Nagoya might not be the first city that comes to mind when craving a memorable lunch, but this vibrant hub in central Japan stands out for its diverse and authentic eating options. Whether you’re after a hearty Hida Beef steak, a scenic day trip that includes a local meal, or a taste of Kyoto’s famed cuisine, Nagoya offers more than just sushi. Its proximity to regions famous for their regional specialties means you can indulge in high-quality local meats, traditional dishes, and scenic culinary adventures. Personally, I find the Hida Beef options particularly compelling—nothing beats a tender slice of this regional delicacy after a morning of sightseeing.
While Nagoya’s food scene is well-known for hits like miso katsu and hitsumabushi eel, the tours on our list go beyond the usual. They give you a chance to taste authentic Hida pork, Kobe beef, or regional specialties while exploring iconic sights nearby. For example, the Nagoya: Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour offers a chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and sample Hida beef—a true treat for meat lovers.
1. Nagoya: Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour w/Optional Lunch
At number 1 on our list, this tour combines a visit to the stunning Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thatched Gassho houses, with a journey into the historic streets of Takayama’s Old Town. The highlight for many food-focused travelers is the optional Hida Beef lunch, which can be added to your day for around $46 per person. This includes a choice between Hida beef steak or Oden, giving you a chance to savor regional flavors from one of Japan’s top beef regions.
This tour is unique because it combines cultural sightseeing with a culinary experience that’s hard to beat. The Hida beef is renowned for its marbling and tenderness, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch. The tour has a solid rating of 4.4/5 from 194 reviews, with many visitors praising the smooth organization and quality of the beef. For travelers interested in historic architecture and premium regional cuisine, this is a practical and delicious choice.
Bottom line: This tour offers an excellent balance of sightseeing and food, especially if you want to enjoy a high-quality Hida Beef meal in a scenic setting. It’s perfect for history buffs who love a good steak and want to explore rural Japan.
2. From Nagoya: Kyoto Day Tour with Pork Shabu-Shabu Lunch
At number 2, this full-day trip to Kyoto offers a mix of cultural landmarks and a traditional pork shabu-shabu lunch. For just $79 per person, you’ll visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, then enjoy a 50-minute Kyoto-style lunch. The highlight is the pork shabu-shabu, a Japanese hot pot where thin slices of pork are gently swished in boiling broth at your table.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of iconic Kyoto sights with the chance to enjoy a local specialty. The pork shabu-shabu is a delicious way to experience Japan’s communal dining style and highlights Kyoto’s culinary finesse. The tour is highly rated at 5/5 from just one review, reflecting its popularity among travelers seeking a cultural and foodie combo.
Bottom line: For those who want a jam-packed day of Kyoto’s highlights paired with a comforting and tasty hot pot lunch, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to experience Japan’s traditional cuisine in a cultural setting.
$79 per person
3. Nagoya: Takayama & Shirakawa-go Day Trip w/ Hida Pork Lunch
Number 3 on our list offers a full day exploring Takayama’s historic streets and Shirakawa-go‘s UNESCO-listed farmhouses. The real culinary treat is the included Hida pork meal at Koshiyama Restaurant. For around $79 per person, you get to taste Hida pork steak, known for its succulent flavor and tender texture.
What makes this tour shine is its focus on the Edo-period charm of Takayama combined with a scenic ride through Japan’s countryside. The Hida pork at Koshiyama is a regional specialty—the kind of meal that leaves you craving more. Though reviews are limited, the emphasis on local Hida pork elevates this trip from just sightseeing to a full-flavored experience.
Bottom line: If you love regional pork dishes and want a full-day cultural experience, this trip hits the mark. It’s well-suited for food lovers who appreciate high-quality Hida pork in an atmospheric setting.
$79 per person
4. From Nagoya Kyoto Day Tour with Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu Lunch
Coming in at number 4, this tour takes you to Kyoto for a Kobe beef shabu-shabu lunch—a true luxury. For about $88.71, you’ll enjoy A5-ranked Kobe beef sliced thinly for shabu-shabu, a cooking style that accentuates the meat’s delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
This experience is perfect for connoisseurs of premium Japanese beef, as the Kobe beef is recognized worldwide for its quality. The day also includes visits to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, making it a well-rounded cultural day with a memorable beef feast to finish. The value here is high considering the premium quality of the Kobe beef and the comprehensive sightseeing.
