Excursion Ancient & modern nagoya tour at Nagoya

Discover the legacy of Nagoya, capital of the Aichi Prefecture, during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Atsuta Shrine

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 30-minute drive to the Atsuta Shrine. Located around the centre of Nagoya, this ancient shrine draws nine million visitors annually, remains one of the great centres of worship in Japan and is the most important Shinto shrine after the Ise Grand Shrines. The Atsuta Shrine is also noted in the 'Kojiki', Japan's oldest history, compiled in the 8th century. It is the repository of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Mowing Sword). Together with the Jewels at the Imperial Palace and the Mirror at the Ise Grand Shrines, it constitutes the Three Imperial Regalia. During your guided tour, visit the shrine's museum, which houses about 4,000 artefacts, including many swords donated because of the shrine's association with the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.

Osu-Kannon Temple

Next, re -board your coach and head for a visit to the Osu-Kannon Temple. Rebuilt in the 1970s after a fire in 1920 and damage from World War II destroyed sections of it, this famous and beloved temple is a replica of its original design. Prayer flags and red lanterns greet worshippers, and the smell of incense wafts from the main hall. The attractive grounds welcome visitors as well as pigeons, who are kept well-fed by guests and locals.

Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace

The Hommaru Palace was once located on the south side of the Nagoya Castle donjon, and regarded as the finest masterpiece of modern castle architecture in Japan. Along with the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, which is designated a National Treasure, the Hommaru Palace was considered to be the preeminent example of Samurai-style Shoin palace architecture. The walls and partitions inside the Hommaru Palace were painted according to a different theme for each room by masters such as Kano Sadanobu and Kano Tanyu of the Kano School, the greatest school of painting in the history of Japanese-style painting. Thus, the palace was magnificently awash with colour. Its reconstruction began in 2009, and is scheduled to reopen in June 2018.

Lunch and Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology

Leaving the castle, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your last stop is the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology. Founded by 13 companies of the Toyota Corporation, the museum exhibits the mechanics of industry from textiles to automobiles through actual equipment. The purpose is to help you understand the importance and excitement of 'making things' and 'creativity and research'. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Nagoya, Atsuta Shrine, Swords, Osu-Kannon Temple, Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace, Meijo Park, Lunch, Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.1 miles (about 1.76 kilometres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 10 steps at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology, 30 steps at the Hommaru Palace, and 60 steps at Atsuta Shrine. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and sunglasses from the ship to protect their eyes from ash particles that may be present. Guests must remove their shoes before entering the Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace. The Nagoya Castle's main keep is scheduled to be reconstructed by 2022. The current main keep is expected to be torn down in 2019, and will be closed to the public beginning May 7, 2018. Japanese Yen is required for any purchases. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.