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
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
---
Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Please read before reaching out. Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
---
Are the tours rail-based?
Yes—tours are primarily rail-based, especially within Tokyo. On the first day, I’ll help you learn the Tokyo rail system, assist with IC card setup, and explain how to navigate confidently.
---
Can you book tickets for us?
I don’t handle advance reservations. Most people want to visit places like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli, or the Sumo Lunch in Tokyo. These must be booked separately on your own. I can include these as part of the tour day or drop you off there, but I can’t make bookings on your behalf due to liability issues and platform commission.
---
What about Mt. Fuji?
Due to visibility issues and common misunderstandings about access and logistics, inquiries about Mt. Fuji often don’t lead to bookings. A group bus tour is usually the better option.
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.
Chris P.
“Great tour!”
Grant did an exceptional job. He met us on time at an easy to find location. He customized our tour and made traveling by train to cover a lot of ground quickly a breeze. The intermittent train rides were appreciated as it was a warm day and our tour involved a lot a walking. What was really nice is that at the end of the day, he made sure that we made it back to our hotel and provided a written summary of everything that we had visited during our tour. As a fellow/former “Nebraskan” his English was much appreciated!
Jill S.
“A great Tokyo overview!”
My family just finished a 2 day tour with Grant and we couldn’t recommend him enough! Grant is a wealth of knowledge and expertly guided us through both the Eastern and Western sides of Tokyo while also adjusting our itinerary to build in some of our personal requests for shopping, Pokémon Center stops, and a latte art coffee shop that we asked to visit. As a native English speaker, he was very easy to understand. Grant also helped us get familiar with the trains and left us with detailed instructions on how to navigate the train system for our remaining days in Tokyo and beyond. We are so happy that we hired Grant to help us get an introduction to Tokyo, 100% recommend!
Alfonso S.
“An American guide in Tokyo ”
We have selected Grant for our stay in Tokyo, and we could be more happy to have done so. He is a very knowledgeable guide with vast experience in the Japanese culture, religion, customs, as well gastronomy and tastes. Were recommend him for English speaking travelers who need to understand this destination and want a kind and intelligent guide. Thanks Grant
$279/ per group