Heritage Experience in Nagoya with Local Crafts and Shrines

Combining mythology, history, and traditional craftsmanship, this tour offers a deeper look at Japan's spiritual and artistic traditions that have shaped Japan for centuries in a 1-day tour from Nagoya. In the morning, you'll visit Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. You'll explore its peaceful forest grounds and learn about the legends and history of the sacred sword housed on the shrine's grounds that has made this sacred site a place of worship for nearly 2,000 years. In the afternoon, visit the historic post town of Arimatsu, renowned for its 400-year-old tradition of Arimatsu Shibori. Stroll its preserved Edo-period streets and take part in a hands-on workshop, creating your own shibori-dyed souvenir with guidance from a local artisan. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to discover the mythology, history, and traditional craftsmanship of Japan in an unforgettable day from Nagoya led by a professional guide.

1. 1

   Atsutajingu

   1.5 hours

   Founded nearly two thousand years ago, Atsuta Jingu has long been regarded as one of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines. While many visitors come to admire its tranquil cedar-lined pathways and beautiful architecture, the shrine's true significance lies in its connection to the legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, the sacred sword that symbolizes the authority of the Japanese Imperial family. As you explore the expansive shrine grounds, your guide will introduce the myths surrounding the storm god Susanoo, the heroic prince Yamato Takeru, and the legends that transformed this shrine into one of the country's most important spiritual locations.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   30 min

   Your guide will lead you through the shrine’s impressive sword museum full of some of Japan’s most important samurai swords.

3. 3

   Atsuta Jingumae Shotengai

   1 hour

   Enjoy free time for lunch near Atsuta Jingu. Your guide can provide recommendations based on your preferences, including local restaurants and Nagoya specialties.

4. 4

   Arimatsu Traditional Buildings Preservation District

   45 min

   Following lunch near the shrine, we'll make our way to the historic town of Arimatsu, located along the former Tokaido Road that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo). Established in the early seventeenth century, Arimatsu transformed from a small roadside settlement into Japan's most famous center of Shibori, an intricate indigo-dyeing technique often described as Japanese tie-dye. Unlike modern tie-dye, however, Arimatsu Shibori is an extraordinarily refined textile art requiring hundreds, or even thousands, of tiny hand-tied bindings to create breathtaking geometric and organic patterns.

5. 5

   Arimatsu Craft

   1.5 hours

   The highlight of your afternoon is a hands-on Shibori workshop, where you'll learn the fundamentals of this centuries-old craft directly from a local artisan. The artisan will demonstrate a few different tying techniques for you to try. After selecting your design and mastering the tying techniques, you'll dye the fabric yourself, creating a truly one of a kind souvenir. You will be able to take home your fabric with you the very same day!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   1 hour

   You'll also get the chance to visit the Shibori Museum and watch experienced craftspeople demonstrate techniques that have been passed from generation to generation. Some of these methods are practiced by only a handful of artisans today, making this a rare opportunity to witness an important part of Japan's living artistic traditions. Before returning to Nagoya, you'll have time to browse local boutiques featuring handmade textiles, speak with artisans, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of one of Japan's finest preserved historic towns.

7. 7

   Nagoya

   Pass by

   The tour concludes at Nagoya Station, where the guide will say their goodbyes. *We cannot guarantee the end time as traffic could cause delays. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations, we recommend doing so for times of 17:30 or later.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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