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Private Nikko Full-Day Tour: Explore Historic Japan with a Government-Licensed Guide
4.9
129 Ratings
Nikko
Explore historic Japan with a government-licensed guide on a private full-day tour of Nikko. Customize your itinerary and make the most of your trip.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Nikko Tosho-gu - Discover why the saying goes, “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikko” by visiting the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, along with nearby shrines and temples. The most famous shrine among the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” a leading world heritage site in Japan, is where the great Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, who initiated the prosperous Edo Period, is enshrined. Most of the current shrine complex was rebuilt in the 17th century and includes 55 buildings, featuring 8 national treasures and 34 listed buildings. Highlights include lavish carvings that are lacquered and vibrantly colored, showcasing craftsmanship from across the country. Don’t miss the symbol of peace, the “Sleeping Cat,” and the “Three Monkeys” with their iconic “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses!
- Nikko National Park - Nikko National Park is one of Japan’s first designated National Parks. The park offers a wealth of natural beauty, from the pristine nature of the Oku-Nikko district to the marshlands registered under the Ramsar Convention, mountains like Mt. Nikko Shirane (the highest mountain north of Kanto), lakes, marshes, valleys, and waterfalls. Additionally, the park is rich in Onsen resources, natural gifts that provide hot springs. Enjoy the magnificent nature in the city of Nikko, where the National Park covers most of the area.
- Kegon Falls - Kegon Waterfall is the most famous among Nikko’s 48 waterfalls. Water from Lake Chuzenji plunges 97 meters straight down to the rocks below, creating a dynamic and artistic natural spectacle. A special elevator takes visitors to the basin, where the force and roar of the water can be experienced up close! The waterfall is impressive in any season, but it is particularly spectacular when surrounded by fresh green leaves in May, house martins in June, or the “12 falls” - small streams of the frozen waterfall clad in blue ice - during January and February.
- Lake Chuzenji - Lake Chuzenji is the largest lake in Tochigi, surrounded by 25 kilometers of stunning nature. The area was a popular summer resort for foreigners in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, and the villas of the French and Belgian embassies can still be found here. You can enjoy the lake’s seasonal beauty through walking trails around the water’s edge or by taking an excursion boat. The views are particularly spectacular during the cherry blossom or azalea blooms and when the autumn leaves are turning. The “Koyo-meguri” tour, which showcases autumn leaves reflecting on the lake, is highly recommended.
- Irohazaka Route - The Iroha Slope is a pair of winding roads connecting the lower elevations near Nikko to the higher elevations of the mountainous region. Featured in the popular anime Initial D, the route consists of 48 hairpin turns across the upslope and downslope roads, making it a prime spot for viewing autumn leaves. “Iroha” represents the first three syllables of the old Japanese alphabet, and each turn is named after one of these syllables, giving the route its name.
- Senjogahara Field - “Senjogahara” translates to battlefield, referring to a mythical battle where the gods of Mount Nantai and Mount Akagi fought over the neighboring lakes. The gods, taking the forms of a serpent and a centipede, intertwined repeatedly, creating this marshland. Today, the battlefield is a site of natural beauty, with various plants and fauna competing to charm visitors.
- Taiyu-in Temple Hall - Taiyuin is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. The lavish mausoleum complex resembles the nearby Toshogu Shrine in layout and architecture but was intentionally built more modestly out of Iemitsu’s deep respect for his grandfather. Taiyuin is Iemitsu’s posthumous name.
- Rinno-ji Temple - Rinnoji is Nikko’s most important temple, founded by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. The temple’s main building, the Sanbutsudo, houses large, gold-lacquered wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon (the “Kannon with a thousand arms”), and Bato-Kannon (the “Kannon with a horse head”). These three deities are considered Buddhist manifestations of Nikko’s three mountain deities, enshrined at Futarasan Shrine. A decade-long renovation of the Sanbutsudo was completed in spring 2019.
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park - The Tamozawa Imperial Villa blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture across its 106 rooms. Erected in Nikko in 1899 using parts of a residence originally in Tokyo, the villa initially served as the Tokyo residence of a Tokugawa family branch and was later used temporarily as the Imperial Palace. In Nikko, it was expanded into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family but fell into neglect after World War II. After extensive renovations, the villa was opened to the public in 2000.
