Nikko Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
One day fun excursion to Nikko from Tokyo. Nikko is the perfect destination for those who want to escape busy Tokyo and enjoy great nature and historical beauty. Nikko is designated as Japan’s National Park as well as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. 2 hours north-east of Tokyo by train. Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine is what you cannot miss. Your tour can be customized depending on your interests. Do not miss tasting local food, too. Let’s enjoy the beauties of Nikko together!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Your Hotel (in Tokyo metropolitan area) - meet at the lobby
Meeting time might be changed depending on which area of Tokyo you stay.
Terminal Station in Tokyo - Fun express train ride to Nikko area (*reservation needed) enjoying the window views and sharing info about Nikko
We are to take one of the express train depending on which area of Tokyo we are to start;
1) Tobu express from Asakusa
2) JR Shinkansen, bullet train from Tokyo to Utsunomiya, and transfer to local JR line to Nikko
3) JR + Tobu combined direct express from Shinjuku
Nikko area
- Ride area bus passing Shinkyo bridge
Kegon Fall
- Enjoy grand view of the gigantic fall & beatiful Lake Chuzenji ( Ryuzu Fall - optional) *not recommended during mid-October due to traffic jam along Iroha-zaka slope road
Local lunch
- Soba noodle, Yuba (Tofu skin), etc.
Toshogu shrine
- the highlight of Nikko World Heritage Sites, lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. It is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868.
【Highlights of Toshogu】90 minutes <architectural pieces> five story pagoda, storehouses, Yomeimon gate, Main shrine hall, Mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Three Monkeys, Imagined Elephants, Nimurineko (sleeping cat), etc.
***** depending on your interests, weather & traffic condition, we can focus on the World Heritage Sites and its neaby area instead of visiting upper lake area ******
option ① Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park - Enjoy beautiful Japanese architecturral pieces, crafts, and its garden
option ② Taiyu-in - part of Rinnoji temple, mausoleum of the 3rd Tokugawa Shogun (National Treasure)
option ③ Futarasan shrine - one of the World Heritage Sites where mountain deities of Nikko are enshrined
option ④ Rinnoji temple - Nikko's most important temple originally dates back to the 8th century A)Sanbutsu-do - hall housing three gold lacquered, wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon, and Bato-Kannon B) Shoyoen - a small Japanese garden, especially beutiful with autumn foliage typically in the first half of November
Shinkyo, the sacred bridge
- beautiful small vermilion colored legendary bridge over Daiya river
Path toward Nikko station
- walk back along the street lined up with traditional souvenir/craft shops or return by local bus
Nikko station
- train ride back to Tokyo
Terminal station in Tokyo (Asakusa, Tokyo, or Shinjuku)
- the end of the tour
Ending Point
At any place of your convenience in Tokyo
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
◆ guide fee
◆ hotel pick-up (inside the metropolitan Tokyo area)
◆ transportation fee (you and the guide) *It differs depending which company line we take.
‐ Basically, we are to use puclic transportation. So, if you prefer hiring a private car, please contact in as much advance as possible for its availability and expences.
- Depending on where you stay in Tokyo, what kind of transportation pass you hold, the train we use will be different. Find the following list for your reference.
[Recommended Train services between Tokyo area & Nikko area]
◆from Tokyo◆ appx. 12,000 yen / roundtrip / person
(From Tokyo) 0740 Tokyo >> (Shinkansen Yamabiko 125, bullet train to Utsunomiya and change to a local train, reservation recommended) >> 0928 JR Nikko
(To Tokyo) 1619 JR Nikko >> (local train to Utsunimiya, and change to Shinkansen Yamabiko 216) >> 1816 Tokyo
◆from Shinjuku◆ 8,160 yen / roundtrip / person
(From Tokyo) 0731 Shinjuku >> (direct express train, reservation needed) >> 0927 Tobu Nikko
(To Tokyo) 1638 Tobu Nikko >> (direct express train) >> 1835 Shinjuku
◆from Asakusa◆ 5,610 yen / roundtrip / person
(From Tokyo) (1) 0730 Asakusa >> (direct express train, reservation recommended) >> 0920 Tobu Nikko
(2) 0800 Asakusa >> (change at Imaichi) >> 0950 Tobu Nikko
(To Tokyo) (1) 1623 Tobu Nikko >> (direct express train) >> 1815 Asakusa
(2) 1723 Tobu Nikko >> 1915 Asakusa ** only in summer as in other seasons it gets dark earlier in Nikko area
[Local Transportation in Nikko area]
(A) Bus Pass for World Heritage area : 600 yen / person
(B) Bus Pass valid to Kegon Fall area : 2,300 yen / person
(C) Bus Pass valid to Ryuzu Fall area : 3,500 yen / person
(D) Taxi : it varys depending on the distance
◆ lunch
◆ entrance fee (per adult/child)
Toshogu - 1,600 yen, Rinnoji (package) - 1,000 yen, Tamozawa Imperial Villa Park - 600 yen, Kegon Fall Elevator - 600 yen
Tour Important Information
‐ Basically, we are to use puclic transportation. So, if you prefer hiring a private car, please contact in as much advance as possible for its availability and expences.*Kindly be reminded that, in Japan, guides are not allowed to drive their cars while guiding.
