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Discover Nagoya's Best Hotspots: A Car Journey with a Fun Guide
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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.
This tour is great for Cruise ship passengers. For an additional 1200 yen pp, I can switch the itinerary and go to the famous Toyota Automobile museum.
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
Nagoya castle
Nagoya Castle (名古屋城, Nagoya-jō) is one of the most famous landmarks in Nagoya and a symbol of the Tokugawa clan’s power.
Built in History & Significance1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, as a strategic defense point and residence for the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family.
Famous for its golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish ornaments) on the roof, which became a symbol of Nagoya.
Much of the castle was destroyed in WWII air raids, but many treasures were saved and are displayed today.
Reconstruction has been ongoing: the Hommaru Palace (main palace) was beautifully rebuilt with traditional craftsmanship and opened fully in 2018.
Tokugawa gardens
It’s a beautiful Japanese landscape garden built on the grounds of the Owari Tokugawa family’s former residence. Highlights:
Central pond and waterfall: A classic kaiyū-style (strolling) garden with a large pond representing the sea, with artificial hills symbolizing mountains.
Seasonal flowers: Peonies in spring, irises in early summer, autumn foliage, and snowy scenery in winter.
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 open I would like to take you a special hidden gem, it's a tea/coffee shop with a Japanese garden and art gallery.
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
entrance fee Nagoya castle and Tokugawa en
refreshments in car
minivan /Delica D5
parking fees/gas
bad singing
Lunch
Toyota automobile museum 1100 yen pp
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
Bob B.
“SERGE-Japan Korenkei Gorge - Knowledgeable, fun, safe and willing.”
My wife and I booked Serge several months before our tour 20th November 2025.We weren't nervous about it as he kept in contact with us before our tour. Japan is a pretty well regulated country and the only thing we had to worry about was the presence of Autumn colour in the area. We needn't have worried, Serge made some sort of sacrifice to the spirit world and it was nothing short of amazing. However, Serge made it Super-Amazing. He is very knowledgeable about his home town area of Nagoya/Toyota. He has a sense of fun and was chatty all the way through our experience. He is a very safe driver. He had snacks and drinks for us when he picked us up in a very spacious car. He speaks fluent English and Japanese and was able to charm his way into a parking space almost on top of the gorge despite the crowded roads and obvious lack of parking facilities. Later in the afternoon he took us to a temple famous for cherry blossom and Autumn maple leaf colour AT THE SAME TIME It's true, I tell yuh! He introduced us to the priest too. We got the full treatment from Serge. We had his undivided attention for the full time in the contact and a little bit more on top too. He has been doing this for a while now and is a very competent guide. Right at the start I explained about a health issue I have. He checked on me regularly but without being intrusive and gave me his contact details in case I needed any help later on in our holiday. Oh yeah, he is a bit of a photographer too. He will show you some neat techniques and take loads of photos of you, for you. A grand day out. If you're in the area look him up. In case you didn't realise, we thought he was prett-darn good.
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Serge R.
You were right Bob, I just pulled out a hankey. Thank you so much for this beautiful review..and yeah it doesn't happen very often, but I'm speechless. The only times this happend was during the birth of my sons (panic attacks), when my wife said "I do" at my wedding (again panic attack) and when I was born (until the doctor smacked me on my bum.... he unknowingly unleashed an evil). You thought that on the way back we would run out of topics and drive back in silence.... never underestimate the power of the blabbing Dutchman! I also love the detail in your review, and how you remembered every tiny thing. The cherry on top was me being able to give you a hug and break through your wall of English stubbornness....you guys are great, and I'm sure that the goat is smiling from goat heaven, knowing that he/she got sacrificed for a great cause. Love Serge
Lisa H.
“Great day for Toyota fan!”
We had a great day with Serge visiting key Toyota locations. Serge was flexible with the itinerary and allowed us to make some changes to accommodate the group's interest. He was knowledgeable, friendly and safely navigated us around Nagoya and Toyota City. The day was an absolute highlight for the massive Toyota fan in our party, and we are extremely happy that we made the decision to ask Serge to facilitate this day trip for us! We would not hesitate to recommend Serge for this tour or any other that he provides. It was wonderful to meet you, Serge, and thank you again!
Serge R.
Dear Lisa, thank you so much for choosing me, I had a wonderful time with you all and I'm so happy I could fulfill your partner's wish to visit the mecca of Toyota. I wish you all the best and never hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need something. With kind regards, Serge
Lisa M.
“A great day with Serge”
Serge designed a day trip for us to explore some "family roots" and visit the area that our family was previously from. He incorporated everything we wanted into our day, and was very engaging and personable. He worked to make the day interesting for our 11 and 13 year old boys as well. We would highly recommend Serge to anyone needing a guide in the Nagoya area.
Serge R.
Thank you Lisa, it was an honor to guide you guys around. The love and respect you have for eachother in your family was inspiring. Hope to see you all again in the future. With love Serge
$320/ per group
More tours by Serge R.
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Nagoya: car tour to the beauty of Korankei valley
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 ensure unforgettable memories.
Nagoya: car tour to the beauty of Korankei valley
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Nagoya Private Car Tour for Auto Enthusiasts
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A fun relaxed car tour to Inuyama castle
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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.
Amazing pottery and ceramics tour in Seto
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Nagoya
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9-hour Takayama & Shirakawa-go from Nagoya – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
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9-hour Takayama & Shirakawa-go from Nagoya – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
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Gujyo Hachiman jyo- The Castle in the Sky and the best Unagi ever!
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Gujyo Hachiman jyo- The Castle in the Sky and the best Unagi ever!
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8-Hour Nagoya Private Tour – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
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8-Hour Nagoya Private Tour – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
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Old Japan Alive at Takayama & Historical Hidden Village at Shirakawa-go
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Old Japan Alive at Takayama & Historical Hidden Village at Shirakawa-go