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Discover Nagoya's Best Hotspots: A Car Journey with a Fun Guide
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 or we can take a stroll through a bamboo forest.
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?
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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
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
Alice C.
“Great Guide”
Serge’s friendly smile and easy-going personality immediately put us at ease as soon as we stepped into the airport arrival hall…. His larger-than-life personality is fascinating, as is his life story. We appreciate his enthusiasm and sense of humour throughout the tour. Thank you very much! Alice, Jack, Zenn ️
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Serge R.
Dear Alice, thank you so much for this kind review. I had a great time with you three, your husband especially made me giggle a lot with his tanuki hat. Again thank you so much for putting your day in my tiny hands. I hope we meet again in the future!
Yeong nam T.
“Buy 1 Get 1 Free”
My family booked a private tour with Serge to korankei gorge and obara furaei. Serge was a warm and hospitable person. I especially appreciate his insight on Japan both as an outsider and now as someone who has been living in Japan for more than 30 years. He offers an outside in perspective. His humour and fun loving ways make the day trip fly by very fast. We have the joy of bumping into his wife who is also a guide at korankei. We end up having 2 guides to show us around! Thank you Serge and Tomoko for hosting us and sharing all your funny jokes/anecdotes.
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Serge R.
Dear Yeong, thank you so much for your kind words.... Yes meeting Tomoko was a surprise for me as well (I left early in the morning while she was still in Dreamland.. the only time she's quiet..). In case you were wondering why she choose me as her husband while there are so many normal, sane men out there...well it's simple; she always forgets her glasses...you can call it love, I call it "bad eyesight". We both want to thank you for your kindness and generosity. Guiding you has been a great pleasure, the goat surely approved. Our conversations were interesting and fun from the moment we got in the car. I will always cherish this day with you until I'm old(er) and shorter and Balder (minus hair?) Love, Serge
Lesley R.
“Best tour of our trip!”
Our guide adjusted the tour at the last minute to accommodate our request to walk around Ghibli Park since the weather was perfect! She was a lot of fun and a great guide and companion for the day! Our time with her is one of our best memories of the entire trip!
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Serge R.
Thank you so much, Tomoko really enjoyed the time with the both of you and I was also happy to have had the chance of meeting you both. Again, thank you so much, and I hope we'll see again! Serge and Tomoko
$324/ 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 Toganji temple. 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
Buckle up, car lovers! This tour is a dream for anyone obsessed with horsepower and the scent of fresh interiors. First stop: the Toyota Automobile Museum, a treasure trove of mint-condition classics and modern marvels. Then, we cruise to Toyota City, birthplace of the Toyota family, to explore the Toyota Kaikan, where you can sit in, touch, and admire the latest models (no licking!). And, of course, your guide is a true car maniac—because what’s a car tour without a car-obsessed driver?
Nagoya Private Car Tour for Auto Enthusiasts
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A fun relaxed car tour to Inuyama castle
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 photos. Finally, if we have time, we’ll visit the unique Penis Shrine, where you can pray for a bountiful harvest, the flourishing of nature(fertility), and prosperous descendants.
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 Private Tour from Nagoya – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
Explore Japan’s mountain heritage on a private tour to Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Stroll Shirakawa-go’s iconic thatched-roof village, wander Takayama’s charming old town, and savor local flavors. Perfect for culture lovers seeking scenic, traditional towns full of history and beauty. Guided by a nationally licensed guide with a private car, the tour is safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Few reviews here yet, but I have many 5-star reviews on other platforms—book with confidence!
9-hour Takayama & Shirakawa-go Private Tour from Nagoya – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
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Gujyo Hachiman jyo- The Castle in the Sky and the best Unagi ever!
Gujo Hachiman Castle, located in Hachiman Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, is the oldest reconstructed wooden castle in Japan. Known for its elegant white keep, it’s often referred to as the “Castle in the Sky.” The castle sits atop Mt. Hachiman, overlooking the castle town, offering stunning seasonal views throughout the year. The early morning mist resembling a sea of clouds often occurs on cold mornings from autumn to winter (around November to February).
Gujyo Hachiman jyo- The Castle in the Sky and the best Unagi ever!
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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 Toganji temple. 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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8-Hour Nagoya Private Tour – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
Step into the spirit of the samurai on this cultural journey — visit a temple, shrine, and Zen garden, ring a mokugyo, and explore Japan’s sacred swords. Perfect for history lovers and spiritual seekers, this tour offers hands-on traditions and deep insight into Zen and Bushido. Guided by a nationally licensed guide with a private car, the tour is safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Few reviews here yet, but I have many 5-star reviews on other platforms.
8-Hour Nagoya Private Tour – Nationally Licensed Guide & Private Car
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