
Discover Central Japan From Nagoya: 3Tours Off the Beaten Path in Japan
Nagoya is Japan's central city, located in Aichi Prefecture, in the heart of the country's Chubu region. As a convenient mid-way point in central Japan, between Tokyo and the western cities of Osaka or Kyoto, the Nagoya area has a rich history full of samurai, castles, and plenty of intrigue.


In modern times, travelers in Japan can still take advantage of Nagoya's easily accessible location to experience a new side of Japan and add a little extra to their trip. It's easy to echo the many generations who passed through the area by spending a few days exploring the many hidden gems in and around Nagoya!
If you want to make the most of your time in Japan and experience the country more fully, Nagoya is a great home base for delving deep into Japanese culture. The city offers easy access to historic landmarks, community hubs brimming with local culture, and plenty more. Check out some of our favorite tours starting from Nagoya to get a better feel for Japan off the beaten path!
Find History & Nature Along the Nakasendo, Then Go Izakaya-Hopping

Ready to follow in the footsteps of Japan's famous samurai? Centuries past, in the days when samurai ruled Japan, regional feudal lords were kept in check using a strict system that required yearly visits to the capital city of Edo — present-day Tokyo. To support travel from these regional outposts to the big city,and to connect Edo with the ancient capital of Kyoto, a network of five major roads was quickly established in the early years of the Edo period (1603-1868).
One of the most well-trod routes was called the Nakasendo. The inland road was well-developed and supported a series of so-called "stations" or "post towns" along the way, making it a popular choice for travelers of all kinds (including Haiku master Matsuo Basho). However, the path through Japan's mountains was also spectacularly beautiful,surrounded by green forests and ancient shrines and temples. Modern-day travelers who follow the Nakasendo can enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery that remains along the way, and further immerse themselves in the experience by visiting the picturesque post towns filled with well-preserved Edo-period architecture.

Step back in time and experience the Nakasendo for yourself on this tour starting with the post town of Magome-juku, known for its sloping main road paved with stones and lined with examples of Edo-period architecture. Then enjoy a pleasant hike along the historic Nakasendo to reach Tsumago-juku, which has an officially designated "Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings." This special zone is full of Edo history, including prime examples like the Tsumago-juku "waki-honjin" inn. The portion of the Nakasendo that stretches between these two post towns offers a delightful walk of about two or three hours through the woodlands. Hikers will find a fairly gentle course, dotted with glimpses of the untouched beauty that generations of Nakasendo travelers have loved for so many centuries.


At the end of the day, our last stop is the Endo-ji Shotengai Shopping Street, which has been a popular gathering place after a long workday for over a hundred years. The street's down-to-earth atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat! Drop into one of the many izakaya pubs, which offer up cold mugs of draft beer and bottles of sake from all over Japan, alongside classic Japanese fare like salty edamame and yakitori grilled chicken. Locals will tell you, there's no better way to round off a busy day!
Check Out This Rakuten Travel Sightseeing Experience
Re-energize at Atsuta-jingu Shrine, Then Get Hands-On with Japanese Tea Sweets

Atsuta-jingu Shrine is said to be close to 1,900 years old, and it's often included among Japan's "Three Great Jingu Shrines" alongside Tokyo's famous Meiji-jingu Shrine and the venerable Ise-jingu Shrine.
Travelers interested in Japan's myths and legends may be excited to hear that Atsuta-jingu Shrine was purportedly built to house the sacred sword "Kusanagi no Tsurugi." This sword is one of three sacred treasures, now called Japan's Imperial Regalia, brought to Japan by the gods in a time when the line between mythology and history was not so clear. In recent years, however, this high-ranking ancient shrine has become popular in Japan for a slightly different reason. It's known as a "power spot," which many in Japan believe will boost your energy and leave you feeling reinvigorated. When you're mid-way through a long, busy trip to Japan, this tour of Atsuta-jingu Shrine might be the perfect pick-me-up!

Refresh your spirit by exploring Atsuta-jingu Shrine's sprawling grounds, from the Treasure Hall to the giant camphor tree with its majestic canopy. Just don't forget to visit the main hall to show respect for the shrine and the gods worshipped within! In Japan, you stop by the hand-washing fountain to purify yourself before praying at a Shinto shrine, and then you toss a coin (five yen is considered lucky) into the offerings box. To pray, you bow twice in a row, clap your hands twice (leave them together while you pray), and finally bow one last time before you go.


After spending some time at the oldest landmark in Atsuta, we're headed to one of the area's newest destinations. Atsuta nagAya opened in September 2024 as a shopping and dining facility with a regional flair, in a building modeled after Japan's Edo-period (1603-1868) row houses. It's filled with specialties from the Tokai region along the east coast of central Japan. Not only are there all kinds of local goodies to pick up as souvenirs, but many of the shops offer unique workshops and experiences as well, so you can immerse yourself in Nagoya culture!
On this trip to Atsuta nagAya you get to visit new branches of two of Atsuta's most historic teahouses.First, learn old-fashioned artisanal techniques from the sweets experts at Azuki Chaya as you make Japanese "wagashi" treats. Then, head over to Myokoen to learn all the tips and tricks necessary to whip up the perfect bowl of rich, frothy matcha. Savor the exquisite flavor combination of bitter and sweet as you enjoy your hand-made tea and sweets together. These little workshops will give you a better understanding of Japanese tea culture, and there's nothing more satisfying than biting into a beautiful sweet treat that you worked hard to create yourself.
Walk the Quaint Streets of Gujo Hachiman, Then Try a Fake Food Workshop

Tucked away in a scenic valley between verdant green mountainsides, pushed up against the rushing Nagara River, and overlooked by a castle atop a hill, Gujo Hachiman's charming old-fashioned atmosphere still reflects the Japan of another era. Head to Gifu Prefecture and try this tour to explore the
city's rich history, starting with a visit to Gujo Hachiman Castle, which was originally erected by lord Endo Morikazu atop his favorite mountaintop battle time encampment. The castle served 19 generations of feudal lords over the course of 300 hundred years, and the current reconstruction was built close to a century ago, making it the oldest reconstructed wooden castle in Japan.

