A Taste of Local Life | Exploring Nagoya’s Endoji Historical District
Tour Duration
Tour Duration
2
Hours
Starting From
Starting From
14,000
JPY/person
Size
Size
1-8
Person
Highlights
  • Stroll through a historic shopping district where past and present blend, with nostalgic stores, local eateries, and modern gathering spots
  • Engage with friendly local shop owners, hear their stories, and experience the welcoming atmosphere of neighborhood businesses
  • Discover the unique culture of rooftop shrines, a fascinating tradition found only in this neighborhood
  • Immerse yourself in local life as you explore a traditional storehouse street, a kimono shop, and a clog store
  • Enjoy a variety of casual local snacks and sweets along the way, just like the locals do

Just a 10-minute walk from Nagoya Station, Endoji and Shikemichi Historical District offers a rare glimpse into both the past and present of Nagoya. This charming area, once a thriving merchant town, is now a mix of Edo-period temples, nostalgic 20th-century stores, and newly revitalized cultural hubs.

On this walking tour, discover hidden rooftop shrines, a unique tradition found only in this neighborhood. Wander through traditional storehouses, kimono shops, and wooden merchant homes, where echoes of the samurai era still remain. Along the way, experience Nagoya’s food culture by trying street food favorites like korokke (crispy potato croquette) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake). Visit a local supermarket and a penny candy store to see what everyday life in Nagoya looks like today.

Your guide will introduce you to friendly local shop owners, including souvenir shopkeepers who have been part of the community for generations. This interactive and immersive tour is perfect for those looking to experience the authentic charm of Nagoya’s hidden historical districts while indulging in local flavors.

Itinerary

11:00 AM – Meet at Café Nagonoya & Begin Tour

Gather at Café Nagonoya in Endoji Shopping Street and meet your guide.

After a brief introduction, set off on foot to explore the historic streets of Endoji and Shikemichi, where Nagoya’s rich past blends seamlessly with modern local life.

Historical & Cultural Exploration

Discover the deep-rooted traditions and historical landmarks that define this area. Learn about sacred sites connected to the Tokugawa family and explore shrines that hold centuries-old customs.

  • Entonji Temple – Home to a sacred Buddha statue gifted by the Tokugawa family over 400 years ago
  • Konpira Shrine – A small but cherished local shrine
  • Sengen Shrine – A small hidden temple tucked away in a quiet alley
  • Shikemichi District – A well-preserved merchant town featuring Edo-period storehouses and wooden buildings
  • Rooftop Shrines – A unique cultural tradition unique to this neighborhood

Traditional Shops & Local Crafts

Explore long-standing specialty shops that have been serving the community for generations. See how traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive in the modern era.

  • Geta Shop – A long-established store selling traditional wooden sandals (geta)
  • Kimono Store – A shop showcasing Nagoya’s kimono culture and fine textile craftsmanship
  • Japanese Goods Store – A specialty shop offering handcrafted tools, homeware, and cultural items

Local Markets & Food Shops

Experience the vibrant food culture of Japan as you visit family-run shops, sample street snacks, and browse markets filled with local flavors.

  • Supermarket – A locally owned grocery store, different from big retail chains
  • Wholesale Candy District – A nostalgic shopping area where locals buy penny candy and traditional Japanese sweets
  • Butcher Shop – A long-standing shop famous for freshly made croquettes and skewered katsu
  • Okonomiyaki Shop – A casual eatery serving freshly grilled savory pancakes
  • Wagashi Store – A traditional sweets shop known for Nagoya’s signature kintsuba bean cake

1:15 PM – Return to Café Nagonoya & Enjoy a Local Specialty

Wrap up the tour back at Café Nagonoya.

1:30 PM – Tour Ends at Café Nagonoya

Food Tastings (5 items selected by the guide from the following options)

Throughout the tour, the guide will select five items from the following seven options, based on shop availability:

  • Korokke – A crispy, fried mashed potato croquette from a local butcher shop
  • Kushikatsu – Deep-fried skewered pork, a favorite street food
  • Okonomiyaki – Savory Japanese pancake, prepared fresh on a griddle
  • Mitarashi Dango – Sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings, a popular festival treat
  • Kinsyachi Kintsuba – Traditional sweet bean cake with Nagoya’s golden shachihoko emblem
  • Dagashi Assortment – A selection of nostalgic Japanese penny candy from a wholesale store
  • Egg Sandwich – A specialty of Café Nagonoya, known for its rich, fluffy texture

Please note: Food selections may vary depending on shop availability

Meeting Point

“NAGONOYA” Cafe Restaurant & Guest House

What's Included

What’s Included

  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Small local snacks provided by the guide
  • Travel Insurance

What’s Not Included

  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Additional food, drinks, and shopping expenses
  • Guide gratuities (optional)
Additional Info

Accessibility & Activity Level

  • This tour involves moderate walking; comfortable shoes are recommended
  • Not wheelchair accessible due to narrow alleys and uneven surfaces
  • Stroller accessible, but some streets may be difficult to navigate
  • Some stores may be closed on certain days, and alternative locations may be visited

Tour Operation & Language

  • This tour is conducted in English.
    A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.

Tasting Experience Details

There are seven different street food options throughout the tour. Guests will try five selected by the guide, considering shop availability.

Dietary Requirements

  • Special menus for those with dietary restrictions are not available
  • Refunds are not provided if participants choose not to eat the available food options

What to Bring

Some cash for shopping, as most stores do not accept credit cards.

Booking & Cancellation Policy

Booking Deadline

  • Advance booking is required
  • Cut-off time: 9 days before departure

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Fee
No-show or cancellation after tour departure 100% of the tour price
On the tour date 50% of the tour price
1 day prior to the tour date 40% of the tour price
2 to 7 days prior to the tour date 30% of the tour price
8 to 10 days prior to the tour date 20% of the tour price
11 or more days prior to the tour date Free
The locations
to visit in this tour

Starting From
14,000 JPY/person