Explore Nikko's Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its intricate carvings. Discover serene shrines like Taiyuin and Rinnoji, offering glimpses into Japan's spiritual heritage.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
- I can pick you up at your hotel within the 23wards of Tokyo
Exploring Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and serene surroundings. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, it's a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
Taiyuin and Rinnoji Shrines
Taiyuin Shrine, built in 1653, serves as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. Its architecture blends simplicity with intricate details, reflecting the shogun's modesty and devotion. Rinnoji Temple, founded in the 8th century, is one of Nikko's oldest temples. It houses significant Buddhist artifacts and offers a serene retreat amidst towering cedar trees. Both sites provide a glimpse into Japan's rich historical and spiritual heritage.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a mystical gorge located in the Nikko region of Japan, renowned for its ethereal beauty and eerie atmosphere. The area features a winding path along the Daiya River, lined with rows of stone statues known as "Jizo," which are believed to protect souls. The lush greenery, misty air, and serene yet haunting presence of the statues create a captivating experience, blending natural beauty with a sense of quiet reverence and mystery.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Tour Guiding
Interpreting
Hotel Pick Up/Drop within Tokyo 23wards
Admissions: Toshogu 1800yen, other shrines 900yen roughly.
Your transportation.
Lunch
Please cover guide's transportation outside of Tokyo
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties.
I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan. I studied at Japanese language school in Kyoto. I visited all the world heritage sites in Kyoto and have a lot of knowledge on the history of Japan. I can provide tours of Kyoto or places outside of Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Tour options:
Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours)
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
“Great 3.5 days with Grant ”
We booked 3.5 days with Grant and we weren’t disappointed We booked • Ginza Line Tour • Shibuya Anime Half-Day Tour • Nikko Toshogu World Hertiage Site Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo with Utsunomiya gyoza stopover • Off the Beaten Path: Utsunomiya Full Day Tour It was well worth it. We saw so much and learnt a lot. Grant showed us how to get, use and recharge our suica cards. He also gave us a run down of how the train system works. Also gave us instructions how to get back to the airport in Tokyo from Osaka We did a lot of shopping and my requests were to see Pokémon, Nintendo, Harry Potter, Ghibli, Jigsaw Puzzles and find a bottle opener with Japan on it. He delivered this request and some We got to participate in the annual bean throwing ceremony. It was a lot of fun, taking home 3 bags of beans of good luck Grant went above and beyond and gave us a lot of information of Japan. He knows a lot and knows what he is talking about. He always met us at our hotel and dropped us off Took us to some great places to eat as well I recommend venturing out of the busy life of Tokyo as it’s well worth it.
“Great 3.5 days with Grant ”
We booked 3.5 days with Grant and we weren’t disappointed We booked • Ginza Line Tour • Shibuya Anime Half-Day Tour • Nikko Toshogu World Hertiage Site Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo with Utsunomiya gyoza stopover • Off the Beaten Path: Utsunomiya Full Day Tour It was well worth it. We saw so much and learnt a lot. Grant showed us how to get, use and recharge our suica cards. He also gave us a run down of how the train system works. Also gave us instructions how to get back to the airport in Tokyo from Osaka We did a lot of shopping and my requests were to see Pokémon, Nintendo, Harry Potter, Ghibli, Jigsaw Puzzles and find a bottle opener with Japan on it. He delivered this request and some We got to participate in the annual bean throwing ceremony. It was a lot of fun, taking home 3 bags of beans of good luck Grant went above and beyond and gave us a lot of information of Japan. He knows a lot and knows what he is talking about. He always met us at our hotel and dropped us off Took us to some great places to eat as well I recommend venturing out of the busy life of Tokyo as it’s well worth it.
“Great 3.5 days with Grant ”
We booked 3.5 days with Grant and we weren’t disappointed We booked • Ginza Line Tour • Shibuya Anime Half-Day Tour • Nikko Toshogu World Hertiage Site Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo with Utsunomiya gyoza stopover • Off the Beaten Path: Utsunomiya Full Day Tour It was well worth it. We saw so much and learnt a lot. Grant showed us how to get, use and recharge our suica cards. He also gave us a run down of how the train system works. Also gave us instructions how to get back to the airport in Tokyo from Osaka We did a lot of shopping and my requests were to see Pokémon, Nintendo, Harry Potter, Ghibli, Jigsaw Puzzles and find a bottle opener with Japan on it. He delivered this request and some We got to participate in the annual bean throwing ceremony. It was a lot of fun, taking home 3 bags of beans of good luck Grant went above and beyond and gave us a lot of information of Japan. He knows a lot and knows what he is talking about. He always met us at our hotel and dropped us off Took us to some great places to eat as well I recommend venturing out of the busy life of Tokyo as it’s well worth it.
$260/ per group