Discover Nagoya's Best Hotspots: A Car Journey with a Fun Guide
Joined 2024
Join us for a comfortable private car tour of Nagoya and its nearby surroundings, guided by a fun and experienced local expert. Relax and enjoy the views and engaging conversation as we travel from one location to the next. The itinerary is flexible and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
harbor, airport, hotel, hostel, airbnb, station, etc
- any place in Nagoya
Nittaiji Temple in Kakuozan
This temple is unique due to fact that it doesn't represent any Buddhist sect, but represents them all. In 1904 this temple was built as a symbol of friendship between Japan and Thailand. The Thai Royal family presented Nittaiji temple with the ashes of Buddha.
Yokiso Villa garden
Visit a small but beautiful Japanese garden. Yokiso Villa was donated by the president of Matsuzakaya department store who was the original owner. Yokiso wasn’t just a home but a place to entertain guests and for cultural exchange. Visitors ranged from members of the Imperial family to celebrities, business tycoons, and politicians.
Toganji temple/ big buddha statue
Toganji is a Buddhist temple of the Soto sect founded in the 1500s by Oda Nobuyuki in memory of his father Nobuhide, yes rich and powerful people used to do those things. You can't miss the truly magnificent green bronze Buddha statue. It's 10 meters tall, and probably very heavy. There is also naked Benazaiten, a happy Buddha and the biggest wooden temple drum in Japan, maybe in the world....
Lunch time!
If you're hungry we can go for some awesome ramen (noodles), or Nagoya's famous "hitsumabushi" unagi at renowned ungai shop "unagijo" or for the more adventurous, miso nikomi udon at Nagoya's famous Yamamoto ya.
Toyota automobile museum 1200 yen (discount for 65+ available)
Explore the Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute, a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts. Discover a collection of vehicles showcasing the evolution of automotive technology and design. From vintage classics to modern cars, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of automobiles, with a special focus on Toyota's contributions to the industry. Whether you're a car aficionado or just curious, the Toyota Automobile Museum promises a fascinating and educational experience.
osukannon temple and shopping street
A network of aging yet charming covered shopping streets, home to over 400 shops and restaurants. This area is often compared to Tokyo's Akihabara district, as it features numerous stores specializing in electronics, cosplay, anime, J-pop, and idol goods.
Ending Point
Your decided place of arrival
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Door to door car service
wifi in car
free video service
entrance fee Toyota automobile museum
refreshments in car
minivan /Delica D5
parking fees/gas
Lunch
Yokiso villa 300 yen (Garden is free)
Tour Important Information
-Toyota museum is closed on mondays.
-I will video our trip and make a memory video (of course free of charge)
-This tour doesn't involve a lot of walking so wheelchairs are not a problem.
-English and Dutch is spoken
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Serge R.
Hi lovely travelers,
I'm Serge, originally from the Netherlands, and Japan has been my home for over three decades now. What brought me here initially was love, and that love has kept me rooted in this beautiful country ever since. Along the way, I discovered another love: Japan itself. Following my stint as a radio jockey and TV presenter, where I co-hosted a dedicated program for the Nagoya Grampus soccer team, I transitioned to a behind-the-scenes role as a media fixer for international media outlets.
Though my job as media fixer, I've been traveling and working throughout all of Japan, exploring unique places and meeting lots of very interesting people.
I would love to share and make you, my dear traveler, experience these places as well. Visiting and getting a tour at Japan's oldest traditional vinegar maker, or experience and taste at a traditional "katsuo bushi" bonito flake maker, or do you prefer to visit some old local shrines or temples. with no-one around you, except for the crickets and trees. Maybe you just want a friend to bring you to your desired locations and interpret and be at your beck and call 24 hours (like I do for the media). If you're looking for flexibility (time, places. transport), you won't find a better match than me.
My work as a fixer taught me a valuable lesson: the key to traveling together successfully, lies in a blend of humor, professionalism, and adaptability.
Reviews
“A fun-filled tour with sightseeing and unique workshops”
Right off the bat, we knew Serge would be great - he was responsive, gave wonderful suggestions for our tour and nothing seemed too difficult for him to arrange. We had requested for a visit to Korankei Gorge to see the autumn colours, a pottery workshop and another activity which would be fun for all members of our family. It was a tall order, since most places would be closed by 5pm (the first 2 activities would already take up nearly 7 hours including travelling time), but Serge managed to convince a food “sampuru” artist (an award-winning one, no less!) to host us at his own home for a workshop, making food replicas/samples (the sort you see in a display showcase in front of a Japanese restaurant). Having Serge as our guide was like having an old friend taking us around; thanks to Serge, we had a fun-filled day and took home happy memories of the unique experiences!
Paul T.
Nagoya: car tour to Korankei valley, Toyota museum and more
“Top notch tour guide”
We had a wonderful experience with Serge. He contacted us the day before the tour to suggest that we should consider starting our tour at an earlier time due to potential traffic issues going to Korankei Gorge. We were pleased with his suggestion as we even had extra time to go to another lovely spot. Serge gave us three options for the second place to visit. We chose to go to Shikizakura to see the cherry blossoms and colourful autumn leaves. We were not disappointed. He even took candid shots of us. We met Serge as our private tour guide but parted as a friend. He is very passionate at what he does and knowledgeable as a guide. Tip: A great photographer too. Do not hesitate to have him as your tour guide. You will not be disappointed.
