The charm of Nikko is that one can enjoy both the natural beauty of its mountains, lakes and waterfalls-sacred places to mountain ascetics since 8th century-and the magnificent craftsmanship of the Toshogu constructed by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Nikko can be reached from the Tokyo by train in about two hours. The area is famed for its beautiful autumn colors. 103 buildings belonging to the Toshogu and Futarasan shrines and Rinno-ji temple were registered as UNESCO World Heritate site in 1999.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At the exit of Tobu Nikko station
- There are two train stations in Nikko, Tobu Nikko station and JR Nikko station. Both stations are located only 200~300 meters away. However, Tobu Nikko station is recommended as "meeting point" because more frequent train service is available in case of Tobu line.
The Akechidaira lookout is said to have the best view in Nikko.
You can see all the way across to Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai. To the east you can see a line of perpendicular cliffs and mountain range in the distance.
Kegon falls is said to have been discovered by the priest Shodo along with Lake Chuzenji when he established a shrine at Mt. Nantai.
It is estimated that an average of 2.5t of water plunges every second in a vertical drop 97 m high and 7m wide. For a fee you can take an elevator 100m down to the base of the falls. When you get out of the elevator, which passes through bedrock, you will find that the basin at the bottom of the falls is cold even in midsummer, with temperatures averaging about 15C degree. There is a free observation platform at the top of the gorge, but the view from the bottom is far more spectacular.
There are many restaurants from Kegon falls and Lake Chizenji and variety of food is available. In this area Yuba, soybean skin is produced and it is used for many kinds of foods like Soba, Udon and other foods.
Around Lake Chuzenji, in particular, are well known for their beautiful autumn colors (koyo). In the average year the colors start descending from the higher elevations of Yumoto Onsen in early October, are best around Lake Chuzenji and reach to the town of Nikko in the first half of November.
You can enjoy beautiful autumn colors, temples and shrines while cruising around the Lake Chuzenji.
This is a branch temple of Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple founded in 784. The wooden statue represents Kannnon, the thousand-armed goddess of mercy is said to have been carved by Shodo shonin who was a pioneer of Nikko.
You can also enjoy beautiful whole view of Lake Chuzenji from main hall
of the temple.
Toshogu Shrine is a magnificent memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan over 250 years till 1868.
The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the building in a way not seen
elsewhere in Japan.
After visiting world-famous Tohshogu, we are scheduled to go to Tobu Nikko station to go back Tokyo.
We can walk from Toshogu to see shops and restaurants on both sides of the
street or get on a bus to the station.
At the entrance of Tobu Nikko station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide's fee
Guide's transportation charge, lunch and entry tickets.
Guest's transportation charge, lunch and entry tickets.
Estimated cost for the tour per person
Train, bus, ropeway, boat Yen13,000
Lunch Yen1,500~3,500
Ticket for Tohshogu Yen1,600 (Yen550 for kid)
*One of most recommendable route to go to Tobu Nikko station is to start
from Asakusa station of Tobu line by express train. It takes about two
hours and it is the most economical way.
*Advance ticket for Toshogu is recommended to buy as a long cue is
expected. Please advise me if you need me to do so.
*Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a walking.
*Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary
restrictions.
In case of meeting you at Asakusa station(departure station)
Additinal Yen4,000 is required.
Hi, my name is “Nao”.
As I worked for an international trading company and visited many foreign countries, I have a good command of English and acquire a cosmopolitan way of thinking. I lived in Illinois, U.S.A. for one year when I was a student. While serving to my company, I lived in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia for 7 years as a company representative. I also made business trips to more than 10 overseas countries such as China, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand and so on.
I like traveling very much and visiting sight-seeing spots, cultural heritage sites, and chatting and eating with local people.
Therefore, I would like foreign travelers to enjoy visiting sightseeing spots and historical and cultural heritage sites in Japan and looking across the broad panorama of modern Tokyo. I am delighted to help travelers enjoy Japanese delicacies and shopping traditional souvenirs.
I am determined to provide excitement and unforgettable experiences to foreign travelers. let’s enjoy travel with me.
John D.
Let’s visit "Must-see" spots in Tokyo for October 1, 2024
Customized
“Noa does not disappoint”
I gave Noa a full positive review but it disappeared when I went to send it.
Nao K.
(25 reviews)Dear John san Thank you very much for travelling with me on October 1. I enjoyed travelling with you and learned a lot from you. Nao
“Excellent Service”
We were pleased by the service we got from Mr Nao. He is very knowledgeable and very attentive to our needs. I recommend him to anyone who is looking for a tour guide in Tokyo and its surroundings.
Nao K.
(25 reviews)Dear Kris san Thank you very much for your comment on my tour. It is regret that Mt Fuji was covered with cloud all day long and missed the chance to enjoy beautiful and elegant Mt Fuji. If you have chance to come back to Japan, I really want to show you beautiful Mt Fuji clearly. Thanks Nao
“An amazing guide for an amazing place!”
Nao-san was extremely helpful in navigating us during our tour. As an engineer, it was amazing thing to visit the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel (G-Cans). Nao-san helped with both the casual and technical interpretation throughout our tour, and on top of this, made us feel very welcome! I highly recommend him!!
Nao K.
(25 reviews)Dear Robert san It was my great pleasure to guide you in Underground Shrine and glad to know there are enthusiastic engineers about Underground Shrine near from my home. It was a very pleasant and enjoyable trip. Thank you for coming to my neighborhood! Nao