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.
*Bookings for cherry blossom season are full; if the date on the calendar is greyed out I am not available*
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
Jessica C.
“Was able to experience so much more with Grant!”
If you're looking for a tour guide who goes above and beyond, look no further than Grant! From the very start, he took the time to understand exactly what we wanted to do and see during our trip, tailoring a personalized itinerary that truly exceeded our expectations. Thanks to his expert knowledge of the trains and routes, we were able to see three times as much as we ever could have on our own. He knew exactly where to go, saving us precious time and making every part of our journey smooth and enjoyable. What really sets Grant apart, though, is his deep knowledge of Japan. There wasn’t a single question we had—whether about history, food, travel tips, or even other cities—he knew the answer. It was like having a walking encyclopedia of Japan right by our side! On top of his incredible expertise, Grant is just a joy to spend time with. He's fun, approachable, and incredibly helpful. Every moment spent with him was a delight, and we truly can't wait to return for another adventure. If you're lucky enough to have Grant as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
Matthew W.
“Best Part of My Japan Trip”
My wife and I recently had our honeymoon in Japan and the first thing we did was this tour with Grant. Grant was amazing and knowledgeable on everything Japanese and Anime. I'm a huge Anime Enthusiast so Grant took us to all the stores for figures and mangas. Without Grant, it would have been hard to navigate the train system, understand proper Japanese culture rules, and everything in between. If you have time, you should definitely do this. If you don't have time, you should make time and do this.
Greg V.
“Amazing two days in Tokyo with Grant. ”
We booked two full back to back days with Grant during our Tokyo visit. Amazing doesn’t quite describe our experience. From the time of booking it felt as if we were meeting a friend who happens to live in Tokyo and agreed to show us around. Grant was helpful with all of our pre-trip questions and truly desired to cater to our needs while there. We shared MANY laughs over the course of the days. Grant truly knows his way around and is a wealth of information but not overload. If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you’ll be amazed with his knowledge and appreciation of bourbons and whiskeys. We asked him ahead of time if he wanted us to bring any bourbons from the US and were so please to be able to find one that is not available in Japan and one he described as his new favorite. Grant is fluent in Japanese and local culture. Book him without hesitation. We will be back and will book him again. Thank you Grant !
$269/ per group