TOURS
1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya

1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya

Period

All Year Round

Time

8:00-16:30

Meeting Place

JR Nagoya Station

Price

Adult (13 years +)17,800 JPY
Child (6 - 12 years)11,000JPY

1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya

For those who prefer to eat their way through Japan, there probably aren’t many cities more “foodie-friendly” than Nagoya. With a large port and fertile plains, along with the wealth and resources of the powerful city of Samuri, Nagoya has long had access to a wide variety of foods distinctive from other regions of Japan. 

Nagoya’s cuisine, or as the locals call it, “Nagoya Meshi,” follows its own unique style of familiar feeling, hearty, comfort foods and includes specialties such as Miso-Katsu (deep fried pork cutlets covered in rich red miso sauce), Tebasaki (crispy fried chicken wings), Tenmusu (miniature riceballs filled with crunchy shrimp tempura), and so much more.

As we eat our way through Nagoya, you will also be able to marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace, relax as you gaze upon the reflecting pond of Mirai Tower, and learn about the day’s fresh catch at a bustling fish market as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.

This tour will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city, but also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more Nagoya Meshi on your own. 

Highlights

  • Taste four dishes unique to the Nagoya/Tokai region of Japan. Learn about the history of “Nagoya Meshi” and the flavors of the region.
  • Glimpse into the daily lives of fishmongers and chefs as we explore a bustling morning fish market.
  • View Japan’s largest castle keep, Nagoya Castle, and tour the magnificent Honmaru Palace which was Japan’s first castle to be designated a National Treasure. 
  • Shop for sales or just soak up the atmosphere as we explore a vibrant covered shopping district. 

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 8:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station if you feel the need.

Your guide will provide you with a brief history of Nagoya and set the scene as we depart Nagoya JR Station towards our first destination, Yanagibashi Central Fish Market, on foot. 

Yanagibashi Central Fish Market in downtown Nagoya

Yanagibashi is an active market where you will see giant tuna cut to size by long swords and glimpse professional chefs and restaurateurs negotiating prices with fishmongers as we navigate the stalls of this historic market. With around 130 shops selling fresh ingredients from Ise Bay and nearby farms, the market has become known as the “Pantry of Central Japan.” You are welcome to sample some of the products for yourself, or just soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this market. 

We will then continue our journey on foot to Endonji—a covered shopping district known for its nostalgic atmosphere, and home to some of the oldest cafes in the city. 

Nagoya is renowned throughout Japan for its thriving local coffee scene with a unique tradition that you won’t find in any other region of the country. The area has a breakfast culture called “morning service” in which guests order their beverage of choice and are then provided with a breakfast free of charge. 

You will have the opportunity to enjoy a “morning set” for yourself on this tour with your choice of beverage and toast. We highly recommend the “ogura toast”—a local specialty of red bean paste on a freshly toasted slice of buttered bread.

After we are sufficiently caffeinated, we will continue on foot to the iconic Nagoya Castle. As we walk around Nagoya Castle’s vast grounds, your guide will point out great spots for photos to commemorate your trip.

You will have the opportunity to enter Honmaru Palace and view the golden rooms which become more and more ornate as we make our way through the palace. Your guide will point out unique details and bring the palace to life as each room has its own story to tell. 

We will then stop for our next dish, “Tebasaki”—otherwise known as Nagoya chicken wings. Deep fried, coated in a salty-sweet sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds and lots of pepper, these mouth-watering wings are another specialty of Nagoya and come with an interesting backstory which your guide will share with you as you snack while gazing upon Nagoya castle.

Continuing on foot, we will stroll through Hiyasa-odori Park. Here, you will have some free time to shop, play a round of table tennis, or ride the elevator to the top of Mirai Tower. This might also be a great time for an optional gelato if you feel you have room for it.

Your guide will then lead you through Nagoya’s subway to a second covered shopping district for our final two dishes of the tour. The Osu shopping district houses over 1200 businesses including electronic stores, thrift shops, restaurants, bars, shrines, a “sento” (indoor hot spring bath), and plenty of food stalls. 

Tenmusu (rice balls)

Your guide with provide you with stories of the area and plenty of recommendations as we make our way toward our third dish of the tour, Tenmusu. This dish is a small riceball with a crispy tempura filling. While traditionally filled with shrimp tempura, you will be able to choose from a seasonal selection of fillings including maitake mushrooms or eel.

Miso-Katsu (pork cutlet)

Our final stop for food is perhaps the most well-known specialty of Nagoya, “Miso-Katsu” (pork cutlet with miso sauce). The skewered pork loin is breaded, deep-fried, and soaked in a delectable red soybean miso sauce. And where better to enjoy Miso-Katsu than the world-famous Yabaton? 

