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Nikko Day Trip
Explore Nikko's Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its intricate carvings. Discover serene shrines like Taiyuin and Rinnoji, offering glimpses into Japan's spiritual heritage.
Itinerary
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
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
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
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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1.Do not ask me about Mt. Fuji. The mountain is usually not visible, meaning you can not see it; if you don't understand what that means you need to google "Mt. Fuji visibility". You probably want to join a group bus tour which is not what I am offering.
2. Tours are rail based, full day tours are roughly 20,000 steps.
3. I do not make bookings on behalf of customers, the tours cover areas that not require advanced reservations.*
*I can take you to places you booked in advance or as a drop-off point to end as well.
4. I am no longer accommodating vegans/vegetarians.
5. Only contact me if you are the participant in the tour. Do not resell my services.
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
About Tour Guide Grant A.
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. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
Reviews
James S.
“Ginza line”
Had a fun day with Grant. He was able to give us a fantastic history lesson through out our tour. Enjoyed the lunch we had with him on the grill. Bonus Grant gave me a lot of information on bourbon in Japan.
Les B.
“Custom Shopping Tour”
Grant was an excellent guide. Very flexible and helpful on a custom shopping tour of Tokyo. I would very much recommend him as a guide. Thanks Grant!
Heather S.
“Ginza Line Tour Fun”
Grant was a great guide and full of a lot of knowledge! He was able to teach more than we anticipated. He had some great lunch spots, match lattes, melon bread and other hidden gems. We definitely went back to some after we departed with him. He also took us to a spot not on our tour and helped show us how to get back. This was very helpful to learn how to get around using public transportation!
$257/ per group
More tours by Grant A.
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Ginza Line Tour
Explore Tokyo’s top sights on this adaptable Ginza Line tour with the 600 yen Metro day pass. Visit Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, then enjoy Ueno’s street food scene. Discover Ginza’s luxury vibe, including a whiskey experience, and dive into Shibuya with its famous Crossing, anime shops, and Nintendo Store. The tour blends highlights like Ueno food, Ginza whiskey, and Shibuya anime tours, offering flexibility to match your interests.
Ginza Line Tour
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Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
Explore Eastern Tokyo with our tour, beginning at Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, leading to Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori. Stroll along the Sumida River to admire the Asahi Beer Building. Relax in Ueno Park, delve into Akihabara’s tech scene, and visit Tsukiji Outer Market. Experience traditional Japan at Hamarikyu Park and Zojoji Temple, where you can see Tokyo Tower in the distance. The tour is optimized by proximity, ensuring a smooth and efficient exploration of this vibrant part of Tokyo.
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
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Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
Start in Shinjuku's Kabukicho, known for its vibrant nightlife and New Kabukicho Tower. Head to Harajuku's Takeshita Street for trendy shopping. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine for a serene cultural experience. In Shibuya, explore Shibuya Parco's Nintendo Store and Pokemon Center, and visit the Parco Rooftop for city views. End with a stroll through Miyashita Park, enjoying its recreational facilities and green spaces.
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
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Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
The Tokyo anime tour covers anime across four iconic districts! Start in Akihabara, the electric heart of otaku culture, then head to Ikebukuro's Sunshine City for an array of anime shops. Discover rare gems at Nakano Broadway, a treasure trove of vintage collectibles. Finally, unleash your inner otaku in Shibuya with must-visit stops like the One Piece Store, Nintendo Store, Mandarake, and Animate. Experience the best anime attractions Tokyo has to offer on this unforgettable journey!
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Tokyo
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Traditional and Modern One-day Tour in Tokyo
Best recommended tour for the first-time visitor to Tokyo. Tokyo is a unique city with various traditional and contemporary attractions. Let’s create your personalized time in Tokyo by discussing the places you want to visit. You should plan a tour of different sites, such as Kamakura and Hakone, along with my other plan. I am based in Tokyo, but I would happily arrange your tour.
Traditional and Modern One-day Tour in Tokyo
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Asakusa, 3 hours.
Asakusa is not only a temple town but also a traditional town of common peoples's culture. In the typical Tokyo Shitamachi (old residential town), there is Japanese Broadway, interesting and unique river view and many many shops worth to visit. You can enjoy the essence of Shitamachi.
Asakusa, 3 hours.
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Alte Japanische Kulturgüter besuchen
Besuchen wir alte Japanische Kulturgüter, um die Geschichte und Kultur Japans zu lernen. Zu den Kulturgütern gehören Meiji-Jingu, dem Kaiser Meiji gewidmet und eines der bedeutendesten Pilgerziele Japans, Kaiserpalast umgeben von Wassergraben sowie Asakusa, eine Kernziele der Eddoko, der alteingessenen Bewohner der Stadt und wegen der von Andenkenläden gesäumten Straße bekannt. Das heißt, SIe können die alte Kultur Japans gut lernen.
Alte Japanische Kulturgüter besuchen
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Temple or Shrine, Let's distinguish together!!
You may visit to the historical places when you come over to Japan. If you visit to Kyoto or other historical places, I highly recommend you to know the difference between the shrine and temple based on your knowledge. Tokyo has been the center of Japan not economical but cultural and historical places. I will take you to the place you can feel the time passed over 150 years with the urban style of Tokyo.
Temple or Shrine, Let's distinguish together!!
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