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Nikko World Heritages - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Nikko Private Tour - Yomemimon gate of Toshogu Shrine, called twilight gate. People forget time by watching its elaborate sculptures until gets dark.

Yomemimon gate of Toshogu Shrine, called twilight gate. People forget time by watching its elaborate sculptures until gets dark.

Incredible Toshogu shrine

Shinkyo Brigde (Sacred bridge) - beautiful vermillion bridge is entrance for Nikko Mountain.

Rinno-ji temple

Stunning Three Buddha statues in Main Hall of Rinno-ji Temple. Note that taking photo is prohibited in the hall.

Shoyo-en Garden of Rinno-ji Temple, fine work of famous gardener. Its autumn foliage is also well-known.

Nikko Private Tour - Taiyu-in - The third Shogun's Mausoleum. Deep in the precinct, its architecture is more modest than Toshogu Shrine to show his respect for his grandfather, and much quieter.

Taiyu-in - The third Shogun's Mausoleum. Deep in the precinct, its architecture is more modest than Toshogu Shrine to show his respect for his grandfather, and much quieter.

Nikko Private Tour - Worship Hall of Taiyu-in - designated as a national treasure and is also known as Golden Hall. Inside, you can see the Karashishi(Chinese Lion) drawn by Kano Tanyu, 140 dragon paintings on the ceiling, and the armor worn by the third Shogun, Iemitsu.

Worship Hall of Taiyu-in - designated as a national treasure and is also known as Golden Hall. Inside, you can see the Karashishi(Chinese Lion) drawn by Kano Tanyu, 140 dragon paintings on the ceiling, and the armor worn by the third Shogun, Iemitsu.

Yuba is local specialty in Nikko. Healthy as it comes from Tofu.

Carving of Three Monkeys tells story of human's life.

Sleeping cat is said to symbolize the peaceful world by Tokugawa Shogunate power.

Futarasan Shrine's Torii gate, sacred atmosphere surrounded by giant cedar trees along.

(option) Nice hiking to a row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, Bodhisattva who care for the deceased.

(option) Tamozawa Imperial Villa. You can enjoy the finest Japanese style architecture used by Imperial Family.

(option) Kegon Falls - not available in autumn

Nikko World Heritages - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Day Trip

Joined 2019

Kaori S.

4.98 / 5

(128 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Nikko

Japanese (Native), English

11 hrs 30 mins

Private tour (only you and Kaori S.)

Up to 4 people

Nikko is a town of World Heritage Sites located at 2 hours train from Tokyo, surrounded by rich nature of Nikko National Park. World Heritages consist of 2 shrines and 1 temple(below). Nikko mountain has a long history as the sacred place of mountain worship for both Shinto and Buddhism. Here, not only taste the well-known elaborate architectures, but feel the history, culture and nature itself.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

07:30 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards, or designated station.

- *Departure station depends on your hotel location. I'm happy to give you an advice for the best route for us.

08:30 AM

Take Tobu Express train (about 2H)

Basic : 8:30 Asaksua - 10:23 Tobu Nikko

Tobu Line (Tobu Ltd Express - all seat reserved train) is more common for Nikko, but we can take Shinkansen bullet train if you have JR-Pass, but half of ride would be normal train (seats cannot be secured with JR railways.)

10:20 AM

Nikko

Arriving Nikko. Walk to world herigate area in 20min or take a bus or taxi.

Shinkyo Bridge (Sacred Bridge)

A vermillion bridge at the entrance of Nikko mountain.

Rinno-ji Temple (Three Buddha Hall) - (UNESCO Heritages)

Housing amazing three golden large Buddha statues.

Shoyo-en Garden

You can appreciate beautiful strolling garden in Rinno-ji Temple, which designed by famous garden designer Kobori Enshu in Samurai period.

11:30 AM

Nikko Toshogu Shrine - (UNESCO Heritages)

The most famous shrine in Nikko, enshrines the first Shogun of Edo.

・Yomei-mon Gate - well-known for its elaborate carvings. You never get bored to see!

・Enjoy famous carvings in Toshogu - Three Wise Monkeys, Sleeping Cat.

・Graveyard of the first Shogun of Edo can be visited if you have energy to climb up the stairs.

12:30 PM

Futara-san Shrine - (UNESCOHeritages)

The oldest shrine in Nikko. Popular for good luck and success in love today.

