Dive into the rich history and cultural artistry of Central Japan on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Explore Inuyama Castle, the oldest surviving castle in Japan, meet a skilled bladesmith, sharpen your own Japanese kitchen knife, and experience a peaceful matcha tea ceremony. This immersive experience blends traditional craftsmanship, architecture, and scenic beauty into one unforgettable day.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Highlights
- Visit Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s only five castles designated as a National Treasure
- Learn from expert swordsmiths in Seki, Japan’s famous “City of Swords”
- Participate in a knife sharpening experience guided by traditional techniques
- Enjoy a matcha tea ceremony at the elegant Uraku Garden, a site with historic ties to Japanese tea culture
- Walk through historic castle town streets, sample local street food, and shop for handcrafted souvenirs
Full Description
This tour begins with a journey from Nagoya Station to Inuyama, a picturesque town with deep roots in samurai and tea culture. The first stop is the Seki Swordsmith Museum, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old tradition of Japanese sword-making. Watch live demonstrations and try your hand at sharpening a traditional Japanese kitchen knife using whetstones, guided by skilled instructors.
Next, head to Inuyama Castle, Japan’s oldest original castle structure and a designated National Treasure. Built in 1537, it once belonged to the powerful Oda clan. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Kiso River and the surrounding countryside.
Enjoy free time to explore Inuyama’s castle town, with charming streets lined with traditional shops, food stalls, and artisan boutiques. Here, you can sample local specialties and soak in the atmosphere of Edo-era Japan.
The day continues at the Uraku Garden, home to a refined teahouse and landscaped gardens created by a tea master who helped shape Japan’s tea ceremony tradition. Participate in a hands-on matcha experience, learning how to whisk your own tea and enjoy it alongside seasonal Japanese sweets in a serene garden setting.
Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout, sharing stories of samurai warriors, regional history, and local legends, including a visit to a shrine known for wish-granting powers.
This unique tour showcases the soul of Central Japan: its skilled craftsmen, historic landmarks, and rich cultural traditions.
Sample Itinerary
- 09:00 – Meet at Nagoya Station (Silver Clock Tower, near Taiko-Dori Gate)
- Depart for Seki by private transport
- Seki Swordsmith Museum – Demonstration and Knife Sharpening Experience
- Travel to Inuyama Castle
- Inuyama Castle Tour – Explore the keep and castle grounds
- Castle Town Free Time – Try local street food, shop for souvenirs
- Uraku Garden – Matcha Experience in a historical teahouse
- Visit local shrine (optional, time permitting)
- Return to Nagoya Station
- 17:00–17:30 – End of tour
Note: Exact schedule may vary based on group pace and weather conditions.
Pricing
From ¥25,675 per person
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Includes
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All transportation during the tour
- Admission to Inuyama Castle, Seki Swordsmith Museum, and Uraku Garden
- Hands-on Knife Sharpening Experience
- Matcha and sweets experience in a teahouse
Not Included
- Meals or personal purchases during free time
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
Meeting Point
Nagoya Station – Silver Clock Tower (inside station, near Taiko-Dori Gate)
If arriving via Shinkansen: Exit and the clock tower will be directly in front of you.
If arriving via JR lines: Follow signs to the Taiko-Dori Gate.
If entering via the Sakura-Dori side: Walk through the station to the Taiko-Dori Gate side.
Look for the guide holding a “SNOW MONKEY RESORTS” tour sign.
Tour begins at 9:00 AM. Please arrive early to avoid delays.
Address:
1 Chome-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Reviews
“It was a very pleasant experience in spite of rain. The places we visited were interesting and the guide and driver were polite, accommodating, and well qualified. I would recommend this tour—transportation from Nagoya is a great plus.”
“Kim & the driver were terrific—easygoing, warm, and knowledgeable. Great day out.”
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