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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Central Honshu, Japan

Nearby Destinations

These locations are easily accessible from Nagoya, suitable for half-day or full-day trips.

Explore charming castle towns, pottery hubs, and historical cities close to Nagoya.

Locations

  • Inuyama: A charming castle town with one of Japan's oldest original castles.
  • Seto: A city celebrated for its long history of pottery production ("Seto-yaki").
  • Gifu: Home to Gifu Castle atop Mount Kinka and traditional cormorant fishing.
  • Ise-Shima: Region of the sacred Ise Jingu Shrine and a beautiful coastline.

Natural Escapes

Discover beautiful natural landscapes and unique seasonal phenomena within easy reach of Nagoya.

Nabana no Sato

A large, popular flower park in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture. It shows beauty year-round with various flower gardens and greenhouses. It is especially celebrated for its spectacular winter illuminations. These illuminations run from late October to early May, transforming the park into a dazzling light spectacle. The park also features a large greenhouse (Begonia Garden) and a hot spring footbath.

Details

  • Famous for spectacular winter illuminations.
  • Accessible by Kintetsu Limited Express to Kuwana, then a bus.
  • Illuminations run late October to early May.

Achi Village

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Achi Village is known for its "Star Village" designation. It presents some of Japan's finest stargazing opportunities due to its clear night skies and minimal light pollution. A cable car takes visitors up the mountain for prime viewing spots.

Details

  • Premier stargazing location in Japan.
  • Accessible by cable car for prime viewing.
  • Ideal for an overnight trip due to evening stargazing.

Gero Onsen

Description

  • One of Japan's "three best onsen towns."
  • Famous for smooth, skin-beautifying hot spring waters.
  • Numerous traditional ryokan and public baths present themselves.
  • Experience Japanese hot spring culture.

Travel Notes

  • Direct JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya (approx. 1.5 hours).
  • Full-day trip is possible to explore the town and a bath.
  • An overnight ryokan stay with onsen offers a more complete experience.
  • A relaxed atmosphere awaits visitors.

Other Nature Highlights

  • Hiking TrailsNearby mountains and Gifu Prefecture
  • Scenic ViewsMount Kinka via ropeway (Gifu)
  • Floral DisplaysNabana no Sato (seasonal)
  • Hot Spring CultureGero Onsen
  • StargazingAchi Village (best at night)
  • River ActivitiesCormorant fishing on Nagara River (Gifu)
  • Autumn ColorsLocal parks and mountain areas
  • Winter SportsNearby ski resorts in Gifu/Nagano

Nature Awaits

Explore Nagoya's natural surroundings, from stunning illuminations to relaxing hot springs.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural exploration to historic sites and rural villages outside Nagoya.

Takayama

A beautifully preserved Edo-period town in the Japanese Alps, with traditional merchant houses and markets.

Shirakawa-go

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Kanazawa

A coastal city with preserved samurai/geisha districts and Kenrokuen Garden, often called "Little Kyoto."

Takayama & Shirakawa-go Travel

Visiting both Takayama and Shirakawa-go consumes at least a full day (a very long day). An overnight or two-day trip is better. A night in Takayama allows for a full experience of its charm.

Transportation

  • JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya to Takayama (approx. 2.5 hours).
  • From Takayama, Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-go (approx. 50 minutes).
  • Advance bus reservations for Shirakawa-go are often needed.

Kanazawa Travel

A full-day trip is possible but results in a long day. An overnight stay yields a more relaxed exploration of its many attractions.

Transportation

  • JR Shirasagi Limited Express train from Nagoya Station.
  • Journey takes approximately 3 hours.
  • Explore Kenrokuen Garden, samurai, and geisha districts.

Rural & Agricultural Areas

Tea PlantationsNishio
Local FarmsVarious sites surrounding Nagoya
Traditional CraftsSupport local artisans
Cultural ImmersionRural Japanese life observation
Scenic DrivesCountryside routes
Local ProduceDirect purchase opportunities

Cultural Views

  • These destinations immerse you in Japan's history and traditional ways.
  • Consider overnight stays for a more complete exploration of these regions.
  • Advance reservations for buses and accommodation are prudent during peak seasons.
  • Each location presents unique cultural facets of Japan's Chubu region.
  • Explore beyond the city for a richer understanding of Japanese heritage.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip beyond Nagoya to explore more of Japan's diverse regions.

-3 Day Additions

Nagoya's central location positions it well for further regional exploration.

Options

  • Kyoto/Osaka: Easily reachable by Shinkansen (35-50 minutes).
  • Tokyo: Connected by Shinkansen (1 hour 40 minutes); add 2-3 days.
  • Japanese Alps (Takayama, Matsumoto): 1-2 nights for nature and culture.

Ise-Shima Extension

An overnight stay offers a more complete visit to the sacred Ise Jingu and the scenic coastline.

Aspects

  • Visit Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, Ise Jingu.
  • Enjoy the beautiful coastal area and pearl cultivation.
  • Overnight visit for exploration.

Logical Next Destinations

Nagoya's transport links facilitate seamless travel to various regions.

Directions

  • Eastbound: Tokyo (via Shinkansen).
  • Westbound: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara (via Shinkansen).
  • Northbound: Japanese Alps, Kanazawa (via limited express trains).

Longer Regional Routes

Craft extended journeys to immerse in Japanese culture and nature.

Route Ideas

  • Golden Route Extension: Tokyo to Kyoto, via Nagoya.
  • Chubu Region Exploration: Nagoya as a base for Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa.
  • Coastal Discovery: From Nagoya to Ise-Shima and Kumano Kodo.

Journey Planning Tips

Maximize your multi-day extensions with strategic planning and research.

Book Early

Secure Shinkansen tickets and popular accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Research Transport

Familiarize yourself with train lines and bus schedules for smooth transitions between destinations.

Pack Smart

Consider luggage forwarding services for multi-city trips to travel light.

Expand Your Horizon

Utilize Nagoya's transport links to expand your Japanese adventure beyond the city limits. Discover exciting day trips and excursions.