This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:10 The Royal Park Iconic Nagoya Meet
- 9:40 Nagoya Castle
- 12:00 Atsuta Shrine
- 13:00 Catholic Nunoike Church
- 15:00 Higashiyama Zoo
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Nagoya Castle at 9:40, Atsuta Shrine at 12:00, Catholic Nunoike Church at 13:00 and Higashiyama Zoo at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sakae – Nagoya Castle – Atsuta Shrine – Higashiyama Zoo to Higashiyama Zoo by subway (860JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 860JPY per person.
What Is a Private Nagoya Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and Higashiyama
The original meeting point was listed as a hotel, but when I checked the address it was in a different area of the city, so it turned out to be the wrong place. When I hurriedly reconfirmed, it was actually a hotel of the same brand at a different location (the guests had the name slightly wrong). We were nearly headed to a completely different place, so I was glad I noticed at the last moment. Only Nagoya Castle was fixed in the itinerary, and everything else was to be decided on the day depending on the weather, so it was a tour where we discussed plans while walking. Since the guests very much wanted to visit the Nunoike Church in Shinsakae, we took the subway there after Atsuta Shrine. After praying, the guests wanted to go to Higashiyama Botanical Garden a little further away, and since the tour was scheduled to end at 15:00, I confirmed that I would see them there and end the tour, purchased tickets, handed them over to an English-speaking staff member, and the tour concluded. The guests were from Europe, and only one of them could speak English, but we managed to keep a pleasant atmosphere throughout. They were very interested in Japanese culture and customs and listened attentively.
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Sakae – Nagoya Castle – Atsuta Shrine – Higashiyama Zoo～Higashiyama Zoo | 860JPY |
| Total | 860JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, Catholic Nunoike Church and Higashiyama Zoo.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 860JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Tommie is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Aichi itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi, I’m Tommie, a local guide based in Nagoya.
After obtaining my national guide license in 2023, I have dedicated myself full-time to guiding. What I enjoy most is introducing visitors to Japan’s unique traditions, rich culture, and everyday life through meaningful local experiences.
Nagoya may not be as famous as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, but that’s exactly what makes it special. As one of Japan’s largest cities, it offers a chance to experience authentic Japanese life without the crowds and tourist traps.
I fell in love with Nagoya and its unique blend of history, culture, local food, and everyday life. Having lived abroad for many years, I understand what international travelers are looking for and enjoy helping them discover a side of Japan that many visitors miss.
I look forward to sharing my favorite places and experiences with you!
Jun 17, 2025
Gina_M
Gorgeous Castle, shopping and local food.
Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
Tommy was a fantastic…
Jun 17, 2025
Gina_M
Gorgeous Castle, shopping and local food.
Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
Tommy was a fantastic guide! She was very patient and flexible with what we wanted to do
and see. I highly recommend!
Oct 28, 2024
avigayelk
Best of Nagoya and Best Guide!
Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
Tommy was the greatest…
Oct 28, 2024
avigayelk
Best of Nagoya and Best Guide!
Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
Tommy was the greatest guide! She showed me and my son all the best sites in Nagoya, accommodated our lunch preferences, took a bunch of pictures for us and was extremely informative. Thank you Tommy for the most amazing Nagoya experience. We appreciate you!!
Jun 23, 2024
25aditib
Nakasendo trail with a guide
Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
We are so glad…
Jun 23, 2024
25aditib
Nakasendo trail with a guide
Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
We are so glad we signed up for this experience and grateful to our tour guide for the fabulous organization. We couldn’t have done this by ourselves! We were travelling with 2 kids and mom (who is 68) and our guide for the day did a wonderful job of finding us the transfers when our group couldn’t walk. We did everything we wanted and reached our hotel at a great time too. Amazing day! Would highly recommend Japan Guide Agency’s services. A big thank you to our guide Ms Tomoko Tabata! We had a great time with her.