Hafen
Nagoya

Gain a cultural and historical understanding of Nagoya by visiting attractions that reveal how the area has changed over the centuries. Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace lends insight into 17th-century Japan. Although destroyed by fire during World War II, the castle has been faithfully reconstructed using the original methods of construction. The golden sea creatures on the castle’s roof have become a symbol of Nagoya.

For a look into more modern Japan, you will visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, an attraction that celebrates industrial innovations. You can expect to see exhibits on textiles, automotive breakthroughs and steam engine technology. Atsuta Shrine will present a glimpse into the Shinto religion. It is known most famously for the legendary sword that is enshrined there. The weapon is so sacred that it is never displayed, however, thousands of other artifacts are exhibited, including holy garments, utensils for deities and ancient documents.

Enjoy enlightening tours of two attractions associated with Japan’s most well-known brands—Noritake and Toyota. Located on the site of Noritake’s former ceramics factory, its namesake garden is cultural more than botanical. Inside the complex of red-brick buildings, you can watch Noritake craftsmen creating delicate porcelain pieces and browse exhibits featuring extraordinary tableware.

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology showcases Toyota’s transition from producing textiles to automobiles and more. Exhibit halls with interactive displays focus on 100 years of traditions and state-of-the-art demonstrations that highlight the impact of technological development on manufacturing.

The museum is located in a 1911 factory for automatic looms in honor of Sakichi Toyoda, the inventor of Japan’s first power loom and founder of the Toyota Group. The company name was later changed from Toyoda to Toyota in part because it requires only eight brush strokes to write in Japanese, and eight is a lucky number.

Delve into the history of the surrounding Aichi Prefecture by browsing an open-air museum and a 16th-century castle that is remarkably intact. Dozens of buildings from the Meiji Period have been carefully reconstructed at the Meijimura museum, and you will easily recognize the Western influence in the architecture. This short period in Japanese history ended in 1912 and marked the end of samurai rule and the beginning of Japan’s modernization.

The nearby Inuyama Castle is even more impressive architecturally as it is one of the few castles in Japan that survived wars and natural disasters without being severely damaged. As you meander through this official national treasure, you will see artifacts relating to the Naruse family that once owned the castle. The armory of samurai weapons and the hidden doors for the guards are of particular note, as they shed light on the fact that the castle was under constant threat of attack.

OVERVIEW

See culturally significant landmarks that reveal much about life in Nagoya centuries ago, one being a castle complex, the other a Shinto shrine. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo period, oversaw the construction of Nagoya Castle and the adjacent Honmaru Palace in the early 17th century. Although bombing during World War II destroyed both of them, they have been reconstructed to resemble the originals. Be sure to note the sea creatures adorning the castle’s roof – which Nagoya has adopted as a symbol – and the palace’s glorious interior, especially the gold metalwork and exquisite paintings on the sliding doors. Atsuta Shrine was also heavily damaged during World War II and later restored to mirror the original. The shrine was supposedly founded in the 3rd century to hold a mythical imperial sword that hasn’t been displayed since the 7th century. However, thousands of other artifacts are on exhibit, including weaponry and sacred garments.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View a replica of 17th-century Nagoya Castle, which was rebuilt after World War II.
• Admire the master craftsmanship and artwork that distinguishes Honmaru Palace.
• Visit a Shinto shrine supposedly founded in the 3rd century to house a sacred sword.
• Join the pilgrims at the shrine that hope the sword will bring them good luck.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Visit Nagoya’s iconic namesake castle and an ornate temple dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo Period, ordered the castle’s construction in 1612 to secure the strategically important Tokaido Road. One of the largest castles in Japan, most of its buildings were destroyed during World War II. It was later meticulously reconstructed to resemble the original building, and as you will see it is magnificent. Tokugawa was also instrumental in the placement of Osu Kannon Temple, as he had it moved to its present location in the early 17th century.

