Day Trips From Nagoya

I’ve had enough of Nagoya! I need to get out!

Just kidding, just kidding. Of course, I still love Nagoya my adoptive home very much.

But sometimes you just need a change of scenery right? You want to experience something new!

That’s where this post comes in. It is a list of the most amazing day trips from Nagoya.

Some of the places are so amazing that I actually recommend you stay for a night or two to really get to know them, more like a weekend trip or a side trip from Nagoya.

The places to visit near Nagoya have so much to offer and are very versatile, cities, towns, and nature are all a possibility.

Not to mention immersion in Japanese culture and the delicious Japanese cuisine.

But first…

Great Deals in Nagoya and the Rest of Japan

To guarantee an amazing trip to Nagoya, book your portable WIFI or Sim card with klook.com, as well as convenient transport from the airport to your hotel in the city.

Find great deals and discounts for your trip to Nagoya on klook.com. I use this all the time when traveling around Japan!

Now, let me introduce to you: the best day trips from Nagoya you really shouldn’t miss!

-> Go directly to the ‘Day Trip to Shirakawago’ post!

Shirakawago is a completely different world to Nagoya. A tranquil village in the Japanese Alps that has remained unchanged over the years (except for the masses of tourists arriving there every day). It is one of the most popular side trips from Nagoya.

The thatched-roofed houses are especially beautiful in winter when the whole village is covered in a thick blanket of snow but every other time of the year is also worth a visit.

Just stroll around the village with its gardens, rice fields and countless little streams crisscrossing your path.

Learn about the life of the farmers who have been living here for hundreds of years at one of the old farmhouses and have some freshly made Soba for lunch at one of the many restaurants.

Don’t forget to see the village from the observation point on top of the nearby hill. You can reach it via a little hike from the village below.

How to Get to Shirakawago

Take the Gifu Bus from Nagoya’s Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station.
The one-way trip takes 2 hours and 45 minutes and costs 3900 yen (39 US dollars).
Make a reservation through Willer.

If you are planning on traveling to other parts of the region such as Gujo Hachiman, Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama the 3 or 5-day Shoryudo Bus Pass is a great way to save some money.

Buy the Shoryudo Bus Pass convenient on klook.com.

Tours to Shirakawago

Hotels in Shirakawago

  • Shiroyamakan (luxury): 130-year-old 4-star traditional Japanese style Ryokan with rooms with shared or private bathroom
  • Shirakawago Terrace (mid-range): Traditional Japanese style Ryokan with Japanese rooms with private bathroom
  • Shirakawa-go Inn (budget): Mixed dormitory rooms with shared bathroom

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Day Trip from Nagoya to Gujo Hachiman

-> Go directly to the ‘Day Trip to Gujo Hachiman’ post!

Gujo Hachiman is a little known town not far from Nagoya. In Japan, it is famous for its Bon Dance which takes place every year in summer for more than a month. It is a perfect one day trip from Nagoya city.

One of the highlights of Gujo Hachiman is the food sample making workshop at Sample Kobo. If you ever wondered where all the food samples in front of Japanese restaurants come from, its actually Gujo Hachiman.

On a full day trip from Nagoya, you can visit Gujo Hachiman castle, explore the beautiful town center with its many alleyways and streams and try some delicious food such as freshly caught Ayu fish, Hida Beef Sushi and a variety of sweets.

How to Get to Gujo Hachiman

The easiest way to reach Gujo Hachiman from Nagoya is by highway bus. Gifu Bus leaves Meitetsu Bus Center every day at 9 a.m. and arrives in the town center of Gujo Hachiman at 10:40 a.m. It costs 2200 yen (22 US dollars) one way.

The return bus leaves at 4:41 p.m.

If you are planning on traveling to other parts of the region such as Shirakawago, Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama the 3 or 5-day Shoryudo Bus Pass is a great way to save some money.

Buy the Shoryudo Bus Pass convenient on klook.com.

Tours to Gujo Hachiman

Day Trip from Nagoya to Ise

Image via Wikimedia Commons by Kanchi1979

Ise is home to the most important Shinto shrine in Japan, the Ise Jingu or Ise Grand Shrine.

Ise Jingu consists of two shrines, the inner shrine (called Naiku) enshrining the most important goddess in Shinto, the sun goddess Amaterasu, and outer shrine (Geku).

Many Japanese visit Ise during the new year’s season at the beginning of January to do Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. They wish for good fortune and that their dreams come true. During that time it is incredibly busy but also an unforgettable experience to be part of.

The surrounding Ise town also has a lot to offer.

Most of the charming houses leading to the inner shrine house little shops, restaurants and food stalls and it is my recommendation that you arrive hungrily and try some of the delicious treats that can only be found here.

How to Get to Ise

JR trains leave from Nagoya Station for Ise.

The train takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 2300 yen (23 US dollars) one way, but is free of charge with a Japan Rail Pass.

A great way to explore Ise and the surrounding areas called Toba and Shima is the Hop-on hop-off bus of the area.

It costs less than 10 US dollars for one day! 

Check out the details and book via KLOOK.com.

If you don’t want to go all the way to Ise but still are interested in visiting an important and impressive shrine, you can do that in Nagoya as well, by visiting the Atsuta Jingu.

Day Trip from Nagoya to Gero Onsen

-> Go directly to the ‘Gero Onsen Day Trip from Nagoya’ post

If you enjoy Onsen, the Japanese hot springs, then a day trip to Gero Onsen will be perfect for you. This little Onsen town in Gifu Prefecture has a lot of charm and some of the best Onsen water in all of Japan.

There are three public baths in Gero as well as countless baths in the Ryokan of the town. If you purchase a Yomeguri Tegata pass for 1300 yen you can visit 3 Onsen facilities of the more than 20 participating Ryokan.

While you can visit Gero Onsen as a one day trip, arriving in the morning and leaving in the evening, I recommend you spend the night at one of the cozy Ryokan. Stay in a tatami mat room with fluffy futon beds and have some delicious Japanese dinner dressed in a Yukata after a relaxing bath.

How to Get to Gero Onsen

The JR Hida Limited Express takes 90 minutes from Nagoya Station to Gero Station. 

The one-way fare is 4500 yen, but it is free using the Japan Rail Pass.

There is also a shuttle bus from Nagoya which takes 2,5 hours and costs only 2800 yen (28 US dollars) or 3700 yen (37 US dollars) round trip but it is only for overnight guests.

Book a Gero Onsen Experience

Hotels in Gero

  • Gero Onsen Yukyunohana: traditional Japanese style Ryokan including half-board and private hot spring in the room
  • Suimeikan: 5-star hotel with 3 hot spring baths, Japanese and Western-style rooms. Some rooms have a private Onsen bath

Day Trip from Nagoya to Inuyama

->Go directly to the ‘Day Trip to Inuyama’ post!

Inuyama is home to Japan’s tinies original castle.

There are now only 7 original castles left in Japan and Inuyama might just be the cutest.

Situated on top of a hill overlooking the Kiso River Inuyama Castle is a great day trip from Nagoya.

This makes Inuyama one of the most popular trips from Nagoya.

If you visit Inuyama in the summer months you can become witness to one of Japan’s fascinating traditions, cormorant fishing, called Ukai, on the Kiso River. This 1300-year-old traditional fishing technique using cormorants to catch Ayu fish is unique and amazing to watch.

For a once in a lifetime kind of day trip to Inuyama I recommend renting a beautiful Kimono for the day.

You can book your experience on klook.com for around 35 US dollars.

Choose your favorite Kimono design and fully immerse yourself in the Japanese culture.

How to Get to Inuyama

The Meitetsu train leaves from Meitetsu Nagoya Station directly to Inuyama station.

The one-way trip takes only half an hour and costs 550 yen (6 US dollars) on the express train.

You can also get an Inuyama Castle + Train Ticket combo for only 12 US dollars on klook.com.

You basically get the entrance fee to the castle for free!

Tour to Inuyama

Hotels in Inuyama

  • Akariya Geihanro (luxury): Japanese-style Ryokan with luxurious rooms featuring a private hot spring bath. Half-board is provided
  • Inuyamakan (mid-range): simple private rooms with private bathroom, public bath, and Asian breakfast

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Day Trip from Nagoya to Nishio

->Go directly to the ‘Day Trip to Nishio’ post!

If you love Matcha, Nishio is the place to go in Japan.

The city has one of the highest production amounts in the country. On a day trip to Nishio from Nagoya, you can experience the whole production process, from the plant to the finished Matcha tea.

Pick your own tea leaves, do a factory tour, grind tea leaves into powder, and whisk together your very own Matcha tea which you can enjoy with a Japanese sweet.

Other attractions in Nishio include the old castle grounds, multiple tea houses, and the Miso factory where you can tour the warehouse and make your own Miso balls for Miso soup.

 

How to Get to Nishio

From Nagoya Station take the Meitetsu Line bound for Toyohashi. The limited express trains take around 50 minutes to Nishio Station and cost 810 yen. Trains leave every 30 minutes.

Day Trip from Nagoya to Iga

Iga has gained in popularity in recent years because of its Ninja past. It’s a fun place to visit for the whole family during a Nagoya day trip.

The people of Iga have embraced the Ninja and made it their main tourist attraction, very successfully I might add.

At the Iga Ninja Museum, you can learn about the real Ninja. What they wore, how they trained and what exactly their job was.

You can also visit a Ninja house with many secret doors, lookouts, and tunnels.

The highlight is the Ninja show where you can learn about fighting styles and weapons the Ninja used.

Also make sure to stop by Murai Bankoen Cafe to visit the Ninja Cat, an adorable cat in a red Ninja costume.

Take pictures and have some delicious desserts.

Don’t forget to have a chat with the owner, he is a really nice guy!

How to Get to Iga

The most convenient way to get to Iga is by highway bus.

The one-way journey from the Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station takes 100 minutes and costs 2000 yen (20 US dollars).

On klook.com you can get a combination ticket of Meitetsu Bus plus entry free to the Ninja Museum. It’s a great deal!

Hotels in Iga

Day Trip from Nagoya to Takayama

-> Go directly to the Takayama Travel Guide

Takayama is an absolute treasure and an amazing place for a side trip from Nagoya.

This little town deep in the Japanese alps has a lot of charm. The little streets are lined with old wooden houses, many of which are shops and restaurants.

You might want to pay a visit to Takayama Jinya the old government building where you can learn how the regions of Japan used to be governed under the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Don’t miss the morning market along the Miyagawa River. Here you can watch the locals do their grocery shopping. For sale are mainly fruits and vegetables but lately also cute souvenirs and snacks for the tourists.

There are a lot of Sake breweries in Takayama and if you show some interest you can learn a lot about Sake here (you can also taste countless different kinds until you find the one you like or are totally drunk).

The region around Takayama is famous for Hida Beef.

You might have heard about Kobe Beef before for being one of the best meats in the world, Hida Beef is not far behind and truly delicious.

You can try it at many restaurants in Takayama.

How to Get to Takayama

If you have a Japan Rail Pass the best way to go from Nagoya to Takayama is the JR Hide Limited Express.

It leaves every hour and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Takayama Station.

Without a JR Pass, the one-way train ride costs 6000 yen (60 US dollars).

So, I suggest you have a look at JRailPass.com to purchase your Japan Rail Pass before your trip!

Tours to Takayama

Hotels in Takayama

  • Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan (luxury): 5-star traditional Ryokan with a public bath and half board. Japanese style rooms with private bathrooms.
  • Country Hotel Takayama (mid-range): 3-star hotel featuring simple western rooms with private bathrooms
  • K’s House Takayama (budget): bunk beds in a dormitory as well as cheap private rooms with shared or private bathrooms

Day Trip from Nagoya to Tokoname

-> Go directly to the ‘Tokoname Day Trip’ post!

Tokoname is nowadays most famous for being home to the Central Japan International Airport.

But it used to be a famous pottery town, the biggest producer of ceramics in the Edo Period (1608 – 1868) and one of the six big kiln towns of Japan.

Nowadays visitors can learn and admire this history on one of two Pottery Paths. Walking trails leading through Tokoname.

While you are in town don’t forget to try your own hand on a little bit of pottery during a pottery class.

How to get to Tokoname

From Nagoya Station take the Meitetsu express bound for Central Japan International Airport. Tokoname Station is 32 minutes from Nagoya. The one-way trip costs 680 yen.

Day Trip from Nagoya to Hamamatsu

Image via Wikimedia Commons by Plattard

The main draw of Hamamatsu is probably Hamamatsu Castle, a beautiful castle located in a park with hundreds of cherry trees, perfect for a visit during the cherry blossom season in April.

Hamamatsu is not a very touristy place and a very off-beat Nagoya side trip. It is a very authentic Japanese city.

You might also want to check the Musical Instrument Museum. Hamamatsu is home to some of Japan’s finest musical instrument manufacturers such as Yamaha and Kawai and the museum houses an impressive collection of musical instruments.

How to get to Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu can be reached by Shinkansen in under 30 minutes, this is the best option if you are a Japan Rail Pass holder (find out more here).

Alternatively, you can also take a local train from Nagoya Station to Toyohashi Station and from there to Hamamatsu.

The one-way trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs under 2000 yen (20 US dollars).

Hotels in Hamamatsu

Skiing Day Trips from Nagoya

If you visit Nagoya in winter and you want to enjoy some winter sports head to Gifu Prefecture just north of Aichi.

You will find multiple ski resorts here but the best place to head from Nagoya for a day trip is Mount Dainichi which has two connected ski resorts: Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park

Dynaland with its 20 courses is the biggest ski resort in central Japan. It is located on the eastern slope of Mount Dainichi in Gifu Prefecture.

The ski resort has a well-balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses which can be accessed by the 5 lifts of the resort. It’s a great ski resort near Nagoya.

Takasu Snow Park on the other side of Mount Dainichi shares a ski pass with Dynaland. If you wanted to you could ski on both resorts on the same day.

Takasu is smaller than Dynaland with only 13 courses and 3 lifts. It also offers courses for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers and snowboarders.

How to Get to Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park

The bus is the best way to get from Nagoya to Takasu and Dynaland, it takes 2 hours and 10 minutes and costs around 3400 yen (34 US dollars).

Another ski resort in the area around Gifu on Takasu Mountain is Hirugano Kogen.

This ski resort is easily accessible from Nagoya and is fairly small but it is great for families.

A ski school is available.

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy snow rafting, snowshoes, and air boarding.

For a great deal including lift ticket and complete rental of gear including clothing, goggles, ski or snowboard book on klook.com.

How to Get to Hirugano Kogen

Take the bus from Nagoya to Gifu and get off at Hirugano Kogen Service Area. From there are shuttle bus leaves for Hirugano Kogen at 10:10 a.m., 11:10 a.m., and 2:30 p.m.

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination (Nagashima Resort)

-> Go directly to the Nabana no Sato winter illumination post

Just south of Nagoya is Nagashima Island.

On the island, you can find Nagashima Resort, which includes an excellent amusement park, an outlet shopping mall, and Japanese hot springs.

One island over you will find the recently opened Legoland Japan (get the 1 day Legoland pass on klook.com and skip the line at admission).

Also part of Nagashima Resort is Nabana no Sato, a flower garden with a winter illumination dwarfing all other illuminations in Japan.

Not only is it the most beautiful it is also one of the largest and longest (starting in October and ending in May each year).

How to Get to Nagashima

From the Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station buses leave for Nagashima Onsen.

The one-way trip costs 1060 yen (10 US dollars) and takes 50 minutes.

If you want to get off at Nabana no Sato the bus fare is 890 yen (9 US dollars).

Tours to Nabana no Sato

Day Trips from Nagoya to the Kiso Valley – Magome & Tsumago

The Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture is on the Naksendo, the former street connecting Kyoto and Tokyo.

On its way, little post towns were founded so the travelers could rest their weary feet at night and to find a hot meal.

Two of these post towns are called Magome and Tsumago which have been preserved to look as they did during the Edo Period.

They are beautiful to explore and close enough together for a day hike from one town to the other.

The trail leads along the old road and in beautiful nature which makes for one of the nicest Nagoya side trips.

How to Get to the Kiso Valley

To get from Nagoya to Magome take the JR Shinano limited express to Nakatsugawa Station.

The one-way trip takes 50 minutes and costs around 3000 yen (30 US dollars) if you are not a Japan Rail Pass holder.

From there Magome is a 30-minute bus ride away.

Tour to Magome and Tsumago

Day Trip from Nagoya to Okazaki

Okazaki is a castle town south of Nagoya. Famous as the birthplace of famous warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu and for its Hatcho Miso.

When visiting Okazaki Castle you will learn how important Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Tokugawa period still is for the people in Okazaki. There are also museums dedicated to him and his legacy.

If you are a foodie you should check out the Hatcho Miso factories. Miso is fermented soybean paste, a central ingredient in Japanese cooking. The Hatcho Miso from Okazaki is a special kind of Miso very popular in the region and used in many dishes such as Miso Nikomi Udon and Miso Katsu.

At the Miso factory, you can learn about the production process and sample the special Hatcho Miso.

How to Get to Okazaki

From Nagoya, you can take the JR Tokaido Line to Okazaki Station. The one-way trip takes just 30 minutes and costs 620 yen (6 US dollars). If you hold a JR pass this trip will be free.

It is easiest to get around Okazaki by bus. You can buy a one-day bus ticket on klook.com.

Hotels in Okazaki

  • Hotel Waltz Okazaki (Adult Only): a 3-star Japanese love hotel with private rooms with private bathrooms.
  • Okazaki New Grand Hotel: standard 3-star hotel with private rooms in the heart of Okazaki next to Okazaki Castle. Including a public bath with views of the castle

Gamagori

Gamagori is a city in the south of Aichi prefecture right at the ocean.

As a foreigner, the only thing you might have heard about Gamagori is ‘Henn na Hotel’. A strange hotel operated completely by robots, velociraptor robot reception staff check you in to your room, a cute little robot assistant is available in your room. It is really a weird experience. By the way ‘Henn na Hotel’ literally means ‘Strange Hotel’, what an applicable name to choose for this hotel.

Henn na Hotel is actually part of Laguna ten Bosch an amusement park that looks like a Dutch village. It has a ferries wheel, and multiple rides but also a big pool area for use in the summer.

If you are looking for an unforgettable New Year’s party you might want to consider heading to Laguna ten Bosch. Their countdown show includes performances of a famous boy band, fireworks and much more. In the wintertime, it is also the place of an impressive winter illumination. (For more things to do in and around Nagoya in winter, click here).

You can buy your ticket not only to Laguna ten Bosch in general but also to the New Year’s event on klook.com.

How to Get to Gamagori

From Nagoya, you can take the JR Tokaido Line to Gamagori Station. The one-way trip takes about an hour and costs 990 yen (10 US dollars). If you hold a JR pass this trip will be free.

Hotels in Gamagori

  • Henn na Hotel: a strange 4-star hotel where the whole staff is made up of robots. Rooms are private with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included.

Day Trips from Nagoya Map

On the below map you can see where all the day trip destinations are located in relation to Nagoya.

Day Trips from Nagoya by Car

While there is usually a convenient way to do your day trips from Nagoya by public transport it might make sense for convenience or if you are a group of people to rent a car in Nagoya for your day trip.

You can do this through rentalcars.com.

Just be aware that as a driver in Japan you need to have an international driver’s license which you can only get in your own country before arriving in Japan.

And don’t forget to also book an insurance policy for your rental.

Day Trips from Nagoya with a JR Pass

Some of the trains on your day trips from Nagoya can be free if you hold a Japan Rail Pass, the convenient tourist pass for JR trains.

You can do the following Nagoya day trips using a JR Pass:

  • Ise
  • Gero Onsen
  • Takayama
  • Hamamatsu
  • Magome
  • Okazaki

Be advised that it only makes sense to buy a JR Pass if you are planning to use many (long distance) trains in a short period of time, or else it might just be cheaper to buy your train tickets separately.

If you want to find out more about the Japan Rail Pass you can read all about it here.

If you want to buy a pass conveniently from home visit JRailPass.com. They deliver your voucher within a couple of days worldwide, even if you are already in Japan.

Ready to Book your Trip to Nagoya?

Find the cheapest flights on skyscanner.com, book amazing hotels in Nagoya on booking.com and reserve discounted tours and other activities on klook.com!

The best way to get around Japan is a Japan Rail Pass, book your Japan Rail Pass now on jrailpass.com.

Final Thoughts

These day trips from Nagoya sound amazing, right?

If you are still looking for more information on Nagoya check the Nagoya Travel Guide for all the information you need when visiting Nagoya.

Did you know that the Kansai region, where Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe are located are also just an hour away by Shinkansen bullet train?

If you have a JR Pass these cities might also be great for Nagoya side trips, especially Nara and Kobe, because you can explore both of these cities in one day.

For Osaka and Kyoto, you might want to spend a couple of nights there to really get to know them.

If you enjoyed this post and want to read it again in the future, for example when you are finally planning your trip to Japan in detail, pin it to your ‘Japan Travel’ board!

10 day trips from Nagoya
10 day trips from Nagoya
10 day trips from Nagoya

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I'm Lena the founder of Nagoya Foodie. I recently moved to Nagoya and want to share its food and culture with you!
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