The streets below the towering castle also contain their fair share of destinations. You won't want to miss the streets officially designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, or nearby Sogi Spring, revered for its fresh, clean waters (and chosen by the Ministry of the Environment as the first of Japan's official "100 Famous Waters").


*The image on the right shows the dances performed at the Bon Festival, and not the Gujo-Hachiman Hakurankan Museum.
Visitors who arrive in Gujo Hachiman in the summer may even get a chance to see the famous "Gujo Odori" dances performed as part of the local Bon Festival celebrations. On this tour, however, you can stop by the Gujo-Hachiman Hakurankan Museum to learn more about local culture, including dance
traditions, at any time of the year.


It's easy to see signs of Gujo Hachiman's long, dramatic history, but it's certainly not a city stuck in the past. This castle town also happens to produce a significant portion of the fake food models that are so ubiquitous around Japan! The models are an example of Japanese technology and artisanal technique, improved and perfected over the past 90+ years, resulting in the stunningly realistic versions now displayed in restaurant windows and hanging off the end of keychains. A wide variety of materials and methods have been utilized over the years to create Japan's mouth-wateringly realistic fake food, including the careful shaping of hot melted wax in cold water, a technique you can try for yourself in a fake food workshop! Visit the Sample Village Iwasaki to try your hand at making fake salmon roe sushi, and pay tribute to the ever-changing story of Gujo Hachiman before returning back to Nagoya.
Nagoya Hotel Recommendations
Nagoya has a wide variety of accommodation options, but our first recommendation stands out for its totally unique location.


The Tower Hotel Nagoya is actually located within Chubu Electric Mirai Tower (formerly known as Nagoya TV Tower), with spectacular views looking out over the heart of the city! Enjoy the hotel's modern elegance while admiring Nagoya landmarks like Oasis 21 and Hisaya Odori Park.
If you love the look and feel of classic luxury, Nagoya Kanko Hotel is the city's oldest, and has been welcoming guests with impeccable hospitality for almost a century. This hotel has all the time-honored facilities you might want, plenty of modern amenities, and a hint of old-fashioned charm.
Check Room Availability at The Tower Hotel Nagoya
Check Room Availability at Nagoya Kanko Hotel


Travelers who value convenience will want to consider Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower, which is just one stop away (3 minutes) from Nagoya Station by train! Plus, thanks to the hotel's high-rise construction, guests can enjoy views of the city from 140 meters in the air. Peer down at the trains passing through Nagoya Station, or out at the city beyond.
Many travelers head to the countryside to enjoy natural hot springs, but at Nagoya Crown Hotel, you can relax and enjoy a large hot spring bath right in the heart of the city! Experience the tranquil hot spring culture loved by the locals, and savor traditional Nagoya cuisine at the hotel's breakfast buffet.
Check Room Availability at Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower
Check Room Availability at Nagoya Crown Hotel
Getting to Nagoya
Due to its location in the center of the country, Nagoya might just be the most easily accessible city in Japan, with convenient transportation options available from many other big sightseeing spots. Nagoya Station is a major stop on Japan's busiest shinkansen bullet train line, and the city is just 30 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport, which means travelers can make their way to Nagoya from Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka in no time.
Nagoya is easy to get to, and it's a fresh new addition to any trip visiting Japan's big cities!
From Tokyo
By Plane: Haneda or Narita Airport → about 60 min → Chubu Centrair Airport
By Shinkansen: Tokyo Station → less than 1 hour 40 min → Nagoya Station
From Osaka
By Shinkansen: Shin-Osaka Station → less than 55 min → Nagoya Station
*Shin-Osaka Station is about 50 min from Kansai Airport by limited express train.
From Fukuoka
By Plane: Fukuoka Airport → about 1 hour 10 min → Chubu Centrair Airport
By Shinkansen: Hakata Station → about 3 hours 19 min → Nagoya Station
When you've seen enough of Tokyo and you're ready to discover more of what Japan has to offer, there's no better way to explore the country and experience the local culture than by heading to the heart of Japan!
Echo the Edo-period travelers along the Nakasendo and admire the Japanese countryside before you return to the city for a satisfying drink at a Nagoya izakaya.
Enjoy an invigorating visit to Atsuta-jingu Shrine and a refreshing homemade cup of matcha at Atsuta nagAya. Spend a day in Gujo Hachiman to see the city's unusual contrasts, from a trip to the historic castle to a fake food workshop.
Central Japan has some of the country's most beautiful destinations and most unique experiences, all with a fraction of the crowds seen in busier regions. Make Nagoya your home base on your next trip to enjoy Japan in a whole new way.