tasting the famed miso katsu. Bypass the lines to uncover Nagoya’s less-travelled paths, where your guide’s narratives turn every encounter into a personal connection with the city’s vibrant spirit. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Nagoya. Explore Nagoya your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Nagoya tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Nagoya for every interest, including: History tours: Step into the rebuilt Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle to see gold-leaf screens up close, then connect samurai stories to artefacts at the Tokugawa Art Museum. For industrial heritage, walk the looms and early assembly lines at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Religious Sites tours: Join a morning visit to Atsuta Jingu, learn about the Kusanagi sword legend, and collect a goshuin stamp. Continue to Osu Kannon to explore the temple grounds and the nearby arcade where monks, locals, and students mix. Art and Culture tours: Try Arimatsu shibori in a hands-on dyeing workshop with a craftsperson, then visit a studio in Seto or Tokoname to see kilns, glazes, and ceramic shaping in action. If time allows, pair it with a focused stop at Nagoya City Art Museum. The subway and JR/Meitetsu lines connect major stops well, but sites like Toyota City or the ceramic towns can add kilometres and transfers. To keep the day smooth and unhurried, you can book chauffeured tours or request tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Nagoya inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Nagoya on a private walking tour and discover its dynamic neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to feel the city's pulse than having someone who knows it well show you around. - Sakae: Known for its shopping and entertainment, Sakae is perfect for families and young tourists looking for excitement. The area is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Nagoya TV Tower. - Osu: A vibrant district for cultural tourists and those seeking unique experiences. Osu is famous for its street markets, vintage shops, and traditional temples, offering a mix of the old and new. - Nagoya Castle Area: This neighborhood is ideal for history enthusiasts. The majestic Nagoya Castle is the centerpiece, surrounded by beautiful gardens and historical exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages. Day trip ideas from Nagoya From Nagoya, short rail hops turn into easy day trips to castles, shrine towns, and old trade roads, and you can plan your tour around history, hiking, crafts, or street food without packing a bag. Inuyama: Climb a wooden National Treasure castle for river views, wander the old streets for local sweets and craft shops, and, in season, watch cormorant fishing on the Kiso River; a neat pick if you like classic architecture and compact towns. Gifu: Ride the ropeway to Mount Kinka for the mountaintop castle, learn about cormorant fishing along the Nagara River, and look into Mino washi paper; a good fit if you want light walking, views, and hands-on tradition close to the city centre. Magome and Tsumago (Kiso Valley): Hike the well-marked Nakasendo trail between two preserved post towns, pause at teahouses, and photograph cedar forests and old inns; ideal for a slower day with clear signs and easy logistics. Ise: Visit Ise Grand Shrine’s forested precincts, graze through Okage Yokocho for regional bites, and add nearby Toba for sea views and pearls; strong choice for Shinto culture, wooden architecture, and calm streets. Kyoto: Take the shinkansen, focus on one area like Fushimi, Arashiyama, or the Higashiyama lanes, and split time between a few temples and simple noodle stops; works well if you want a taste of classic Japan without turning the day into a checklist. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Nagoya most travellers miss.