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss - Kanmangafuchi Abyss was formed by an eruption of nearby Mount Nantai. This gorge near central Nikko is a few hundred meters long and can be enjoyed from a pleasant riverside walking trail. The abyss is also known for its row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who cares for the deceased. These statues are alternately called “Bake Jizo” (Ghost Jizo), “Narabi Jizo” (Jizo in a line), or “Hyaku Jizo” (100 Jizo). The statues overlook the river and the Nikko Botanical Garden, although there is no direct access between the garden and the abyss.
- Nikko Futarasan Shrine - Futarasan Shrine stands next to Toshogu in central Nikko. Founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and founded nearby Rinnoji Temple, Futarasan Shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three sacred mountains: Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Futarasan is another name for Mount Nantai, the most prominent of the three mountains. Most of the shrine grounds are free to enter, except for a small paid area to the left of the offering hall (haiden). This area features a small forested garden with additional halls, a spring, old sacred trees, and closer views of the main hall (honden) behind the offering hall. The Shinkyo Bridge, located one kilometer from the shrine grounds, also belongs to Futarasan Shrine.
- Nikko Botanical Garden - Owned and maintained by the prestigious University of Tokyo, the Nikko Botanical Garden is a branch of the university’s main research garden, Koishikawa Botanical Garden in Tokyo. Opened in 1902 for the collection and study of alpine plants, the garden is spacious and quiet, with a network of paths for pleasant walks and viewing various labeled trees, plants, and shrubs. The garden also offers a view into the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, although there is no direct connection between the garden and the abyss.
- Shinkyo Bridge - The Shinkyo Bridge stands at the entrance to Nikko’s shrines and temples and technically belongs to Futarasan Shrine. Ranked as one of Japan’s three finest bridges, along with Iwakuni’s Kintaikyo and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture, the current Shinkyo was constructed in 1636. However, a bridge has marked this spot for much longer, though its exact origins are unclear. Until 1973, Shinkyo was off-limits to the general public. After extensive renovations in the late 1990s and early 2000s, visitors can now walk across the bridge and back for an entrance fee.
- Kirifuri Waterfall - Kirifuri Waterfall is an impressive 75-meter high, two-tiered waterfall located below the Kirifuri Highlands, a few kilometers northeast of Nikko’s temples and shrines. The elegant falls cascading down the mountain contrast beautifully with the surrounding foliage, which is lush and green in spring and summer and displays fiery shades of red, orange, and gold in autumn. The name Kirifuri means “falling mist,” referring to the fine mist created when the water crashes against the rocks at the bottom of the lower falls. The view may occasionally be obscured by mist or fog. While it used to be possible to hike down to the base of the waterfalls, the trail partially collapsed several years ago and has been closed since.
- Kanaya Hotel History House - The Kanaya Hotel History House is a historical building in Nikko that served as the predecessor of the celebrated Kanaya Hotel. Open to the public, the house offers a glimpse into the Nikko of centuries past. It stands next to a bakery that also sells admission tickets for the house. After Japan’s era of isolation ended, Nikko became a popular summer resort for foreign diplomats and business people. The Kanaya Hotel has been one of the premier hotels in the area for accommodating such guests and is now the oldest Western-style hotel in Japan. While the hotel is currently located one kilometer down the road on a hill above the Shinkyo Bridge, its history began at the Kanaya Hotel History House.
What's Included
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Nikko
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
What's Not Included
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private transportation
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Additional Information
This value-packed journey is led by a government-certified, expert polyglot guide, making it an excellent and time-saving choice to discover Nikko!\n\nNikko is an essential destination during your Japanese travels, offering a full day’s experience of its historical and picturesque setting with the help of your own private guide.\n\nBegin your adventure with a convenient morning meeting at Nikko Station, served by both Tobu and JR lines. Nestled in Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes, Nikko lies on the hard-to-navigate but breathtaking Romantic Road.\n\nFeel free to communicate any specific desires for the outing and we’ll tailor your schedule accordingly!\n\nNote*1: To personalize your journey, select your preferred attractions from a list provided in the tour details.\nNote*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter qualification, stipulating extensive knowledge of Japanese traditions and history, is accredited by the nation’s authorities.
