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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
hotel
- 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 Automobile 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 / 1200 yen admission/discounts for 65+ and kids) (included in package)
Lunch time!
Lunch, we can have a lunchbox outside or we can go to a restaurant in Asuke village
Korankei gorge/Sanshu Asuke village
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.
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 Philipino travelers, this a location where pusong dragon by Abra was recorded)
(closed on thursdays/entrance 300 yen) (included in package)
zofuku-ji temple
If there is still time over.......
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
Ending Point
Your desired location
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
Transport by car (Mitsubishi delica d5)
All entrance fees
highway fees included
gasoline included
Guidance
Refreshments
alcoholic beverages (I can prepare them on request though)
lunch
Tour Important Information
I will adapt this schedule to your wishes and ideas
I cut out the Toyota museum as you are not passionate about cars,.
Thursdays Sanshu Yashiki is closed
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
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
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!
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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
$322/ per group
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