- Tours›
- Day Trip
A trip to Investigate why the Nikko Toshogu was built gorgeously as such!
Nikko is renowned for its complex of shrines and temples that exhibit a high degree of artistic and architectural excellence, which leads to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. In fact, Nikko has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries. I would like to explore the excellence of The Toshogu Shrine, which is the symbol of the Tokugawa period (1603 - 1867), from these Japanese cultural, spiritual and historical points of view.
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Tokyo
Transportation
We will take Tobu Limited Express "Spacia X No. 3" at 9:00 am at Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko Station. It will be almost 2 hours train ride.
Shinkyo Bridge (Sacred Bridge)
After arriving at Tobu Nikko Station at 10:50 am, we will take a bus to Shinkyo Bridge Bus Stop.
Shinkyo Bridge is one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in Nikko and located at the entrance to Nikko's shrines and temples, including the famous Toshogu Shrine.
This bridge is known for its distinctive architecture and striking appearance, featuring a gentle arch and vibrant red lacquer.
Lunch at Aburagen
After watching the Shinkyo Bridge, we will have an early lunch at "Yuba" Restaurant named "Aburagen" just in front of Shinkyo Bus Stop.
"Yuba" is a food product made from soybeans. It is created by boiling soy milk and then skimming off the thin layer that forms on the surface. This layer is Yuba, which can be eaten fresh or dried for later use. Yuba has been a part of Japanese cuisine for centuries, particularly in Buddhist vegetarian cooking. Buddhist temples emphasize vegetarianism. Yuba became a staple for monks who followed a strictly vegetarian diet. This restaurant specialize in Yuba dishes. Its unique preparation and versatility make it a culinary attraction for visitors.
Rinnoji Temple
After watching the Shinkyo Bridge, we will walk up to the Rinnoji Temple, which is a historically and culturally significant religious site in Nikko. It was founded by Shodo Shonin, a Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century.
Its main hall, known as Sanbutsudo, is remarkable for housing three large, gold-leafed wooden statues of Buddhist deities: Amida, Kannon with a thousand arms, and Kannon with a horse's head. These statues are worthwhile to see because they are considered national treasures.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan's most significant and spectacular shrines and renowned for its historical and architectural grandeur. We will explore it from historical and architectural point of view. There are many famous architectures such as the Yomeimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. The sacred stable for sacred horses are adorned with numerous carvings, including the famous "Three Wise Monkeys" who embody the proverbial principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." While explaining these architectures and carvings one by one, I try to touch upon some hints of how Japanese Shinto and Buddhism were co-existed with each other until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
Futarasan Shrine
Futarasan Shrine, founded in 782 by a Buddhist monk, is another significant religious site in Nikko with its own unique historical and cultural importance. Comparing with Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine itself is rather small and not so attractive in terms of architectural point of view. However, it is very interesting from Japanese historical religious point of view. While exploring it, you may get some tips for understanding old Japanese mentality and some Shinto rituals.
Taiyuin Temple
Taiyuin Temple serves as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Shogun and the grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, whose mausoleum is the nearby Toshogu Shrine. It is quite similar architecture to Toshogu Shrine, but less gorgeous.
Taiyuin Temple is a fine example of the fusion of Shinto and Buddhist elements that is characteristic of Nikko's religious sites.
Return to Tokyo
We will take the Tobu Limited Express Liberty-Kegon No. 44 at 5:24 pm at Tobu Nikko Station to return to Asakusa Station.
Asakusa Station
We arrive to Asakusa Station at 7:15 pm.
Ending Point
Your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
- Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
Inclusions & Exclusions
My Guide Fee is cluded.
Transportation fee, Admission fee, lunch is not included.
Tour Important Information
* Shinkyo Bridge holds great cultural and religious importance. It is part of the Futarasan Shrine. The bridge is considered sacred and was historically reserved for the use of the shogun and other select dignitaries.
* Nikko Futarasan Shrine, with its rich history, serene natural setting, and deep spiritual significance, offers a tranquil and introspective experience, reflecting the essence of Shintoism and its harmony with nature.
* Rinnoji Temple has been a center of religious activity for over 1,200 years. It plays a vital role in the practice and dissemination of Buddhism in the region. The temple is associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, which has significantly influenced Japanese culture and religion.
* Toshogu Shrine, with its stunning artistry and spiritual significance, is not just a symbol of the Tokugawa Shogunate but also a masterpiece of Japanese cultural heritage. It offers a unique glimpse into Japan's historical and religious traditions.
* Taiyuin Temple serves as a testament to the religious, cultural, and artistic achievements of the Tokugawa period (1603 - 1867).
Important message from the supplier
Fees for transportation, admission and lunch for the group (including the guide) during the tour will be paid by the customer.
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
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Oscar V.
Enjoy stunning view of Shizuoka including Mt. Fuji and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine!
Customized
“So much to see but we saw it all”
What a beautiful day with your guide Mackey. He is pleasant, accommodating, knowledgeable and successfully navigated the weather to ensure we had a great day. Highly recommend especially for cruise passengers.
“We did so much. ”
Macky was extremely accommodating. We switched some things up and he went with the flow. I had originally booked someone else who had a health issue. We found it hard to understand him and had to concentrate a lot to understand the information. But we packed it in! We saw a lot.
Macky H.
(7 reviews)Thank very much for your review with your honest opinions. Your comments will help me improve my activities as a tour guide from now on. I really appreciate you for taking the time to write your review.
Gary T.
Enjoy splended view of Mt. Fuji and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine!
“Mt Fuji and a great lunch”
We booked a Celebrity cruise around Japan. To avoid the large, impersonal tours offered by the cruise line we decided to book a private tour in Shimizu (Mt. Fuji). Macy we excellent. He met us at the cruise terminal and showed us how to navigate Japanese public transportation and visit some memorable sites. At Mino no Matsubara we got to see Mt Fuji out of the clouds! We toured several other sites including Sumpu Castle. A highlight was lunch at a historic stop on the Tokaido Road. He sent us an itinerary before our trip and took our suggestions on sites we wanted to see. Unfortunately the ropeway at Nihondaira was closed for repair. We highly recommend him – he speaks very good English and is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese history.
