From Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Inuyama Castle Private Tour

About this experience

Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore Inuyama Castle, the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a “city of swords,” and the charms of Central Japan. - Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword. - Meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife. - Stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food and find locally crafted souvenirs. - Discover the well-preserved Inuyama Castle—a National Treasure and historically significant stronghold of the Oda clan. - Wish for good fortune in a shrine legend to grant wishes. - Sip matcha tea in a garden designed by one of Japan’s pioneers of tea ceremony. Journey to Central Japan and experience its pristine rivers, skilled craftsmen, and historic towns as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 2h 30min

   We will arrive in Seki where you will visit a small shrine dedicated to blacksmithing before learning more about the history and process of swordsmithing at the Seki Swordsmith Museum. Enjoy a hands-on experience where you will learn how to sharpen a Japanese kitchen knife. You will then have time to shop for a knife of your own or other locally crafted wares.

2. Stop 2 · 1h 15min

   Your guide will give you a tour of Inuyama’s townscape before a bit of free time to grab lunch at one of the town’s many restaurants, or go off and explore more on your own.

3. Stop 3 · 1h 15min

   You will meet back up with your guide for a tour of National Treasure Inuyama Castle as well as Sanko Inari Jinja Shrine and its wish-granting stone.

4. Stop 4 · 30min

   We will then enter Uraku Garden, where you will view the second National Treasure of the day, Joan Tea House. You will have the chance to taste matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet as your tour guide instructs you in the traditional way of drinking matcha.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• If you are arriving to Nagoya via train, our default meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

End point

• We will board our tour bus and return to Nagoya or continue to Takayama. The tour will conclude at Nagoya Station around 16:30 or around 18:30 for guests who have selected to end the tour in Takayama.

Before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travel time between destinations included in the total duration of the tour

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.