Day Trips

Topic: Nagoya day tours / Nagoya Day Trips

Nagoya Day Tours/Trips

While Nagoya is a huge metropolitan hub, it’s also surrounded by some of the most rich history in all of Japan! Gifu Prefecture, one hour from Nagoya is culturally rich in Samurai culture, and just west to Nagoya is Kansai with famous cultural capitals such as Kyoto and Nara. If you’re interested in old Japan, or deep nature and cultural history, Nagoya is a great option as a base for you to explore these places. Being the third largest city in Japan, there are countless of transportation methods to reach all of these places in around 2-3 hours or less.

Aichi Area

1. Inuyama Castle Town

Located in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama is home to one of Japan’s oldest and most well-preserved castles, Inuyama Castle. The castle town is charming, with a traditional atmosphere and several historical buildings, including merchant houses and shrines. Inuyama-jokamachi, a shopping street leading to the castle, is lined with delicious udon shops and souvenir areas to browse through. The castle offers stunning views of the Kiso River and the surrounding landscape. At Kiso River, from August 1st-August 10th there is a fireworks festival with fireworks being set off every 10 minutes from 8PM.

Nagoya Station ➞ Inuyamayuen Station
By train: ~30 minutes
Cost: 690 JPY
*This Meitetsu Limited Express bound for Inuyamayuen Station departs every 30 minutes.

2. Meiji Mura Museum

The Meiji-Mura Museum is an open-air museum that showcases architecture from the Meiji era (1868-1912). It features a real Meiji era train that runs through town and buildings that were relocated and restructured from all over Japan, allowing visitors to not only enjoy looking at Meiji styled buildings and interior, but also experience the life during that period (Meiji era clothing is also available for rental). It’s great for history lovers and also makes for a great photo-op! Meiji-Mura occasionally offers interactive events including a roleplaying, period themed mystery solving game that takes place at the museum’s school (in Japanese only).

Meitetsu Nagoya Station ➞ Inuyama Station ➞ Meiji-Mura
By train & bus: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Cost: 1,130 JPY
*At Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Inuyama Line on Platform 1.
*After you arrive at Inuyama Station, take the Meijimura Bus 「明治村行き」 (it stops services at 4:30PM)

Kansai Area

3. Nara

Known for its historical sites and friendly, free-roaming deer, Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. Key attractions include Todai-ji Temple, housing a massive bronze Buddha, and Nara Park, where visitors can interact with the deer. Nara is also home to several other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofuku-ji Temple. A site less known by travelers is Mt.Wakakusa, a beautiful mountain point that overlooks all of Nara. This can be reached by bus or bus tour. Visitors can also roam the streets similar to the deer and eat hand made mochi or delicious Nara pudding!

For more details click here.

Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center ➞ Kintetsu Nara Station
By bus: 2 1/2 hours
Cost: 3,000 JPY
*The Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center is on the third floor of the Meitetsu Nagoya building and the boarding stop for Nara is #8.

Gifu Area

4. Gifu Castle

Gifu castle, which dates back to the 16th century, was the home of famous samurai lord Oda Nobunaga and sits on a mountain top overlooking all of Gifu prefecture. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to reach the base of the castle ground where you can find food, drinks, and even a small squirrel park! At the observatory is a gorgeous panoramic view over the entirety of Gifu Prefecture. If you look hard enough, you can even see into Aichi prefecture, home of Nagoya.

Nagoya Station ➞ Gifu Station ➞ Gifu Park ➞ Gifu Castle
By train + bus + ropeway: ~1 hr 20 mins
Cost: 1,510 JPY (train and bus) + 1,300 JPY (ropeway for adults) / 650 JPY (ropeway for children)
*From Gifu Station, take bus No.45 「岐阜大学病院行き」. It is headed towards the Gifu Uni. Hospital.

5. Tsumago-juku

This historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail was a former highway that connected Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo) during the Edo period. The Nakasendo Trail stretched between modern Tokyo to Kyoto, and was where most delivery men made their rounds between capitals. It’s a popular destination for those wanting to experience old Japan, as there are interactive buildings and a special post office where you can send messages with limited edition stamps. Tsumago-juku has preserved its traditional wooden buildings and picturesque streets, allowing visitors to feel as if they’re traveling through traditional Japan.

Nagoya Station ➞ Nakatsugawa Station ➞ Nagisoeki Station ➞ Tsumago Juku
By train: ~2 hours
Cost: 1,990 JPY
*At Nagisoeki Station, take the Magome Line or Hogami Line and get off at Omatabashi.

6. Takayama

Located in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a peaceful city hidden in the mountains and known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and carpentry. The town is famous for its traditional wooden houses, bustling morning markets, delicious local wagyu beef, and the Takayama Matsuri (a popular festival in Japan). For anime lovers, it is also the inspiration for the anime, Hyouka. Takayama also serves as a gateway to explore the nearby mountainous regions including Shirakawago and the hot spring town of Okuhida, making it a perfect countryside escape.

For more details click here.

Nagoya Station (or Nagoya Meitetsu Center) ➞ Takayama Station
By bus: ~2 1/2 hours
Cost: 2,400 ~ 2,700 JPY
*You can book the bus here: highwaybus.com

7. Shirakawago

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, built with steep thatched roofs and designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago offers a glimpse into rural Japan’s past and is beautiful all seasons round. Visitors can relax being surrounded by the beautiful mountains while experiencing the slow life people of the past once lived. One of the most popular times to visit is during the winter when the village is covered in snow.

For more details click here.

Nagoya Meitetsu Center ➞ Shirakawago
By train & bus: ~2 hours 40 mins
Cost: 4,200 JPY
*Direct buses to Shirakawago can only be made through the Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center.
You can book it here: highwaybus.com

8. Hida Furukawa

This town’s picturesque streets, traditional buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a popular destination for photographers. Located only 20 minutes from Takayama, it makes a popular half day trip for those already in the region. A popular attraction is feeding hundreds of carp in the river that flows through town. It is also popular for inspiring the hit anime movie, “Your Name”. Spots such as the train station, library, and Wakamiya Shrine are famous points in the movie.

Nagoya Station (or Nagoya Meitetsu Center) ➞ Takayama Station ➞ Hida Furukawa Station
By train & bus: 2 hours 40 mins
Cost: ~3,000 JPY
You can book the way to Takayama here: highwaybus.com
*Either take the train (once an hour) or bus to Hida Furukawa from Takayama Station. Please schedule accordingly.

Mie Area

9. Ise Jingu

Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines where the imperial family often visits. Annually, thousands of visitors come here to pray for good luck or health. The shrine complex is surrounded by beautiful nature and is considered a spiritual site. The inner shrine, known as Naiku, is particularly significant and is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shinto tradition. It’s known as a powerful place to go pray!

Nagoya Station ➞ Ujiyamada Station ➞ Naiku-mae bus stop
By train & bus: ~2 hours
Cost: 3,390 yen
*You can also choose to get off at Ujiyamada Station if you would like to walk and enjoy the surrounding tourist town of Ise.

Shiga Area

10. Hikone Castle

Located in Shiga Prefecture on the shores of Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle is one of the few original castles remaining in Japan. The castle grounds are beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season, and the castle’s interior offers a glimpse into feudal-era life. It is also home to one of the top 5 famous mascots in Japan, “Hikonyan”.

Nagoya Station ➞ Maibara Station ➞ Hikone Station
By train: ~1 hour 10 mins
Cost: 3,610 JPY