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Location
Tōbu-nikkō Station
Your guide will be at the meeting point as per your request on foot. This special tour will be conducted with a public transportation.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(129 Ratings)
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Tourist31694851690
Aug 26, 2024
Amazing day in Nikko with Yumi. - We had a six hour tour by Yumi A. She was amazing. She had very detailed knowledge of the history of Nikko and Japan, in general. We spent about 2hrs at The Shrines and Temples of Nikko and then she took us to a local spot for lunch. We also visited the Kanaya Historic House (former samurai house) to end the day. All in all, a very good day with Yumi.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camper12838868259
Aug 26, 2024
Overall, excellent tour - Excellent tour, Hit is very knowledgeable & gives very detailed background and explanations to all of the shrines , temples, and landmarks in Nikko. He did a great job structuring the tour & was wiling to make slight alterations to the tour as needed when my wife’s injury prevented her from walking a lot towards the end of the tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ivanh2091
Aug 25, 2024
An unforgetable day in Nikko - One of the highlights of our trip to Japan was our guided tour in Nikko with Yumi. Yumi was extremely flexible and accommodating while we were planning the tour as well as being very knowledgeable about Nikko. During our tour through the famous Toshogu shrine, Yumi told us many interesting details about the architecture and art as well as its historical and cultural significance. We were also able to see more remote parts of the temple complex, as well as being able to watch a fire ceremony live in one of the halls. For lunch we had delicious Gyoza in a local restaurant. We highly recommend this tour and Yumi in particular for anyone going to Nikko.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Boontawee_t
Aug 22, 2024
Amazing private tour - We had an amazing private tour of Nikko, even with the challenging weather conditions. Our guide, Yumi, was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we got to see all the key sights despite the limited time and rain. Yumi's expertise and helpfulness truly enhanced our experience, making it a memorable and worthwhile trip. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Nikko, regardless of the weather!
Review provided by Viator
U2215lkannalisam
Aug 16, 2024
Hike through Nikko Falls - We wanted to go to Nikko to visit the natural part of Japan and the waterfalls that in photos looked so beautiful. Reality has exceeded expectations. Yoshii was an excellent Guide! He accompanied us on the means so that we did not think about anything and explained everything in detail including the history of Japan. It also led us to see what we wanted in a way that we could not do on our own. Thank you Yoshii!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristina_s
Aug 12, 2024
Great experience - Great guide! Patient, personable, very knowledgeable and flexible with time. We enjoyed every minute! He really made the experience memorable. Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge with us
Review provided by Viator
Lilyyuriko_v
Aug 12, 2024
Great family trip with a great guide - Highly recommend going to Nikko for a day or two when you visit Tokyo. Our guide, Hit, was very flexible and knowledgeable of the area. Contacted me two weeks prior to our trip to Japan, was very helpful planning the day (I changed my mind a few times along the way, he was being very patient with me, suggested a few different itinerary) Ended up booking a 3 hr private taxi, which was a very good advice. We were able to see Oku-Nikko where it’s difficult to get to with local buses. It was such a great 6 hr trip and we were able to experience so much in a day.
Review provided by Viator
Ralph_b
Aug 11, 2024
Day in Nikko - My wife and I had a fantastic experience touring Nikko. We saw the three waterfalls in the National Park, the various shrines and temples, and the Shinkyō bridge. Our tour guide, Yuki, was friendly, and a wealth of knowledge concerning Japanese history and culture. She went beyond her responsibilities as a guide and took pictures.
Review provided by Viator
Allyson_g
Aug 8, 2024
Highly recommend for any solo or small group looking to get the Nikko experience!! - Great way to see the highlights of Nikko in one day! Special shoutout to my guide, Hit, for making this such a memorable experience, especially as a solo traveler. Hit was able to craft a custom itinerary based on my preferences, and thoughtfully factored in weather forecast and expected crowd levels to ensure I had a seamless experience. He was also super helpful in booking trains to and from Tokyo, with specific transit and train line recommendations. Highly recommend for any solo or small group looking to get the Nikko experience!!
Review provided by Viator
Scottkr5699lr
Aug 7, 2024
Amazing day in Nikko - Had a carefully curated day planned by Hit, our tour guide, who did an absolutely fantastic job! We were able to select a few attractions we were interested in seeing and Hit was able to navigate our day as well as teach us about the history of Nikko and what makes it so special. Hit was also able to accommodate food allergies as a member of our group has a fish allergy (an unfortunate allergy for Japan). Overall, Hit was fun, caring, and a delight to spend our day in Nikko with. We couldn’t recommend the tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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