Nikko Private Walking Tour

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Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo on a full-day private walking tour of Nikko with a government-licensed guide. Customize your itinerary and explore this historic and beautiful town.

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Nikko Tosho-gu - Discover why the saying “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikko” holds true 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 vividly 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. It 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. The park is also rich in Onsen resources, natural gifts that enhance the experience. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery in the city of Nikko, where the National Park covers most of the area.
Kegon Falls - Kegon Waterfall is the most famous of 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 lift 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, particularly 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 natural beauty. 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. Enjoy the seasonal beauty by the lake, with walking trails around the water’s edge and an excursion boat available. The views are spectacular, especially during cherry blossom or azalea season, or 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 with the higher elevations of the mountainous region. Featured in the popular anime Initial D, it consists of 48 hairpin turns on the upslope and downslope roads, making it a prime spot for viewing autumn leaves. “Iroha” represents the first three of the 48 syllables in the old Japanese alphabet, and each turn is named after one of these syllables, giving the road its name.
Senjogahara Field - “Senjogara” translates to battlefield, referring to a mythical battle where the gods of Mount Nantai and Mount Akagi fought to claim the neighboring lakes. The gods, taking the forms of a serpent and a centipede, intertwined and created this marshland. Today, the battlefield is a charming area with various plants and fauna competing to enchant visitors. A wooden trail across the field enhances the serene atmosphere and complements the colorful scenery. Hike along the trail for a personal encounter with the plants and birds, or visit the observation deck for a stunning panoramic view of the marshlands. Either way, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sight.
Taiyu-in Temple Hall - Taiyuin is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. Iemitsu’s lavish mausoleum complex resembles the nearby Toshogu Shrine in layout and architecture but was intentionally built more modestly out of 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 (“Kannon with a thousand arms”), and Bato-Kannon (“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 - 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 building 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. It is also known for its row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who cares for the deceased. These statues, called “Bake Jizo” (Ghost Jizo), “Narabi Jizo” (Jizo in a line), or “Hyaku Jizo” (100 Jizo), look out over the river and towards 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.
Nikko Botanical Garden - Owned and maintained by the prestigious University of Tokyo, 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, though there is no direct connection between the two.
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. A bridge has marked this spot for much longer, though its exact origins are unclear. Until 1973, Shinkyo was off-limits to the 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 a 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. It used to be possible to hike down to the base of the waterfalls, but 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, it offers a glimpse into the Nikko of centuries past. The house stands next to a bakery that also sells admission tickets. 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 Tokyo
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
Transportation fee (for yourself), NIKKO PASS all area Ticket 4,520JPY per person
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Additional Information

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Nikko!

If you are staying in Tokyo but would like to take some time out to enjoy some sights outside the big city, then this tour of Nikko is for you. There are many reasons why Nikko is a must-see stop during your stay in Japan. Your private guide will help you efficiently escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo on a full-day tour of this historic, beautiful town.

Your guide will start your day with a morning pickup at your hotel. Let us know what special requests you have for the day and we will customize your itinerary in advance!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

This tour is only for groups up to 10 persons. You cannot combine tour groups or reservations.

This is a walking tour. Meet up is on foot.

Location

Asakusa Station

Your guide will be at you hotel or anywhere else you want.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(25 Ratings)

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Jessliona

Jul 19, 2024

Absolutely Amazing - Masami Aonuma is everything you could want in a tour guide and more—energetic, passionate, engaging, whole-hearted, knowledgeable, thoughtful, meticulous, proactive, flexible...the list of positive traits goes on and on. In spending the day with Masami, I not only saw the stunning view Nikko had to offer (Kaegon Falls, Lake Chusengi, Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu Shrine), but also received a master class in Japanese culture and history. Masami and I extensively discussed the impact of different important events and philosophies (e.g., Shintoism, Buddhism, the Edo period, World War II, natural disasters, etc.) on the Japanese collective psyche. The conversation was nothing short of scintillating, and worth its weight in gold. If you're looking for someone who is not just a tour guide but also an amazing human being, Masami is your guy!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Michelle_m

Jul 15, 2024

Fabulous and memorable tour of Nikko with Kazu. - Fabulous experience , exploring Nikko with Kazu, our Government-Licensed Guide ( Tokyo Dept) who is fluent in English and French . My husband and I enjoyed learning about the extraordinary and amazing history and culture of Nikko. Kazu is a wonderful teacher/ guide , who answered our many questions with enthusiasm and patience . It was such a memorable day , and would definitely like to catch up with Kazu again , for another tour . Would definitely recommend Kazu as a high quality tour guide . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review provided by Viator

Hectorjavierm2015

Jun 27, 2024

Excellent place, good trip and a great guide... - It is a wonderful place, my family loved it and Hiro is a great Guide, he was always very attentive to our needs and made us the best recommendations and an excellent tour.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Francophilessydney

May 26, 2024

A great day in Nikko - We had the most magnificent day with our guide, Michio, his experience navigating the rail systems in Tokyo city and out to Nikko on the Shinkansen evident right from the start. Michio was both personable and informative at every point of the day. A highlight for us was lunch in Nikko right beside Lake Chuzenji where handmade fresh soba noodles were made onsite and we chose to have them with local rainbow trout, grilled on hot coals. It was a meal we won't forget! Michio guided us seamlessly to the ropeway, waterfalls, stunning river walk and imperial summer villa at all times mindful of any special requests we had and our comfort. Back in Tokyo at the end of the day Michio even suggested somewhere for dinner, another authentic Japanese experience. We are looking forward to having Michio guide us later in our Japanese stay in Yokohama he is that good. Thank you Michio!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Ira

May 3, 2024

Nikko with private guide. - Koba was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and anxious to please all members of our group. He brought Nikko to life for us.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

J3217fachristopherd

Mar 28, 2024

Great, educational experience - I've been to Japan many times myself and have always wanted to take my parents to show them a bit of why I enjoyed visiting that country so frequently. This year, I was finally able to coax my parents to book a flight out to Japan with me. This was my first guided tour experience in Japan and I have to say that it was really well done especially considering that my group primarily consisted of senior citizens. Emi was very knowledgeable of the temples and shrines that we visited. I learned a lot more than I ever would have in just visiting Nikko and reading the placards on my own. I highly recommend this tour for those wanting to get some education out of their visit to Nikko!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Nurwani

Nov 12, 2023

Enjoyable Day Trip - Excellent choice if you are trying to avoid the crowd during autumn leaves viewing season. Yusuke is a professional guide and he kept in contact to find out our preferences prior to the trip & also suggested amendments depending on the weather as well. Managed to see many beautiful autumn leaves and enjoyed the food recommended as well. The guide is very customer centric, which makes the trip even more enjoyable.

Review provided by Viator

Gjholden13

Oct 26, 2023

Great day in Nikko - We had an amazing trip to Nikko. We were asking a lot to do the shrines and the waterfalls in the same day but our guide, Yoshii, recommended we hire a car to make this possible. I’m glad we did as we only had the one day and it was great to see it all. We visited the shrines during the second half of the day, which was slightly rushed. Yoshii did a good job of adapting to our changes/ requests and we thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Cdn9157ur

Sep 19, 2023

Tokyo With Koba - Our guide was amazing. Very helpful from first contact via email, to meeting us at the hotel. We had some railway things to sort, and this was no problem. Our guide was knowledgeable and listened to our needs. He made connections with us and had great knowledge of all places we wanted to visit. His instruction for subway and other trains was invaluable! He helped us ollect temple and shrine stamps which we will treasure forever. I pai tō rā. It was a wonderful day. Ngā mihi nui (many thanks and much kindness)

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Melissa_s