Definition
Explore a historic sake brewery, enjoy a tasting, craft traditional art, and find peace through Zen meditation in Gifu.
Who is it for?
Travelers seeking rare hands-on experiences beyond Japan’s major tourist spots.
What can you experience?
Sample premium sake, create your own artwork in a thatched-roof village, and practice Zen meditation at a tranquil temple.
What will you gain?
A deeper appreciation for Japan’s craftsmanship, heritage, and spirituality—all in a single day.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Nagoya Station
- The meeting point is Nagoya Station, right outside the Shinkansen ticket gates. You’ll find a large gold clock, a well-known landmark, making it easy to spot.
Hisuikyo Gorge – Scenic Rest Stop & Nature Views
Pause at Hisui Gorge, a stunning natural wonder carved by the Kiso River. This picturesque stop offers a chance to relax and take in breathtaking canyon views.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Scenic Beauty – Admire the dramatic rock formations and emerald-green waters of the gorge.
・Photo Opportunity – Capture the untouched natural landscape from the observation points.
・Refreshing Stop – Stretch your legs and enjoy the peaceful sounds of rushing water before continuing your journey.
Okuhida Sake Brewery – Sake Tour & Tasting Experience
Discover the art of Japanese sake-making at Okuhida Sake Brewery, a historic brewery with over 300 years of craftsmanship. Tour the traditional brewery, learn about the meticulous brewing process, and sample a selection of premium local sake.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Sake Brewery Tour – Explore the brewing facilities and learn about the time-honored techniques of sake production.
・Sake Tasting – Enjoy a guided tasting of locally brewed sake, from crisp and dry to rich and aromatic.
・Cultural Insight – Gain a deeper understanding of sake’s role in Japanese tradition and craftsmanship.
Lunch – Gero Onsen Gassho Village
Savor the flavors of the Hida region with a traditional meal in the charming setting of Gero Onsen Gassho Village. Enjoy freshly grilled river fish and local specialties, offering a taste of Japan’s rustic countryside.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Charcoal-Grilled River Fish – Delight in freshly grilled Amago, Iwana, and Ayu, prepared over an open flame.
・Hida’s Local Delicacies – Try Sasa-zushi (bamboo leaf-wrapped sushi), Mitarashi Dango, and Gohei Mochi for a taste of tradition.
・Comforting Noodles & Snacks – Enjoy a warm bowl of soba or udon, along with rice dishes and local appetizers.
Gero Onsen Gassho Village - Painting Experience
Unleash your creativity with a hands-on painting experience in a beautifully preserved thatched-roof village. Decorate traditional crafts and take home a unique souvenir that reflects your artistic touch.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Traditional Craft Painting – Customize local ceramics or wooden crafts with your own design.
・Historic Setting – Create your masterpiece in a scenic Gassho-style house, immersing yourself in Japan’s heritage.
・Personalized Souvenir – Take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your journey.
Painting experience costs ¥1,300 per person.
Gero Onsen Gassho Village - Gassho-Style House Tour
Step into the past as you explore authentic Gassho-style houses, relocated from Shirakawa-go. These traditional thatched-roof homes offer a glimpse into Japan’s rural heritage and architectural ingenuity.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Traditional Architecture – Discover the unique structure of Gassho-style houses, designed to withstand heavy snowfall.
・Cultural Insight – Learn about the daily lives of villagers who once lived in these historic homes.
・Scenic Atmosphere – Wander through a picturesque setting surrounded by nature, perfect for photos.
Jiun-in Temple - Zen Meditation Experience
Find inner peace through a guided Zen meditation session at Jiun-in, a serene temple in Gero. Embrace mindfulness as you sit in quiet contemplation, following traditional breathing techniques taught by a resident monk.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Authentic Zen Practice – Learn the fundamentals of Zazen, a core practice of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
・Tranquil Atmosphere – Meditate in a peaceful temple surrounded by nature.
・Spiritual Insight – Gain a deeper understanding of mindfulness and Japanese Buddhist philosophy.
Zen Meditation experience costs 1,000 yen per person.
Return to Nagoya
After enjoying the tour, we will head to Nagoya Station.
At Nagoya Station
Ending Point
At Nagoya Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
・English-speaking guide Fees
・Travel by HONDA FREED
・Gasoline fee
・highway tolls
・Lunch costs (for both the guide and yourself)
・Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks, etc.)
・Activity costs
・Travel insurance
Available year-round, with customizable schedules for different group needs.
・You can easily enjoy the tour as a day trip or a short stopover from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
・Please make sure to have travel insurance, as the guide cannot be held responsible for any damages or losses.
・Bring enough cash, as some places may not accept credit cards.
・My main guiding areas are Aichi, Gifu, and Mie, but other locations can be arranged upon request.
Welcome to Nagoyeah! (Nagoya, but way more fun!)
Hi, I'm Ryota, a nationally certified guide interpreter. I was born and raised in Nagoya, studied business administration in the U.S., and spent 5 years in IT sales before working in vending machine logistics for 10 years. Through my international collaborations, I deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture.
I’m thrilled that you’re considering a visit to Nagoya—a city where tradition and innovation come together, and warm-hearted locals are eager to share their stories with you.
To make your journey truly unforgettable, I offer personalized guides that present Nagoya not just as a collection of isolated "points" (individual tourist spots) but as a connected "surface"—a seamless journey weaving together related locations into a rich, cohesive story.
My goal is to create experiences where you can deeply immerse yourself in the culture, touch its essence, and uncover the stories behind each destination—leaving you with lasting inspiration that stays with you long after your journey.
Let’s make it a Nagoyeah experience together! Are you ready to explore Nagoya’s unique blend of old and new? Let’s get started!
$574/ per group