You will then be welcome to explore Osu for yourself. Feel free to shop for sales at any of the dozens of second-hand clothing stores or electronic shops, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a dessert worthy of Instagram. Of course, your guide will be available to help you take photos that will make your friends and family envious.

From here, we will return to the station via the subway and say our goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

ITINERARY

8:00The tour begins with a meetup at Nagoya Station at 08:00am. Guests should wait inside the station, in front of the SILVER clock tower across from the Shinkansen exit gates. Your guide will greet you there.

Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the city and set the scene as we depart from Nagoya Station towards the fish market on foot.
8:30We will tour Yanagibashi Central Fish Market and get a glimpse into the lives of the fishmongers and local shoppers at this vibrant morning market.
9:45We will relax and recharge as we enjoy Nagoya’s coffee and “morning” culture in Endonji shopping street. Guests will be able to order their beverage and toast of choice.
10:30With our morning break complete, we will tour Nagoya Castle grounds and the exterior of the castle’s keep before entering Honmaru Palace. After the castle, we will walk to nearby Kinshachi Yokocho for our second dish of the tour, Tebasaki chicken wings.
13:00We will set off on foot once again to through Hisayaodori Park. Here, guests will have some free time to shop, explore Oasis 21, or ride the elevator to the top of Mirai Tower.
14:30We will then make our way via subway to the Osu shopping district. Here, we will enjoy the final two dishes of the tour, tenmusu and Miso-Katsu. You will then have free time to explore the expansive shopping district on your own.
16:00We will head back to Nagoya station via subway. Guests wishing to end the tour at Sakae will be able to do so.
16:30The 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.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 8:00 A.M.

8:00 meeting spot is the Silver Clock towner in JR Nagoya Station

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you arrive via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 8:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

  • English speaking guide
  • Transportation during the tour
  • Entry fee at Nagoya Castle
  • A beverage and toast set
  • Tebasaki (chicken wings)
  • Tenmusu (rice ball)
  • Miso-Katsu (pork cutlet)

Excluded

  • Additional food/beverages
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

  • This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
  • In the summer, temperature highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
  • Winter temperatures in Nagoya average between 0℃-10℃ (32°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.
  • There will be free time along the way for guests to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip.

FAQs

I’d like to join the tour from Tokyo. Is that possible?
If you’d like to join us from Tokyo, we’d love to have you with us!

Take the following service on the Tokaido Shinkansen line:

Departing Tokyo Station – Arriving Nagoya Station

Tokyo: 06:00 – Nagoya: 07:35 – Nozomi No. 1

Rather than heading straight back to Tokyo, we recommend staying in Nagoya after the tour or booking accommodation in Hikone or Ise.

For international visitors holding a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, both train services (including reservations) can be used without any additional charge.
Can I add accommodation to my tour booking?
Yes. We can add accommodation in Nagoya. To do so, please contact us any time to discuss options.
What should I wear/bring?
Please be aware that the fish market’s floors are wet and water may be splattered around. We therefore recommend you wear close-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Additionally, Nagoya’s summers are extremely humid and hot. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged. As this tour has extended periods outside, please ensure you bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Guests must take their shoes off upon entering many of the places we visit on this tour, so we recommend wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off.

At all times of year, please ensure you are wearing good quality footwear suitable for walking on uneven ground and we recommend always bringing a small pack or bag to carry water, snacks, umbrella, etc. Of course, your phone or a camera is a must!
Is this tour wheelchair accessible/appropriate for guests with limited mobility?
Some of the buildings we will be entering in this tour have stairs, meaning it is not wheelchair accessible and may not be appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Should this be of concern, contact us before booking to discuss options.
Is lunch included on this tour?
This tour included four dishes: a beverage and toast set, Tebasaki (chicken wings), Omusubi (rice ball), and Miso-Katsu skewer at Osu. You may purchase additional food or beverages on your own during the free time provided at Hisayaodori Park and Osu shopping district should you wish.
I have a specific dietary requirement/allergy. Can this be accommodated?
If you have a dietary requirement and/or allergy, please tell us at the time of booking and we will communicate with the restaurants. If the restaurants cannot cater to your needs, we will let you know before booking.
Can I choose to end the tour in Sakae?
Yes, you may end the tour in Sakae.

There are many options for dinner and shopping here, plus the view of Oasis 21 and Mirai Tower lit at night is a sight to behold. For those who do not have dinner plans, it may be a good idea to separate from the tour here to spend more time enjoying Nagoya’s unique food scene. Please notify your guide ahead of time, and they will assist you with where to get off the subway at the end of the tour.

(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562)
Snow Monkey Resorts Tours
2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan
Tel: (+81)26-219-6256
Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association
Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara