Excursion Discovering ancient nagoya - castle, temple, shrine tour at Nagoya

Discover a trio of the most important and renowned destinations in Nagoya during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Nagoya, Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Grass-Mowing Swords, Museum, Artefacts, Swords

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute drive to the Atsuta Jingu Shrine, one of the great centres of worship in Japan. Located in central Nagoya, Japan's fourth-largest city, it is the most important Shinto shrine after the Ise Grand Shrines. This ancient shrine was first noted in the 'Kojiki', Japan's oldest historical documents, compiled in the 8th century. It is also the repository of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Mowing Sword). Together with the Jewels at the Imperial Palace and Mirror at the Ise Grand Shrines, the Grass-Mowing Sword constitutes the Three Imperial Regalia. The shrine's museum houses about 4,000 articles. Many are swords, donated due to the shrine's association with the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.

Osu-Kannon Temple, Guided Tour, Free Time, Shopping Arcade

Next, re-board your coach and drive to Osu-Kannon Temple. Rebuilt in the 1970s after a fire in 1920 and damage from World War II destroyed sections, 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, which are kept well-fed by guests and locals. After some free time to purchase a souvenir of your visit at the Osu-Kannon Shopping Arcade, re-board your coach and head to your last stop, the Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace.

Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace, Sliding-Door Paintings, Ranma Wooden Works, Metal Decorations

Among the finest examples of Bukefu-shoin-style building, the original Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace was built in 1615 as a shogun residence and audience hall, but the palace and main castle burned down during World War II. Reconstruction was completed in 2018, after a decade of work by skilled artisans and craftsmen utilising traditional techniques and materials. See gorgeous, Kano-style, sliding-door paintings of tigers and bamboos, which were saved from the fire and designated as an important cultural property by the Japanese government. In addition, view intricate Ranwa wooden works above the sliding doors and lovely metal decorations. Your tour concludes with an approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Nagoya, Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Grass-Mowing Swords & Museum, Osu-Kannon Temple, Shopping Arcade, Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace, Sliding Door Paintings, Ranwa Works

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the Osu-Kannon Temple. 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, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must remove their shoes before entering the Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace. Proper attire is required to enter the Osu-Kannon Temple; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. This tour is available on Mondays only. The tour sequence may vary.