2 Day Tour Shimotsuki Festival with Traditional Food and Sake

A Two-Day Dive into Nagoya’s Shimotsuki Festival and Traditional Flavors

This 2-day tour in Nagoya offers a rare chance to join locals during the Shimotsuki Festival, a lively winter celebration filled with customs, music, and community spirit. For $555.37 per person, travelers spend about two days exploring cultural traditions and savoring regional delicacies, including one of the area’s finest winter gibier dinners. Guides like Yuki make the experience more personal, providing insights that bring the festivities to life.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to witness a local festival firsthand, something that many travelers only read about in books or see on TV. Plus, the guided sake brewery tour adds a flavorful dimension to the trip—giving us a deeper understanding of Japan’s revered brewing traditions. One small drawback is that lunch on Day 1 isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan ahead or bring a snack.

This tour suits curious travelers eager to understand authentic Japanese customs while enjoying regional cuisine. If you’re interested in festivals, traditional food, and sake, this experience offers a well-rounded, immersive snapshot of Nagoya’s winter festivities.

Key Points

• Cultural immersion at the Shimotsuki Festival—a lively local event you might not find on typical tourist routes.
• Includes guided visits and tasting experiences, such as a sake brewery tour and regional dinners.
• Comfortable group size of up to 12 travelers ensures a personalized experience with plenty of interaction.
• Cost reflects the value of authentic experiences and guided insights, not just transportation or entry fees.
• Includes all transportation fees within the itinerary, making logistics easier for travelers.
• Flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Exploring the 2-Day Nagoya Festival and Food Tour in Detail

Day 1: Joining the Shimotsuki Festival

Your journey begins around 11:30 am at a convenient, public transportation-accessible meeting point. From there, you’ll head straight into the heart of Nagoya’s Shimotsuki Festival, a lively winter event where locals gather to celebrate the changing of seasons. The festival is renowned for its vibrant parades, traditional music, and community participation, giving you an authentic glimpse of local customs.

What’s special here is the chance to experience a festival that’s not overly commercialized—you’re celebrating alongside Nagoya residents, not just watching from the sidelines. During the festivities, you might see traditional costumes, dance performances, and perhaps even participate in simple local customs, depending on the day’s schedule.

In the evening, the tour includes a traditional dinner, giving you the chance to taste regional flavors that aren’t easily found outside local festivals. This meal often highlights seasonal ingredients, and the setting is relaxed, allowing conversations to flow naturally.

Day 2: Sake, Shimoguri, and Regional Delights

Your second day begins with breakfast and a guided visit to Shimoguri, a location rich in cultural or natural allure (details depend on specific guide insights). Afterwards, the highlight is a guided tour of a sake brewery—a favorite part for many travelers. You’ll learn about Japan’s revered sake-making process, and if you’re lucky, sample some straight from the tap. The tasting experience is usually very approachable, offering a great introduction even if you’re new to sake.

Later, you’ll enjoy a lunch (included), likely featuring regional specialties, before heading out to explore more of Nagoya’s surroundings. The day wraps up back at the meeting point, giving you plenty of time to reflect on the festival, the food, and the sake experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes all transportation fees, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs between activities. You’ll also get to attend the Shimotsuki Festival on Day 1, and enjoy guided visits to Shimoguri and a sake brewery on Day 2. Meals are included for breakfast and lunch, but lunch on Day 1 isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

A Few Practical Notes

• The tour starts at 11:30 am, making it convenient for travelers arriving in Nagoya during the day.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 12, ensuring a comfortable, intimate experience.
• The tour is accessible near public transportation, simplifying logistics.
• Confirmations are instant, and the flexible cancellation policy means you can cancel up to 24 hours prior, full refund included.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

The beauty of this tour is in its blend of cultural experience and culinary discovery. For a reasonable price, you gain front-row access to a local festival, guided insights into sake brewing, and regional dining that highlights Nagoya’s winter flavors. The small group size guarantees personalized attention, and the all-inclusive transportation means no hidden costs or logistical headaches—just focus on enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes.

Compared to standalone day trips that might rush or overlook local customs, this 2-day experience balances time for exploration with opportunities for genuine connection. The inclusion of traditional food and sake tasting elevates the experience beyond mere sightseeing, turning it into an authentic cultural adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who loves festivals, authentic regional cuisine, and learning about local customs, this experience is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Nagoya. It’s perfect for those who want a small-group atmosphere, guided insights, and a chance to participate in community celebrations.

However, if your schedule is tight or you prefer self-guided exploration, this might be less suitable. Also, be prepared for a full and engaging schedule—this isn’t a passive sightseeing tour but one that involves active participation and sensory experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour covers all transportation fees from and to all listed destinations and activities, making logistics straightforward.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 11:30 am, giving you a relaxed morning before jumping into the festival and activities.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, which helps ensure a more personalized and engaging experience.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, attendance at the Shimotsuki Festival, guided visits to Shimoguri and a sake brewery, and breakfast and lunch are included.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund.

What’s not included?
Lunch on Day 1 is not included, so you might want to bring a snack or plan to eat nearby.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be accessible, but check with the provider if you have special needs.

Can I participate if I don’t drink sake?
Yes, the sake brewery tour is optional. You can enjoy the tasting without feeling pressured.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor festival activities and walking. An umbrella or raincoat might be wise depending on the weather.

In the end, this 2-day Nagoya tour offers a rare glimpse into local winter festivities combined with regional culinary delights. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to connect with Japanese traditions in a lively, authentic setting. Whether you’re a festival enthusiast, a foodie, or a cultural explorer, you’ll find this experience both enjoyable and meaningful.