01:00 PM

Lunch

02:30 PM

Taiyu-in Mausoleum

The third Shogun's Mausoleum. Its architecture is more modest than Toshogu Shrine to show his deep respect for his grandfather.

(option) Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa （*Closed on Tuesdays)

A former summer residence of Imperial Family. You can appreciate the finest Japanese style architecture used by Imperial Family.

(option) Kanmangafuchi Abyss hiking trail

Many Jizo-Statues along the riverside trail. Nice hiking to a row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, Bodhisattva who care for the deceased. Off-the beaten, but not too far from world heritage sites area.

(+2H option) Kegon Falls - (Except autumn foliage season)

If interested in Kegon Falls, we need 1 hour extra. We go for Kegon Falls in the morning, back to World Heritage area in the afternoon. Be note we might not be able to finish all temples depending on the time we spent for Kegon Falls.

*NOT possible during autumn foliage season due to heavy traffic jam even on weekdays. We need to stay in the area to enjoy foliage in Nikko.

04:00 PM

Taka local bus or taxi

Back to Tobu Nikko station or JR station in Nikko.

04:30 PM

Take Tobu Express train back to Tokyo (about 2H)

For Asakusa, Liverty Kegon : 16:20 Tobu Nikko - Asakusa 18:15

For Shinjuku Spacia Nikko: 16:38 Tobu Nikko - Shinjuku 18:35

*We'll book seats.

Or later trains for Asakusa possible.

17:22 Tobu Nikko - 19:15 Asakusa

17:44 Tobu Nikko - 19:35 Asakusa

Back to Tokyo

Ending time depends on your hotel location and train we take.

07:00 PM

End of tour

At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.

Ending Point

At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

guide fee, hotel meet-up, send-off in Tokyo

What‘s not included

transportation fee (you and guide), food and drink (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide)

World Heritage Pass : adult 600 yen, child 300 yen

( If Kegon Falls : Lake Chuzenji Pass 2,300 yen or taxi about 18,000yen~ )

●Transportation fee

By Tobu Express (2H) *All reserved seat express train

(fare depends on hotel location)

If from Asakusa to Tobu-nikko : 3,050 yen × 2 times = 6,100 yen

If from Shinjuku to Tobu-nikko : 4,140 yen× 2 times = 8,280 yen (7:31 Shinjuku - 09:27 Tobu Nikko) *More expensive because jointly operated by two companies. Also limited availability in time schedule.

●Admission

Toshogu Shrine：adult 1,600 yen, elementary& junior 450 yen

Rinnoji Temple Set Ticket (Sanbutudo & Taiyu-in & Shoyo-en Garden) : adult 1,000 yen, elementary& junior 500 yen

Futarasan Shrine’s garden area : adult 200 yen, elementary& junior 100 yen

(option)

If Tamozawa Imperial Villa : adult 600 yen, elementary& junior 300 yen

If Kegon Falls (Elevators : adult 570 yen, elementary 340 yen)

【Optional】Hired cars

I'm happy to work with hired car you arranged at your end.

Tour Important Information

・This tour includes 4H train ride for round trip from Tokyo. (If Kegon Falls,+2H option).

・Kegon Falls is NOT possible during autumn foliage season due to heavy traffic jam even on weekdays.

・Nikko's World Heritage sites are in mountainous area. No easy access like elevators. Wheelchair accessibility is not good.

・If someone in your group has difficulties with stairs, please let me know in advance. The spots we can visit will be limited.

・Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Sandals are not good here.

This tour is only available on Weekdays to escape from congestion in Nikko Toshogu.

Important message from the supplier

NOT AVAILABLE for next spring season (March to April 2027). Sorry for inconvenience.

- Kindly make an inquiry only for open days on my Calendar.

- I offer tours UP TO 4 people.

- I'm Tokyo based. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee and accommodation fee (if need).

- For Mt.Fuji / Hakone, refer to the map of location on my gallery.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2019

Kaori S.

4.98 / 5

(128 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kaori S.

Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married to a photographer who lives here. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively.

I love travel both international and domestic. I myself love travel freely. That's how I love helping individual travelers like you. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love and sharing my seasonal favorites.

I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request.

・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY

・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY

・Extra hour over 8hours : 6,000 JPY/hour

I often spend multiple days with the same group to accommodate itinerary for multi days by including my seasonal favorites.

