Located centrally between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya quietly offers something many travelers overlook: a perfect blend of culture, comfort, and calm.
Nagoya is perhaps the most underrated and rewarding hub for travel throughout Japan. The city has easy access to iconic travel destinations and off the beaten-path gems. And when paired with the flexibility of Snow Monkey Resorts' customizable day tours, Nagoya becomes the ideal launchpad for crafting a personalized, multi-day Japan itinerary that flows at your pace.
Why Choose Nagoya as Your Base?
Nagoya may not be as well-known as Tokyo or Kyoto, but that’s part of its appeal. As one of Japan’s major cities, it offers all the convenience, culture, and excitement international travelers look for—without the overwhelming crowds.
Whether you're staying for a few days or using it as a staring point to explore Central Japan, the city strikes a great balance between modern convenience and authentic cultural experiences.
A Modern City with Local Charm
Despite its size and significance, Nagoya maintains a sense of ease and approachability. It offers all the amenities of a major city—world-class shopping, cultural institutions, vibrant nightlife—while remaining compact enough to explore comfortably. Its walkable neighborhoods and efficient public transport system make it an ideal base for both first-time and seasoned travelers.
Local residents are known for their warm hospitality, and the city has not experienced the same level of tourism fatigue seen in more crowded destinations. This results in a more authentic and welcoming environment for visitors.
Central Location for Day Trips
Nagoya’s geographic location in the heart of Japan makes it a highly strategic base for travelers looking to explore some of the country’s most iconic sites. It is well connected by rail, highway, and, of course, our guided tours, making it easy to reach major attractions and return to the city the same day.
Some of the most popular destinations surrounding Nagoya include Takayama, Ise, and the Nakasendo Trail. Additionally, Kyoto is just 35 minutes away and Mount Fuji can be reached in under three hours.
However, there are also plenty of other hidden-gem locations around the region to explore as well, including Gujo-Hachiman, Nishio, and the Soni Highlands.
Accommodations for Every Traveler
Nagoya offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to all styles and budgets.
Luxury travelers can enjoy well-known international brands such as Hilton and Marriott, alongside local high-end options like Mitsui Garden Hotel. Vacation rentals are also popular, particularly for families or those planning longer stays. Most accommodations are located near Nagoya Station, Sakae, or Kanayama, ensuring convenient access to transportation and sightseeing.
Distinctive Local Cuisine
Nagoya stands out as a culinary destination with a food culture that is deeply regional and steeped in tradition. Unlike Japan’s more internationalized urban centers, Nagoya offers flavors and dishes that are truly unique to the area.
Convenient Access by Air and Rail
Nagoya is exceptionally well connected, making it easy for international visitors to arrive and travel around. Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), located about 35 kilometers south of the city, serves major international airlines including ANA, JAL, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways. The airport offers direct flights to cities across Asia and connections to North America, Europe, and Oceania. Travelers can reach central Nagoya in just 30 to 40 minutes via the Meitetsu Airport Line.
Nagoya Station is a major transportation hub and a key stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which links Tokyo (1.5 hours), Kyoto (35 minutes), and Osaka (50 minutes). It also connects to limited express trains bound for scenic destinations like Takayama, Matsumoto, and Kanazawa. The station integrates local subway lines and buses, making it easy to navigate the city and beyond.
How to Build a Multi-Day Itinerary Using Nagoya as Your Home Base
Snow Monkey Resorts’ connectable tours let you build your own custom itinerary across Japan—one day at a time. Each tour is designed to link smoothly to the next, with convenient transport (including luggage handling), multiple drop-off locations, and flexible pacing. You can mix and match tours based on your interests—whether it's cultural sites, nature, adventure, or anime—and travel at your own speed. No rigid schedules, no backtracking, and full English support from a trusted, award-winning local team.
With our connectable tours, you can begin a tour in Nagoya and finish in another city with no need to double back or navigate complex rail transfers with luggage in tow.
For example:
- Start your day hiking the Nakasendo Trail and end in Matsumoto or Nagano—your bags come with you in the tour vehicle.
- Then the next day, join our award winning Snow Monkey Tour or take the day to explore on your own!
We also offer custom private charters with certified drivers for more control over timing, routes, or stops.
How to Get Started
Ready to start? Here’s how:
- Browse our 1-day tours: Filter by pick-up location, drop-off location, activity type, or any of the other search options. See our tour page!
- Add tours to your cart: Be sure to select successive days to build your itinerary.
- Need help? Our English-speaking staff can assist in customizing your plan or booking private charters. Feel free to contact us!
- Explore sample itineraries: Remember, every itinerary is customizable to your group, pace, and dates. See our itinerary page for inspiration.
Check out our guide to using our connectable tour system for further information.