Serge R.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Honestly, I feel like I have the best job in the world! With people like you, it never feels like work. From the moment you stepped into my car, the conversation flowed so naturally, it was as if the concept of "strangers" simply vanished. I laughed so much, and I was deeply inspired by the respect and love you share for each other. Thank you both for such a wonderful day—I’m already looking forward to our paths crossing again!
“Private Ceramic Arts Tour”
I asked for a tour of two famous pottery towns, Seto and Tajimi. Serge put together a great day which included a visit with a warm and wonderful ceramic artist, a tour of the Seto Pottery Museum, a visit to a pottery tool store and a tour of an amazing ceramic festival at the Ceramics Park in Mino. Although he was unfamiliar with the pottery scene in these pottery towns, he did his research and reached out to experts and as a result, the tour gave me insight and experiences that I could never have achieved on my own. Just as important, Serge was warm, easy to talk to and answered all my questions with humor and grace.
Serge R.
Thank you so much dear Heidi, we had an amazing day as well, thanks to you, my world has gotten a bit bigger, I could experience something new and I caught the pottery bug as well. At the moment I'm putting your video together, it will take a few weeks due to the busyness of this month, but I hope it'll be worth the wait. Till we see again, Serge
$223/ per group
More tours by Serge R.
Nagoya: car tour to Korankei valley, Toyota museum and more
Join a serene tour of Korankei Valley, a peaceful retreat from Nagoya, with a stop at the Toyota Automobile Museum. Travel in comfort with a private, experienced guide by minivan. Explore historic streets, dip your toes in the river, or enjoy a gentle hike in tranquil Asuke. Perfect for those seeking a break from tourist crowds or major attractions. I'll answer your questions about Japan, capture your journey in photos and videos, and ensure unforgettable memories.
A fun car tour to Inuyama castle and a Phallus temple
Join this unforgettable tour that takes you to Japan's oldest castle. Wear a kimono and wonder through charming streets while savoring local delicacies. Perhaps take a ride in a traditional rickshaw and have matcha green tea in a traditional Japanese garden. Throughout the experience, we capture your memories with video and photos. Finally, we’ll visit the unique Penis Shrine, where you can pray for a bountiful harvest, the flourishing of nature(fertility), and prosperous descendants.
Inuyama Castle, Kimono, and Tea ceremony
Join this unforgettable tour that takes you to Japan's oldest castle. Wear a kimono and wonder through charming streets while savoring local delicacies. Perhaps take a ride in a traditional rickshaw and have matcha green tea in a traditional Japanese garden. Throughout the experience, we capture your memories with video and photos.
Amazing pottery and ceramics tour in Seto
Discover Seto, a haven for pottery enthusiasts! Visit a pottery museum, watch a master potter, explore shops, and even join a workshop. Stroll along Kamagaki no Komichi, a 400-meter path lined with old kiln tools showcasing Seto's ceramic heritage. Stop by the Maneki Neko Museum, home to the largest collection of "Goodluck" cats. Enjoy lunch at a scenic soba restaurant before heading to Tajimi to explore the Mino Ceramics Park, with exhibits by local and global artists, a tea ceremony, and more.
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Nagoya
Explore Takayama’s Historic Streets and Breathtaking Mountain Views (from Nagoya)
Explore Takayama’s Edo-era streets, lined with traditional architecture. Ride through the historic town on a rickshaw, then enjoy a lunch of local specialties like Takayama ramen or Hida beef. Afterward, take a scenic one-hour drive to Okuhida Onsen and relax in the natural hot spring foot baths at Hirayu Onsen. Finally, ride Japan's only two-story ropeway to 2,156 meters, where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Northern Alps. Return to your starting point or hotel (Toyama recommended).
Nagoya: car tour to Korankei valley, Toyota museum and more
Join a serene tour of Korankei Valley, a peaceful retreat from Nagoya, with a stop at the Toyota Automobile Museum. Travel in comfort with a private, experienced guide by minivan. Explore historic streets, dip your toes in the river, or enjoy a gentle hike in tranquil Asuke. Perfect for those seeking a break from tourist crowds or major attractions. I'll answer your questions about Japan, capture your journey in photos and videos, and ensure unforgettable memories.
A fun car tour to Inuyama castle and a Phallus temple
Join this unforgettable tour that takes you to Japan's oldest castle. Wear a kimono and wonder through charming streets while savoring local delicacies. Perhaps take a ride in a traditional rickshaw and have matcha green tea in a traditional Japanese garden. Throughout the experience, we capture your memories with video and photos. Finally, we’ll visit the unique Penis Shrine, where you can pray for a bountiful harvest, the flourishing of nature(fertility), and prosperous descendants.
Day trip from Nagoya to Gifu visiting castle, old shrines and exploring UNESCO world heritage sites
Over looking at the stunning view from the top of the mountain of Gifu castle riding cable car. Visiting old and historic shrines and UNESCO world heritage site.