As beautiful as the building is, the temple is more well known for its library of 15,000 Japanese and Chinese texts, the most valuable being the oldest handwritten copy of Japan’s early history. You will also have the chance to shop in a nearby arcade, where you will find merchandise ranging from exquisite kimonos to the latest electronics.

Explore a Shinto shrine that became a great spiritual center and an art museum where nearly three centuries of treasures are beautifully displayed. Atsuta Shrine was supposedly founded in the 3rd century to enshrine a legendary sacred sword. The last person claiming to see it was a priest from the Edo period, who soon died from a mysterious curse. Even so, millions of visitors come to Atsuta Shrine each year hoping that the magical sword will bring them luck. Artistic treasures are the draw of the Tokugawa Art Museum, which you will also browse.

Named for Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo Period, the museum contains more than 12,000 objects such as period furniture, armor, costumes and ceramics for tea ceremonies. All of the pieces are from the peaceful Edo Period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868, and the Tokugawa family donated many of the treasures.

Discover a trio of the most important and renowned destinations in Nagoya during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Nagoya, Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Grass-Mowing Swords, Museum, Artefacts, Swords

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute drive to the Atsuta Jingu Shrine, one of the great centres of worship in Japan. Located in central Nagoya, Japan's fourth-largest city, it is the most important Shinto shrine after the Ise Grand Shrines. This ancient shrine was first noted in the 'Kojiki', Japan's oldest historical documents, compiled in the 8th century. It is also the repository of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Mowing Sword). Together with the Jewels at the Imperial Palace and Mirror at the Ise Grand Shrines, the Grass-Mowing Sword constitutes the Three Imperial Regalia. The shrine's museum houses about 4,000 articles. Many are swords, donated due to the shrine's association with the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.

Osu-Kannon Temple, Guided Tour, Free Time, Shopping Arcade

Next, re-board your coach and drive to Osu-Kannon Temple. Rebuilt in the 1970s after a fire in 1920 and damage from World War II destroyed sections, this famous and beloved temple is a replica of its original design. Prayer flags and red lanterns greet worshippers, and the smell of incense wafts from the main hall. The attractive grounds welcome visitors as well as pigeons, which are kept well-fed by guests and locals. After some free time to purchase a souvenir of your visit at the Osu-Kannon Shopping Arcade, re-board your coach and head to your last stop, the Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace.

Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace, Sliding-Door Paintings, Ranma Wooden Works, Metal Decorations

Among the finest examples of Bukefu-shoin-style building, the original Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace was built in 1615 as a shogun residence and audience hall, but the palace and main castle burned down during World War II. Reconstruction was completed in 2018, after a decade of work by skilled artisans and craftsmen utilising traditional techniques and materials. See gorgeous, Kano-style, sliding-door paintings of tigers and bamboos, which were saved from the fire and designated as an important cultural property by the Japanese government. In addition, view intricate Ranwa wooden works above the sliding doors and lovely metal decorations. Your tour concludes with an approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the history, architecture and castles of Japan during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Meijimura Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 70-minute drive to the Meijimura Museum. One of Japan's several outstanding open air museums, the Meijimura Museum displays over 60 buildings from the Meiji Period. The Meiji Period (1868-1912) is the time when modern Japan was shaped by opening her doors to the world, and embracing western culture. Few of the buildings constructed in the Meiji Period survive in Japan today, as most of them were destroyed during the war or lost to city redevelopment. A collection of representative buildings from across the country have been relocated to this museum in order to preserve the period's architectural and cultural heritage. The lobby of the Imperial Hotel by U.S. architect Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the famous attractions at the Meijimura Museum.

