The Top 15 Tours & Experiences In Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture offers a surprising variety of tours and experiences that go beyond the usual sightseeing. Whether you’re interested in exploring Nagoya’s vibrant streets, learning traditional crafts, or tasting local foods, Aichi has something for every type of traveler. We especially like the Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour for its flexibility and personalized approach, allowing you to craft your perfect day in this lively city. Food lovers will appreciate the Home Cooking Class with Akiko for authentic Nagoya flavors, while history buffs might enjoy the Okazaki Tour focused on Tokugawa Ieyasu’s roots. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top options and help you decide which experience best suits your style and schedule.

Quick Overview

This list includes private custom tours, culinary experiences, cultural workshops, historic excursions, and unique local activities. For example, the Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour stands out for its flexibility, allowing you to visit Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and other landmarks at your pace. Meanwhile, the Market Tour & Home Cooking Class with Akiko offers a deeply authentic taste of Japanese home life. If you’re a fan of craft beer, the Guiged Brewing Workshop provides a chance to see local brewing in action. And for a cultural deep dive, the Kimono, Tea, and Calligraphy experience makes for a memorable day.

1. Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

This private full-day tour is perfect if you want to explore Nagoya on your terms. For $155.22 per person, you get about six hours of personalized sightseeing, with the flexibility to focus on your interests. Your guide will pick you up hassle-free from your accommodation, making it easy to start your day stress-free. The itinerary is flexible, but highlights often include Nagoya Castle, famed for its golden shachihoko, and Atsuta Jingu Shrine, founded in the 8th century. You can also enjoy views from the MIRAI Tower and visit the City Science Museum with its massive planetarium. Reviewers praise guide Hisato for her punctuality and friendly service, making this a top choice for those who want a tailored experience.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want complete control over what they see and how they spend their time. It’s especially good for families or small groups who value personalized attention and insider knowledge.

2. Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

For around $109, this half-day private tour provides a shorter but equally flexible way to discover Nagoya. You can select 2-3 key landmarks, such as Nagoya Castle or Atsuta Shrine, and your guide will lead the way. It’s perfect if your schedule only allows a few hours but you still want a curated experience. The guide will handle navigation and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the sights. Guests have noted the guide’s helpfulness and personal touch, making this a great option for travelers who want a taste of Nagoya without committing to a full day.

Bottom Line: Best suited for visitors with limited time who want a customized, hassle-free introduction to Nagoya’s highlights.

3. Nagoya Super Market Tour & Home Cooking Class with a Local, Akiko

If food is your focus, this 3.5-hour experience offers a wonderful glimpse into Japanese home cooking. For $119, Akiko takes you from a local supermarket to her home in Kasugai, where you’ll learn to make Nagoya-style dishes like wings, fried pork, and tempura rice balls. Akiko is praised for her warmth and expertise, and the class includes recipes you can recreate at home. You’ll also get to purchase ingredients to bring a bit of Japan back with you. Reviewers rave about how much fun and delicious the experience is, making it perfect for foodies eager to learn authentic recipes.

Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary travelers who want hands-on cooking and a genuine taste of local life. It’s a great way to take home more than souvenirs.

4. Guiged Brewing Tour and Workshop Local Lunch

Beer lovers will appreciate this 3-hour tour at a local brewery, priced at $100.34 per person. It’s led by a passionate local brewer who guides you through the brewing process in the Okada area. The tour concludes with a lunch featuring local ingredients and a selection of craft beers, with 16 taps available. Please note that beer tasting is not available for drivers or those under 20. The tour includes exploring Okada’s streets and learning about regional brewing traditions. Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and the chance to try authentic local brews.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Japan’s craft beer scene and local brewing techniques, especially if you enjoy a relaxed, informative experience paired with good food.

5. Famous Inari Sushi Making Experience in Toyokawa

For a quick, fun activity, this one-hour workshop costs just $30.75 and centers on making Inari sushi, a specialty of Toyokawa. You’ll be supervised by chefs from a restaurant with over 188 years of history. Expect to use over 11 ingredients to create your own sushi, and enjoy a meal of miso soup or vegetable soup, along with tofu, coffee, and dessert. It’s a perfect introduction to Japanese culinary techniques in a lively, hands-on environment.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers short on time who want a taste of Japanese cooking plus a fun, interactive activity.

6. Authentic Udon Making Experience at Taishoan Kamaharu

This two-and-a-half-hour workshop for $46.25 offers the chance to craft your own udon noodles at a historic shop in Aichi. You’ll learn traditional techniques like kneading, rolling, and cutting dough, then enjoy eating the fresh noodles with tempura. The shop owner shares insights into wheat-to-noodle processes, making this more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a deep dive into Japanese noodle culture. Guests find it a rewarding experience that combines hands-on activity with cultural insight.

Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies and those interested in traditional Japanese craft, especially if you enjoy interactive culinary lessons.

7. Explore Holy Mt Horaiji Private Tour

This 6-hour private tour for $208.10 per group takes you up Mt. Horaiji, a mountain with over 1,300 years of significance. You’ll walk along the cliff path, visit Gyoshagoe and Horai Toushougo Shrine, and enjoy stunning views of Mikawa Bay. The tour includes visits to caves, old temple ruins, and a 1425 stone staircase. It’s perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts who want to experience a spiritual site away from crowds. Travelers note the guides’ storytelling and the scenic vistas as highlights.

Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers interested in history, legends, and scenic mountain landscapes.

8. Create Your Own Glass Cup and See Seto’s Lucky Cats in Japan

This 3-hour workshop at $98.22 offers a creative escape, allowing you to make your own glassware in a professional studio. You’ll also visit Seto, famous for its Maneki Neko (lucky cats), with the chance to see and buy unique figurines. The experience appeals to craft lovers and those wanting a memorable souvenir. You’ll learn about glassmaking techniques and leave with a handcrafted piece of your own.

Bottom Line: Great for art and craft enthusiasts eager to create a personal keepsake from Japan.

9. Private Nagoya-Style Japanese Cooking Class in Kasugai with Akiko

This three-hour private class at $110 offers an intimate look into Nagoya cuisine. Hosted by Akiko in her home, you’ll learn to make red miso stew, shrimp tempura, onigiri, and more. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience paired with delicious food. The class includes a visit to a local resident’s home, making it more personal than a commercial cooking school. Reviewers find Akiko’s hospitality and authentic recipes to be a highlight.

Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want a hands-on, authentic Japanese cooking experience in a local setting.

10. Full Day Hiking Tour to Mt. Horaiji

For the adventurous, this full-day hike costs $195.09 per group and involves climbing 1,425 stone steps to the sacred Mt. Horaiji. You’ll enjoy beautiful seasonal landscapes and learn about the mountain’s legends from your guide. The hike offers panoramic views of Mikawa Bay and the surrounding region. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy nature and don’t mind a workout. Many reviewers comment on the breathtaking scenery and the knowledgeable guides.

Bottom Line: A perfect choice for active travelers who want to combine physical activity with cultural and scenic sights.

11. Kimono, Tea ceremony and Shodo in Kimono School

Offering a 3.5-hour experience for $141.57, this activity immerses you in traditional Japanese arts. You’ll wear full kimono attire, write calligraphy, and participate in a tea ceremony. The activities are private, and you can request to write your favorite characters on a fan or make your own original piece. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic culture, with the opportunity to relax and enjoy Japanese aesthetics.

Bottom Line: Great for culture lovers and anyone wanting to experience traditional arts in a private, personalized setting.

12. Maneki Neko Museum Ticket+Special Grab Bag

This 2-hour visit costs $55.99 and offers a deep look into Japan’s lucky cat figurines at the Maneki Neko Museum. You’ll see thousands of different models, learn their symbolism, and explore the history behind these charms. Plus, you can purchase unique Maneki Neko souvenirs in the museum shop. It’s a fun and quirky experience for those interested in Japanese pop culture and symbolism.

Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of Japanese collectibles and playful cultural artifacts.

13. Skip the Line Ticket to Sumo Morning Practice at Nagoya

For roughly $98, you can enjoy exclusive access to sumo practice with this skip-the-line ticket. You’ll watch sumo wrestlers train and have the chance to take photos with rikishi afterward. It’s a rare glimpse into Japan’s national sport, away from the tourist crowds. Visitors often mention the impressive size of the wrestlers and the fascinating techniques they observe.

Bottom Line: Ideal for sports fans or those interested in traditional Japanese martial arts and culture.

14. Okazaki: The Birthplace of Japan’s Most Famous Shogun

This 2-hour tour for $71.68 explores the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s most influential shogun. You’ll visit Okazaki Castle and the Ieyasu Museum to learn about his early life and rise to power. The tour offers a concise but enriching experience of Japan’s feudal era, appealing especially to history enthusiasts. Visitors note the engaging storytelling and the chance to see where Ieyasu was born.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Japanese history and the roots of the Tokugawa shogunate.

15. Luxury Toyokawa Inari Experience in Japan with Dinner Show

This luxury experience costs over $2,150 and lasts about 6 hours. It combines cultural performances, prayers at Toyokawa Inari, and a gourmet dinner with a dinner show. Visitors can enjoy fox mask painting, calligraphy, and visits to the sacred shrine. This is a comprehensive, opulent way to learn about faith, arts, and tradition, making it suitable for travelers seeking a deeply meaningful and exclusive experience.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers looking for a high-end, all-encompassing cultural encounter.

How to Choose the Best Tour for You

When selecting your ideal experience in Aichi, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a fully personalized day, the Nagoya Full-day Private Tour is unbeatable. For those who prefer culinary adventures, the Home Cooking Class offers authentic recipes in a cozy setting. Cultural activities like the kimono and calligraphy session provide a more traditional taste, while active explorers should consider the hiking tour or Mt. Horaiji exploration. Budget-wise, options range from the affordable Inari sushi experience to the more extravagant dinner show.

Booking early is recommended, especially for popular private guides and special workshops, to secure your preferred date and experience.

Final thoughts

Aichi Prefecture delivers a well-rounded selection of tours and experiences that cater to diverse interests. Whether your passion is history, food, crafts, or outdoor activities, you’ll find a memorable way to experience this vibrant part of Japan. For an immersive cultural journey, the Nagoya full-day private tour offers unmatched flexibility, while the culinary classes give you a taste of local life. If you’re feeling adventurous, the hiking tour and Mt. Horaiji exploration combine physical activity with scenic views and stories.

Don’t forget to book early and tailor your experience to match your curiosity and energy level. With so many options, Aichi promises meaningful, fun, and authentic memories—so dive in and choose what excites you most.