Bottom line: For travelers craving luxury beef and iconic Kyoto sights, this tour combines culinary indulgence with cultural richness. It’s ideal for foodies willing to splurge on top-tier Japanese beef.
$88.71 per person
5. From Nagoya: Kyoto Day Tour with Pork Shabu Shabu Lunch
Number 5 offers a similar Kyoto experience, but with pork shabu-shabu instead of Kobe beef, at an approximate price of $82.14. The focus remains on Kyoto’s famous sites like Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, but the cuisine emphasizes local pork.
This tour suits travelers who seek a more affordable yet authentic culinary experience. The pork shabu-shabu is ideal if you prefer lighter, less expensive meat options but still want to enjoy an iconic Japanese hot pot. The tour’s flexible itinerary allows time for exploring the streets of Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded Kyoto day trip with a comforting hot pot meal and are budget-conscious, this tour offers good value and authentic flavors.
$82.14 per person
6. Bus Tour to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go with Hida Pork Lunch
For around $419, this full-day bus tour includes visits to Shirakawa-go and Hida Takayama with a focus on Hida Pork. The lunch features Hida Pork, a regional delicacy known for its flavor and tenderness, served at Koshiyama Restaurant.
This tour is particularly good for travelers who want a comprehensive itinerary covering multiple UNESCO sites with the convenience of an all-inclusive package. The Hida Pork meal adds a local culinary touch that enhances the cultural experience. While the reviews are limited, the inclusion of regional pork as a highlight makes it stand out for foodies.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a stress-free way to see several top sights while enjoying authentic Hida Pork as part of a full-day experience.
$419
7. Takayama and Shirakawa Day Tour with Hida Beef Lunch from Nagoya
At number 7, this full-day tour from Nagoya combines Takayama’s Edo-period streets with the Shirakawa-go UNESCO site. The real highlight is a Hida Beef lunch, praised for its tenderness and flavor. The itinerary includes a visit to Jinya-mae Morning Markets, where local foods and crafts are on display.
This tour is aimed at history and food lovers, offering a chance to enjoy Hida Beef’s renowned quality in a traditional setting. The lunch stands out as a major draw, providing a satisfying culinary experience after a day of sightseeing. The limited reviews suggest it’s a solid, value-packed option.
Bottom line: If your focus is regional beef and authentic Edo-style streets, this tour offers a substantial experience with a flavorful Hida Beef meal.
$102.00 per person
8. Takayama Day Trip with Shirakawa-go and Kobe Beef Lunch
Rounding out our list is this full-day trip combining Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and a Kobe beef shabu-shabu lunch. For about $419, it offers a chance to enjoy the luxury of Kobe beef in a traditional hot pot setting amid scenic mountain views.
The Kobe beef component is the main selling point, offering an indulgent experience for those who appreciate top-tier Japanese beef. The inclusion of Shirakawa-go and Takayama means you get both cultural sights and culinary delights in one day. The shabu-shabu style allows you to savor the beef’s delicate flavor and melting texture firsthand.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a luxury food experience combined with scenic sightseeing, especially for fans of premium Kobe beef.
$419
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Nagoya
When deciding among these tours, consider your budget, time, and culinary interests. If you’re a meat lover eager for Hida Beef or Kobe beef, tours #1 and #8 are perfect. For those who want a full cultural day with a hot pot or regional pork, tours #2, #3, and #5 fit well. Budget travelers might prefer the Kyoto day trips with affordable yet authentic pork shabu-shabu. For an all-in-one experience with scenic views and diverse sites, tours #6 and #7 deliver comprehensive itineraries with regional Hida Pork or Hida Beef.
Booking early is recommended—these tours fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Think about what kind of experience best suits your interests: a luxury Kobe beef feast, a traditional Hida Pork meal, or a cultural day exploring Kyoto’s temples and streets.
In sum, Nagoya offers a wealth of lunch experiences that highlight Japan’s regional specialties and historic charm. Whether you’re after a high-end Kobe beef hot pot or a hearty Hida Pork meal after sightseeing, these options ensure you’ll never go hungry. Consider your preferences and plan ahead—these memorable culinary adventures will make your trip all the richer.