Inuyama Castle

Next, proceed to Inuyama Castle. Upon arrival at the Inuyama Castle, take a guided walking tour. The main keep's structure is built almost entirely of wood and rocks. Its interior is beautifully preserved, and retains an authentic feel without modern additions. The first floor of the castle contains a storage room, and a room for the lord of the castle. The second floor is the castle's armoury. It has wooden shelves for storing weapons and an approximately 11.8-foot-wide (about 3.6-metre-wide) corridor surrounding the room, which is known as musha-bashiri (warriors running). The third floor is divided into two rooms, the Hafu-no-ma and Kara-hafu. The fourth and final floor is surrounded by a viewing balcony.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 85-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the history, architecture and castles of Japan during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Meijimura Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 70-minute drive to the Meijimura Museum. One of Japan's several outstanding open air museums, the Meijimura Museum displays over 60 buildings from the Meiji Period. The Meiji Period (1868-1912) is the time when modern Japan was shaped by opening her doors to the world, and embracing western culture. Few of the buildings constructed in the Meiji Period survive in Japan today, as most of them were destroyed during the war or lost to city redevelopment. A collection of representative buildings from across the country have been relocated to this museum in order to preserve the period's architectural and cultural heritage. The lobby of the Imperial Hotel by U.S. architect Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the famous attractions at the Meijimura Museum.

Lunch and the Inuyama Castle

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and continue on to the nearby city of Inuyama, located in the Aichi Perfecture. Upon arrival, head to the Inuyama Castle, perched atop a small hill adjacent to the Kiso River. Originally constructed in 1537, the Inuyama Castle and its donjon are among the oldest extant in Japan. The castle is one of only 12 original castles remaining in Japan, and also one of only five castles whose main keeps have been designated as National Treasures.

Guided Castle Tour

Upon arrival at the Inuyama Castle, take a guided walking tour. The main keep's structure is built almost entirely of wood and rocks. Its interior is beautifully preserved, and retains an authentic feel without modern additions. The first floor of the castle contains a storage room, and a room for the lord of the castle. The second floor is the castle's armoury. It has wooden shelves for storing weapons and an approximately 11.8-foot-wide (about 3.6-metre-wide) corridor surrounding the room, which is known as musha-bashiri (warriors running). The third floor is divided into two rooms, the Hafu-no-ma and Kara-hafu. The fourth and final floor is surrounded by a viewing balcony. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 85-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover a trio of the most important and renowned destinations in Nagoya during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Nagoya, Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Grass-Mowing Swords, Museum, Artefacts, Swords

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute drive to the Atsuta Jingu Shrine, one of the great centres of worship in Japan. Located in central Nagoya, Japan's fourth-largest city, it is the most important Shinto shrine after the Ise Grand Shrines. This ancient shrine was first noted in the 'Kojiki', Japan's oldest historical documents, compiled in the 8th century. It is also the repository of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Mowing Sword). Together with the Jewels at the Imperial Palace and Mirror at the Ise Grand Shrines, the Grass-Mowing Sword constitutes the Three Imperial Regalia. The shrine's museum houses about 4,000 articles. Many are swords, donated due to the shrine's association with the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.

Nagoya TV Tower, Observation Deck, Panoramic Views, Indoor Sky Deck, MIRAI 360 Deck

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Nagoya TV Tower. Built in 1954 as the first intensive radio tower in Japan, the Nagoya TV Tower is a beloved local landmark. The tower was designed by Tachu Naito, who was also designed the Tokyo Tower and Sapporo TV Tower. Upon arrival, take the elevator up to the Observation Deck to enjoy spectacular panoramic views over Nagoya. The indoor Sky Deck features MIRAI 360, a deck showing a kaleidoscopic landscape reflected on a mirror. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to your last stop, the Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace.

Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace, Sliding-Door Paintings, Ranma Wooden Works, Metal Decorations

Among the finest examples of Bukefu-shoin-style building, the original Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace was built in 1615 as a shogun residence and audience hall, but the palace and main castle burned down during World War II. Reconstruction was completed in 2018, after a decade of work by skilled artisans and craftsmen utilising traditional techniques and materials. See gorgeous, Kano-style, sliding-door paintings of tigers and bamboos, which were saved from the fire and designated as an important cultural property by the Japanese government. In addition, view intricate Ranwa wooden works above the sliding doors and lovely metal decorations. Your tour concludes with an approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Nagoya at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Nagoya at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.