Aichi Prefecture’s 6 Best Tours

Aichi Prefecture isn’t just about the famous Toyota factories or the bustling city of Nagoya—it’s a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in a way that makes touring there a real pleasure. Whether you’re interested in exploring Nagoya with a personalized touch, tasting authentic home-cooked Japanese meals, or hiking up sacred mountains, Aichi has a lot to offer. We’re especially fond of the Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour, which offers a tailored, behind-the-scenes look at Nagoya’s highlights on foot, perfect for those who want flexibility and local insights.

Among the many options, a few stand out for their unique approach and excellent reviews. If you’re looking for a deep dive into local flavors, the Nagoya Market and Home Cooking Class offers an authentic, immersive experience in Japanese cuisine. For nature lovers, the Full Day Hiking Tour to Mt. Horaiji combines physical activity with stunning scenery and legends. Meanwhile, cultural explorers will enjoy the Explore Holy Mt. Horaiji Private Tour, which combines spiritual sites with fascinating stories. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these tours and what makes them special.

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

At number one, this full-day private tour offers the most flexibility for a personalized Nagoya experience. You can customize your itinerary, choosing to visit sights like Nagoya Castle, Atsutajingu Shrine, or the Nagoya TV Tower—whatever piques your interest. The tour is led by a national licensed guide, which means you’ll get expert insights along the way, making history, architecture, and local culture come alive. The tour lasts around 6 hours, and the guide can pick you up hassle-free from your accommodations, saving you the stress of navigating public transit with a big map in hand.

What really elevates this experience is the chance to skip the crowds and rigid schedules that often come with group tours. You’re in control, allowing you to linger longer at favorite sites or speed through those less interesting to you. Reviews consistently praise the guide’s punctuality, friendliness, and deep knowledge, with one guest commenting, “Toshie knew what food and activities would appeal to both adults and teenagers.” This is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a bespoke introduction to Nagoya. The price is reasonable for such an intimate, tailored experience—$155 per person—and the ability to craft your own day makes it a top choice overall.

Bottom line: For travelers who want a flexible, guided day focused on their personal interests, this full-day private tour provides expert insights and complete control over your Nagoya experience.

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

At number two on our list, the half-day version of the private tour offers a condensed yet highly personalized exploration of Nagoya. For around $109, you’ll enjoy about four hours of guided sightseeing, perfect if your schedule is tight or you simply want to focus on a few key sites. Like the full-day tour, this experience is tailored to your interests and led by a national licensed guide who can lead you through Nagoya’s highlights such as Nagoya Castle or Atsutajingu Shrine, all while navigating the city on your behalf.

Guests rave about guides like Elvis, who prior to the tour, coordinated to meet them directly off their cruise ship or train, ensuring a seamless experience. The guide’s knowledge and friendliness shine through, making visitors feel like they’re exploring with a knowledgeable friend rather than a stranger. The tour offers the flexibility to choose the sites you want to see, rather than being locked into a rigid itinerary. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, in-depth look at Nagoya without sacrificing quality or personalization.

Bottom line: This half-day private tour is a smart choice for those who want a tailored Nagoya experience but have limited time, offering the same high-quality guiding as the full-day version.

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

If you’re a food lover, this unique combination of a supermarket tour and in-home cooking lesson** might just be the highlight of your trip. For about $119, Akiko welcomes you at Kachigawa station for a 3.5-hour journey into Nagoya’s culinary world. First, you visit a local market, where she describes ingredients used in traditional dishes and helps you select items. Then, at her home, you’ll help prepare dishes like Nagoya-style wings, fried pork, and stuffed tempura rice balls, all while learning about regional ingredients and cooking techniques.

What makes this experience stand out is the chance to take home recipes and shop for authentic ingredients to recreate your meals at home. Reviewers love Akiko’s warmth, calling her a “great host,” and praise the chance to experience Japan’s culinary culture firsthand. This tour provides an authentic, interactive way to connect with local life in Nagoya, especially if you enjoy cooking or want to explore Japanese food beyond sushi.

Bottom line: Perfect for foodies willing to get a little hands-on, this tour combines culinary education with a taste of daily life in Nagoya—an authentic experience worth savoring.