I often do Mt.Fuji or Hakone tour. In many cases, the locations are mixed up between Mt.Fuji Five Lakes area and Hakone area, which are not the same place. Please refer to the map I uploaded on gallery to check the sites you are interested in. Also my blogs will help your understanding both areas - "The location difference of Mt.Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes) and Hakone".

As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. But more than that, I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see you soon!

Reviews

Alexei M.

5 / 5

Sep 20, 2026

Sep 9th, 2026 : Private Mt.Fuji by Car from Tokyo for Alexei-san & Irina-san

Sep 20, 2026

Mount Fuji

12 hours

Customized

“10 star experience! if you only do one thing - do the.”

If we could give 10 stars, we would. The Mt Fuji trip with Kaori (and her husband Ichiro) was the highlight of my wife and mine trip to Japan. When booking, I asked Kaori for very specific trip, and she tailored the day trip for us. Despite the weather (torrential rains), it turned out to be the best experience. The most important part – this did not feel like a tour – it felt like a couple showing another couple the place where they live (Kaori is from Mt. Fuji area) and giving us a personal view of their world.

Kaori S.

Thank you so much for your heartwarming and wonderful comments. My husband Ichiro and I are delighted to hear you felt time with us more than a tour. That is what we exactly value most on our car trip - personal tie as person to person. We were so happy to be able to help each of you fulfill your dreams. Standing on Mt.Fuji for Irina-san, and Ice cave for you. A photo of us all together on Mt.Fuji 5th station in the heavy rain is a memory we will never forget. We recently made your local dish you introduced us and loved it!! We appreciate this wonderful encounter with you. Big hugs, Kaori and Ichiro

Renee K.

5 / 5

Sep 14, 2026

Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Sep 14, 2026

Kamakura

9 hours

“Kaori's Kamakura Tour Was Pure Magic — Don't Miss the Lantern Festival!”

We booked an 8-hour private tour to Kamakura with Kaori and it was hands down one of the best days of our trip! She took us to see the Great Buddha, which was even more impressive in person, then on to Hasedera Temple for some gorgeous views. One of our favorite stops was Houkoku-ji Temple — sitting in the bamboo grove sipping matcha was such a peaceful, magical experience. We took our time exploring everything without ever feeling rushed, and Kaori's knowledge of the history and culture made every stop so much richer. The best part? We stayed out until after dark to catch the Enoshima Island Toro Lantern Festival, and it was absolutely stunning — definitely a highlight we wouldn't have known about without her. Such a perfect mix of history, culture, food, and a little bit of magic. Highly recommend Kaori and this tour if you're headed to Kamakura!

Kaori S.

Thank you for writing a wonderful review on my Kamakura tour. Great to hear you enjoyed whole day in Kamakura, including Toro lantern festival in Enoshima island. Kamakura itself has a lot to appreciate in great nature near the ocean. Full of samurai history and Zen culture. Enoshima’s seasonal lit-up event is one of my favorites. I appreciate you gave me the opportunity to share this wonderful experience together. As evening falls, every site of island has become impressive with calm lantern light. Thank you for choosing me your guide for two days. Hope to see you again in the future. Big hugs, Kaori

Renee K.

5 / 5

Sep 14, 2026

Extension from Half Day to Full Day on Aug 28, 2026

Sep 14, 2026

Tokyo

Customized

“WELL PLANNED AND SAW SO MUCH”

Had such a great time exploring Tokyo with our guide, Kaori! She gave us a awesome overview of the city and clearly knew her stuff — history, culture, little details you'd never pick up on your own. We went to Asakusa and checked out some beautiful temples and shrines, wandered through Yanaka (such a cool, low-key neighborhood), strolled down Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs, and grabbed some amazing street food at Tsukiji Outer Market. Through it all she was so much fun to be around — funny, easy to talk to, and just genuinely smart about the city. Kaori made the whole day feel effortless. Highly recommend her if you're visiting Tokyo!

Kaori S.

Dear Renee san, thank you very much for taking your time to give me such a warm review. Your recommendation means a lot to me. So happy to hear you felt effortless during the tour with me. It is my pleasure to show around Tokyo with good navigation so that visitors can explore more of Tokyo on their own without any concern. Thanks to your extension from half day to full day in advance, we really did a lot in a day in shopping, eating, and strolling around! Hope to see you again in the future! Big hugs, Kaori  