Nagoya Highlights Tour: Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Step into the legacy of samurai and artisans on this 5.5-hour Nagoya shore excursion. This tour bridges the gap between the monumental power of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the delicate, 400-year-old traditions of Japanese craftsmanship. You will explore a city that was the center of industrial and military innovation during the Edo period, starting at its most iconic fortress and ending in a peaceful, preserved townscape.

The experience showcases the grandeur of Nagoya Castle, where you will explore the recently reconstructed Honmaru Palace, a masterpiece of golden-leaf architecture. You will then transition to the historic Arimatsu district, a charming suburb that served as a key stop on the Tōkaidō Road connecting Kyoto to Tokyo. Here, you will discover the intricate art of “Shibori,” a specialized tie-dyeing technique that has dressed everyone from samurai to modern fashion icons.

Guided by a licensed English-speaking professional, you will travel by private vehicle for a smooth journey between the port and the city center. With our Back-to-Ship Guarantee, you can immerse yourself in the stories of warlords and weavers, knowing your return to the Nagoya pier is perfectly timed for your ship’s departure.

Highlights

• Nagoya Castle & Honmaru Goten Palace: Wander through the opulent, gold-leaf-adorned rooms of the Shogun’s former residence, meticulously rebuilt using traditional materials and techniques.
• Golden Shachihoko: Gaze up at the legendary “tiger-fish” ornaments clad in 18-karat gold that crown the castle roof, a symbol of Nagoya’s enduring prosperity.
• Arimatsu Traditional Townscape: Stroll through a beautifully preserved Edo-period district, famous for its wooden merchant houses and fireproof “udatsu” walls.
• Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Kaikan: Witness live demonstrations by master artisans practicing Arimatsu Shibori, a labor-intensive dyeing art involving thousands of hand-tied stitches.
• The Tōkaidō Road: Walk a section of Japan’s most famous historical highway, following the footsteps of ancient travelers and feudal lords.

Cruise Information

This shore excursion is meticulously synchronized with the docking schedules of major cruise lines at the Port of Nagoya (Kinjo Pier or Garden Pier). We provide seamless logistics for passengers arriving on the Diamond Princess, MS Westerdam, Celebrity Millennium, and Queen Elizabeth.

Your private guide and driver will meet you directly at the port exit with a Jasumo welcome board immediately upon your ship’s arrival. Because Nagoya’s highlights are efficiently accessible by road (approximately 20–30 minutes from the port), this tour allows you to maximize your cultural immersion without long transit times. We guarantee your return to the pier at least one hour before the “all aboard” time, ensuring a stress-free and enriching experience.

Full Itinerary

Your journey begins at Nagoya Port, where you will meet your guide and head to the iconic Nagoya Castle. Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1610, the castle was the seat of the Owari branch of the ruling Tokugawa clan. While the main keep is currently undergoing a long-term wooden reconstruction project (scheduled for completion in 2032), you will explore the spectacular Honmaru Palace. Reopened in 2018, its interior features breathtaking replicated paintings on sliding doors and the high-ceilinged “Jorakuden” hall reserved for the visiting Shogun.

Next, you will travel to the Arimatsu Traditional Townscape. As you walk the old Tōkaidō route, your guide will point out the “udatsu” (raised fireproof walls) that signified the wealth of the merchant families who lived here. You will visit the Arimatsu Tie-Dyeing Museum, where you can see the 100+ different patterns possible in Shibori. You will watch artisans at work—some of whom have practiced for decades—and learn how a single kimono can take up to six months to complete.

After exploring the textile galleries and perhaps finding a unique “Aizome” (indigo) souvenir, you will have a brief amount of free time to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the local shops. Your driver will then escort you comfortably back to the port, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the “craftsmanship capital” of Japan.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing reliable local coordination for travelers and agencies. Additionally, every booking includes a complimentary 10GB eSIM. This allows you to stay connected—share your photos of the golden shachihoko or the blue indigo dyes of Arimatsu instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM card.

Faqs

Can I enter the main tower of Nagoya Castle?

Currently, the main tower keep is closed to the public for safety reasons as the city prepares for an authentic wooden reconstruction. However, the Honmaru Palace is fully accessible and is widely considered the highlight of the castle grounds due to its incredible artistic detail.

What is “Shibori” and how is it different from regular tie-dye?

Arimatsu Shibori is a highly specialized “resist-dyeing” technique. Unlike western tie-dye, it often involves intricate sewing, binding, and folding to create precise, delicate patterns. Some patterns are so complex they require tens of thousands of individual knots.

Is there time to try the dyeing process ourselves?

This standard 5.5-hour tour includes demonstrations by masters. Hands-on workshops (like dyeing your own handkerchief) typically require 60–90 minutes. If you are interested in a workshop, we recommend requesting a customized 7-hour private tour.

What is a “Shachihoko”?

A Shachihoko is a mythical animal with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. They were placed on castle roofs as talismans to protect the building from fire. The pair on Nagoya Castle are famous for being covered in real gold.

Is Arimatsu accessible for travelers with limited mobility?

The Arimatsu townscape is relatively flat and easy to walk. The Tie-Dyeing Museum is also accessible. Nagoya Castle involves more walking across gravel paths, but the Honmaru Palace itself is equipped with ramps for accessibility.

Location