4. Guiged Brewing Tour and Workshop Local Lunch

Next up, for beer lovers and craft brew fans, this three-hour tour of a local brewery offers a close look at the brewing process, paired with a hearty local lunch. Priced at just over $100, it’s a fantastic value for a behind-the-scenes experience led by a passionate local brewer. The tour begins at Asakura Station, where you explore Okada’s streets with a guide, then visit OKD Kominka Brewing, where you can witness how craft beers are brewed, and finally sit down for a lunch with beer tastings (for those who aren’t driving).

This experience is ideal for those wanting to understand Japan’s burgeoning craft beer scene, especially since it includes a local lunch featuring regional ingredients and a curated beer list. Note that beer tasting isn’t available for drivers or under-20s, but the brewery tour offers plenty of insight and flavor. Guests love the personal touch of the guide and the chance to learn about the community through the brewing process.

Bottom line: A great choice for beer aficionados who want to learn about local brewing and enjoy a relaxed, flavorful lunch in a friendly setting.

5. Explore Holy Mt. Horaiji Private Tour

At number five, this private tour offers a spiritual and scenic journey to Mt. Horaiji, a site with legends dating back centuries. For $208 per group, you’ll explore the mountain’s main temples, including Gyoshagoe cliff path, Niomon Gate, and the 800-year-old Kasasugi tree. The tour includes stories of the mountain’s past, visits to sacred sites, and a tranquil walk through native forests. It’s perfect for travelers interested in Japanese religious sites or seeking a peaceful retreat.

What makes this tour compelling is its storytelling aspect—guides share legends of the mountain’s spiritual significance and the temple’s history. The tour lasts roughly six hours, making it suitable for those who want a leisurely, immersive experience. All the major highlights such as the Takauchiba Lookout and the temple ruins are included, providing a comprehensive look at this sacred place. Reviewers appreciate the quiet beauty and the insightful explanations that deepen their understanding of this revered site.

Bottom line: Ideal for history and spirituality fans, this private tour blends outdoor adventure with cultural storytelling, making it a meaningful addition to your Aichi itinerary.

6. Full Day Hiking Tour to Mt. Horaiji

Finally, for active travelers, the full-day hiking tour takes you up Mt. Horaiji’s 1,425 stone steps. For about $195, a small group of up to four people will ascend through scenic landscapes, learning legends and enjoying breathtaking views of Mikawa Bay along the way. This tour combines physical activity with natural beauty, making it perfect for those comfortable with a fair bit of walking and elevation change.

Starting at Omotesando, the hike is complemented by stories about the mountain’s history and significance. The summit offers sweeping vistas, and the route passes through a diverse landscape with flora and fauna. For lunch, you can bring a packed bento or eat at a nearby restaurant afterward. The tour’s strength lies in its combination of adventure, scenery, and cultural storytelling, appealing especially to fit travelers who want to combine fitness and sightseeing. Reviewers mention the stunning views and the fascinating legends shared along the way, making this a memorable experience.

Bottom line: For hikers and nature lovers craving a challenge, this full-day trek to Mt. Horaiji provides a rewarding mix of physical effort and scenic beauty.

How to Choose

When selecting the best tour in Aichi, consider your interests and travel style. If you want a fully personalized, flexible day with expert insights, the Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour is hard to beat. For a shorter but equally tailored experience, the Nagoya Half-day Private Tour offers a quick deep dive. Foodies should look into the Market Tour & Cooking Class, which immerses you in local flavors and home life.

Those interested in craft beer and regional brewing will enjoy the Guiged Brewing Tour, which combines education with a hearty lunch. Cultural explorers or those seeking spiritual insight will find the Holy Mt. Horaiji Tour rewarding, especially for its legends and scenic walks. Fitness-minded travelers will prefer the Full Day Hiking Tour, which offers a more active way to see Aichi’s natural beauty.

Consider your budget, available time, physical condition, and specific interests—then pick the tour that best fits your travel goals. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.

In summary, Aichi offers a diverse range of tours—whether it’s exploring Nagoya’s city sights, tasting local cuisine, or climbing sacred mountains. Two or three of these experiences stand out depending on your mood and interests, and each provides a genuine connection to the local culture. Now, all that’s left is to get planning and secure your spot—these tours fill up fast!