Definition:
A cultural journey into samurai spirit — see a giant Buddha, strike a mokugyo, stroll a Zen garden, and explore Japan’s sacred sword legacy.
Who is it for?
Perfect for history lovers, spiritual seekers, and curious cultural explorers.
What can you experience?
Visit a temple, shrine, and garden; feel Zen and Bushido, and join hands-on traditions.
What will you gain?
Insight into samurai values — with lasting memories of sound, spirit, and sword.
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.
Tōgan-ji Temple
Touch Japan’s largest mokugyo (wooden drum) and encounter the stunning green Great Buddha!
Tōgan-ji Temple is a hidden gem in Nagoya, offering a peaceful blend of Buddhist tradition and rare spiritual encounters. Famous for its striking 10-meter-tall Daibutsu and sacred artifacts, the temple invites visitors to slow down and reflect — while experiencing hands-on elements of Zen culture.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Green Great Buddha – Gaze upon the serene 10-meter-tall Daibutsu, surrounded by quiet forested paths.
・Mokugyo Experience – Try striking Japan’s largest wooden drum, used in rituals to focus the mind and spirit.
・Zen Atmosphere – Stroll through tranquil grounds rich in symbolism, turtles, and centuries-old trees.
・Hidden Spiritual Spot – Discover a lesser-known temple favored by locals, offering a quiet escape from the city.
Atsuta Shrine
Atsuta Shrine stands as a sacred site deeply tied to Japan’s samurai and warrior culture. Home to the legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan’s imperial regalia swords, it has long been a place of devotion for warriors seeking strength and protection.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Samurai Legacy – Follow in the footsteps of warriors like Oda Nobunaga, who offered his sword in gratitude for victory.
・Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi – Discover the legend of this mythical blade, a symbol of imperial power.
・Sacred Atmosphere – Stroll through serene, forested grounds that have inspired devotion for centuries.
・Shinto Rituals – Experience traditional ceremonies and the spiritual essence of Japan’s warrior heritage.
Kusanagikan
Hold one of Japan’s finest samurai swords!
Kusanagikan offers a rare opportunity to explore the craftsmanship, history, and spiritual significance of Japanese swords (Nihontou) through an immersive, hands-on experience.
Highlights & Experiences:
・Samurai Sword Legacy – Discover the artistry and history behind Japan’s legendary blades.
・Hands-On Experience – Feel the weight and balance of a real Nihontou.
・Master Swordsmiths – Gain insight into the precision and dedication of Japan’s finest artisans.
・Spiritual Connection – Understand the deep cultural and symbolic meaning of the samurai’s most revered weapon.
Shiratori Garden
Step into Tranquility at Shirotori Garden, a stunning Japanese garden designed to reflect the natural landscapes of central Japan. With its seasonal beauty and refined aesthetic, the garden offers a serene escape from the city's bustle.
Highlights & Experiences
・Strolling Paths – Wander through winding trails, crossing stone bridges and passing koi-filled ponds.
・Traditional Architecture – Admire the tea house and thatched-roof buildings that blend harmoniously with the scenery.
・Seasonal Scenery – Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and tranquil snowscapes in winter.
・Peaceful Atmosphere – Relax in a setting that embodies the spirit of harmony and Zen.
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
・Lunch costs (for both the guide and yourself)
・Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks, etc.)
・Activity costs
・Travel insurance
・Gasoline fee (¥1,000)
・highway tolls (¥3,000)
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!
$180/ per group