- Tours›
- Art, Culture, & Historical
Fascinating Kakouzan and Motoyama. Don't miss the giant green Buddha!
Joined 2023
The Kakouzan and Motoyama areas of Nagoya provide a fascinating alternative to the standard highlights tour. Let's visit Nitaiji temple which is a repository for a portion of the Buddha's ashes. See if you can work out how to light an incense offering. Enjoy the quiet oasis of the private garden of one of Nagoya′s wealthiest men. Have a break at one of the inviting eateries. If you are game make a wish at the lovers tree. And, of course, discover the giant green Buddha.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel's lobby or Nagoya station.
Nitaiji Temple.
Containing a portion of The Buddha's ashes, Nitaiji is one of the most important Buddhist temples anywhere. I would love to share the fascinating story of this temple with you. And, let's see if you can figure out how to light your incense offering.
Yoki-so Garden.
A quiet respite in the middle of the city. Yoki-so is the remaining section of the once massive estate of Matsuzakaya department store's founder. Have your photo taken at the picturesque Hakuun bridge.
Let's take a break.
It's upto you. Shall we recharge our batteries at one of the great eateries? There is authentic Indian chai, fresh coffee or even homemade donuts. As long as it's not Tuesday or Wednesday we could check out the eclectic selection of shops at the locally famous Kakouzan Apartments.
Shiroyama Hakuzan Shrine.
This shrine is situated on a hill top that once was the location of a strategic castle. The shrine is interesting in itself however it does harbor a secret spot. There is a lovers tree, a tree with a trunk that splits and rejoins. Couples go there to ensure a successful marriage or strengthen their relationship. I'll show you what to do.
Toganji Temple.
Finally a hidden gem. This ancient temple has deep ties to India and hides the largest Buddha in Nagoya. The massive Green statute is camouflaged by trees until you are almost on top of it. We end our stroll in this leafy oasis.
Ending Point
A subway ride back to your hotel.
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
Guide fee.
Public transportation fare. Approximately US$8 return from central Nagoya or US$14.00 from Nagoya Cruise Port.
Refreshments (coffee, tea, snack etc).
Tour Important Information
Yoki-so garden is closed on Mondays or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday.
Kakouyan Apartment shops are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
As many stores are closed on Tuesdays the choice of eateries will be limited. However there are always a few places open.
The latest I can start this tour on Fridays is 9:00 a.m.
On weekdays I can only host this tour in the morning. On Sundays I can host the tour in either the morning or afternoon.
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 2023
About Tour Guide Noel M.
Hello everyone!
Many thanks for checking out my profile. I'm originally from New Zealand but have spent my adult life here in Japan. The Nagoya area has been my home since the early nineties. I have witnessed the region's transformation from a sleepy industrial city to the vibrant metropolis of today. I would love the opportunity to tell you about some of my adventures and also a few of the outstanding people I've met.
I spent many years practicing karate and have also developed a deep interest in Buddhism. I speak Japanese confidently.
I'm new to GoWithGuide but have previous experience giving walking tours. To be able to introduce you to a few of my favourite Nagoya suburbs would be a treat. There are fascinating, historic temples as well as a stupa that purportedly contains a portion of the Buddha's ashes. Also, there are numerous tempting eateries and a few quirky shops. I prefer guiding guests around these less visited areas as you can get a feel for how the locals live.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Reviews
Nina R.
Fascinating Kakouzan and Motoyama. Don't miss the giant green Buddha!
“Best Tour Guide for Nagoya!”
We had an indescribably great day with Noel away from the typical tourist attractions. He showed us the great Buddha, took us to visit Shinshū Ōtani-ha Nagoya-Betsuin Temple and we ended the day with a trip to Nagoya Castle. We would highly recommend Noel because he did a great job organizing everything and we would spend another day with him anytime. He gave us so much historical information, it was very informative and exciting!
Noel M.
Thank you so much. I very much enjoyed showing off a few of my favourite places here in Nagoya. I'm sure that you'll love the remainder of your travels around Japan. Meeting you and your family was fantastic and I greatly appreciate you helping me improve my German vocabulary. Safe journeys.
$156/ per group
More tours by Noel M.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nagoya
Two days trip to Takayama and Shirakawa-go from Nagoya
This tour takes you to a typical Japanese old town, “Takayama” and a rural farming village,”Shirakawa-go”. Takayama is a traditional old town called “Little Kyoto” which is famous for its beautiful and gorgeous “Yamahoko floats festival” held in April and October, being similar to “Gion festival” in Kyoto. Shirakawago is a historic village deep in the mountains with unique traditional “Gasshouzukuri”farmhouses survive 200 years. Shirakawago is a World Heritage site.
Nagoya historical tours
Nagoya Breakfast( toast with red beans, coffee, salad) Nagoya castle(viewing inside and walking around here) AichiGokoku Shirne Kinshachi Yokocho(shopping and eating) Atuta Jingu(Amoterasu Omikami）
One day Castle tour in Nagoya, Gifu, Hikone
Let's enjoy Gifu and Aichi premium Japanese castle with me. I picked up from Japanese 100 premium castle and succeeding Japanese 100 premium castle. Nagoya castle, Gifu castle, Inuyama castle, Okazaki castle, Ogaki castle, Gujohachiman castle, Iwamura castle, Mino Kanayama castle, Komakiyama castle, Kiyosu castle, Yoshida castle etc. Please contact me !
Private Tour. Nagoya Castle and Historical Shopping Street Tour
Embark on a fascinating journey through time as we explore the renowned Nagoya Castle and the historic shopping street in Nagoya. This tour offers a blend of Japan's rich architectural heritage and its vibrant modern culture. Join me to discover the unique architecture of Nagoya Castle and immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere of the main shopping area, where centuries-old shrines and modern cuisine coexist harmoniously.
