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Nagoya: all-inclusive car tour to Korankei valley
Joined 2024
Join me for an all included relaxed tour of Asuke town, a peaceful retreat from the busyness of Nagoya. Stroll through the historic streets, dip your toes in the river, and if you're feeling adventurous, embark on a gentle hike. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Edo period and enjoy the tranquility that Asuke has to offer. I will video your trip and take pictures so your experience, and memory will be preserved.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
hotel, hostel, airbnb, station, etc
- I will pick you up at your desired location, I'll be there 9 or 10, if you're not an early bird. We can always stop at a convenience store or Starbucks along the way if your morning caffeine intake wasn't enough or if you just want something to nibble on.
Toyota car museum
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. But if you're any bit like my wife, we'll speed past it, without braking.
(closed on mondays)
Korankei valley
Korankei valley. In Korankei valley, you can get away from the business of Nagoya, walk around, dip your toes in the river and if you’re up to it go on a small hike and visit a shrine hidden in the forest. Even though Asuke is most famous for its 4000 Japanese maple trees which create beautiful autumn colors, it’s beautiful whole year round. If we're lucky you might hear the sound of the bush warbler, a tiny bird with a big voice.
Lunch time!
I will prepare a traditional bento lunch box and eat outside near the river. Please let me know beforehand about food restrictions
Korankei/Sanshu Asuke yashiki/Asuke town
Inside Korankei is Sanshu Asuke yashiki, an open-air museum which showcases traditional Japanese farmhouses and daily life during the Edo period. Visitors can see demonstrations of traditional crafts and participate in hands-on activities. It is also great for photography and buying small hand made goods.
Asuke is a charming, historic town. It is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere and scenic beauty. You can enjoy the atmosphere of a bygone era. The town's architecture and layout have been carefully preserved, making it a favorite spot for history enthusiasts and photographers.
(sanshu asuke yashiki is closed on thursdays)
Asuke castle
A historic site that offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Located in the charming town of Asuke, this reconstructed castle provides an authentic experience of the Edo period. Wander through its well-preserved grounds, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Asuke Castle is not just a monument of history but also a serene spot where you can appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. (for Pilipino travelers, this a location where pusong dragon by Abra was recorded)
(closed on thursdays)
Zoufukuji temple
Toyota cars, Japanese maple trees, a bush warbler, a castle.......all that's missing from this trip is a visit to a temple. I will bring you to Zoufukuji temple, a quiet local temple in a rather old little village. The sounds of thousands of wind chimes fill the air, while we slowly walk around and enjoy the peacefulness of these surroundings
Head back to Nagoya.
Slowly we head back to Nagoya, and if you're not time restricted, I can show you some places on the way back or bring you to a department store (AEON) where you can stock up on food, clothes, buy a dog, sanitary products, make up basically things which are hard to get once you're back in the city center.
I'll drop you off at your desired place and say sayonara....
Ending Point
Your desired location
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
Transport by car (Mitsubishi delica d5)
All entrance fees
highway fees included
gasoline included
Guidance
Refreshments
Video recording and still pictures
I will upload the video and pictures to a private cloud for you to download. They will NOT be used for promotion without your permission.
alcoholic beverages (I can prepare them on request though)
lunch
Tour Important Information
-Asuke castle and Sanshu Asuke Yashiki are closed on Thursday.
I can propose some other spots to visit instead.
There are two ways I do this trip:
-The "from point to point" way, in this case I follow the itinerary to the minute and to location, you'll be back at a set time.
-The "follow your feeling" way, in this case I adapt to your wishes and keep the itinerary as a base plan. I can't really guarantee you'll be back at the minute.
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
“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.
(3 reviews)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.
(3 reviews)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
“Amazing guide ”
As in the title amazing guide with a lot of knowledge, great personality and ability to create unforgetable memory. Flexible about program, well prepared abd perfect for as well adults as kids. Highly recommended guide. You will never regret to go with him.
Serge R.
(3 reviews)Thank you so much, you all. I had a wonderful time with you. I really loved guiding you around, this is the reason why I became a guide....to meet people like you!
$254/ per group
Reserve