- Depending on where you stay in Tokyo, what kind of transportation pass you hold, the train we use will be different. Find the info about transportation described separately.
Week days are recommended
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 Tomoko H.
Hi everyone! Hearty welcome to Japan.
I’m Tomoko.
I am an English-speaking licensed tour guide, and a registered nurse as well.
“Fun Discovering Experience Walking like a Local!” – F-D-E-W-L!
That’s what I suggest.
【Experiences】
My work history is as follows.
1) high school teacher ---12 years
2) nurse--8 years + 2 years as operational manager for Kamakura city vaccination team (during COVID period)
3) tourism related jobs such as tour conducting, guiding, and backyard supporting---10 years
As a tour conductor, I’ve visited about 20 foreign countries (possibly yours?) as well as countless number of towns and villages in Japan.
I’ve enjoyed these jobs while being a mother.
Through these experiences with lots of people from different backgrounds, I've found it a great pleasure to share the joy of learning and experiencing something new!
【Guiding Areas】
<Basic> Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Fuji, Yokohama, Nikko, and other neighboring areas from Tokyo
I’m a specialist in Tokyo and Kamakura as I have lived and enjoyed walking a lot in those cities for decades. To be honest, even after all my years here, I still enjoy exploring like a tourist as Tokyo is such an enormous city with great diversity and is constantly changing.
Kamakura is a historical small city with nice beaches and hills and lots of hidden spots of beauty. Almost every time I go out, I feel I’m still making new discoveries. That’s why I cannot stop exploring.
I would take you to some neighboring areas like Hakone, Yokohama, Nikko, and Mt. Fuji area (Lake Kawaguchiko), etc.
<Based on Requests > *if my transportation & accommodation are covered
Nagoya, Kyoto, Nagano(Nagano city, Snow Monkey park, Kisoji trail, etc.), Hida (Takayama, Shirakawa-go), Kanazawa, Oita, Yamagata, Akita, etc.
My original family is from Nagoya, so I know their culture and even their language(dialect) well. Later in my life, I have lived in Oita, Kyushu(far south west of Tokyo) for nearly 10 years and traveled a lot in Kyushu. I love traveling Tohoku, the northern Japan area, too. I’ve planned and enjoyed visiting many of those local areas in the north, too. So, I could share those experiences with you even while having tours in Tokyo or online.
【Personality and others】
- I love meeting people, listening and talking to them.
- I'm friendly and caring, I hope:)
- I love nature and enjoy hiking and skiing.
- I love seasonal flowers and good local food.
- You will see a lot about Japanese culture, nature, and lifestyle with me.
What has made you decide to come to Japan, by the way? Is it its scenic beauties, exotic culture, history, food, anime, or what else? Is it your business that has brought (or will bring) you here? Let me have a clue and customize your tour. I will make the best tour suggestion for you.
Why don’t you contact me now? I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Thank you! Arigato-gozaimas!
Reviews
Roger R.
“Wonderful day in Hakone”
Ms Tomoko provided a very interesting and fun day touring the Hakone region for my wife & I on March 13th 2026. The weather was a bit cold and overcast but Tomoko made the day bright and enjoyable even with the unpleasant cold weather! We got a very good overview of the history and we were able to experience the cable car, boat excursion, we took a short walk along lake Ashi and observed the Hakone check point and Hakone shrine and temple. Fortuntely we got a glimpse of Mt Fuji before the clouds set in. I can't say enough for her patience and guidiance with us. Bravo Tomoko!
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Tomoko H.
Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Roger. It was a very cold day with snow still on the ground and the trees from the previous day, but I’m grateful to have shared such a heartwarming and enjoyable time filled with laughter with you and your wife, Angun. When I heard that you would be staying in Hakone for three nights, I was able to give you an overview of the Hakone area at a leisurely pace. I imagine you're relaxing in a lovely hot spring right at this moment. Someday, I’d like to visit Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium. Please enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan. Thank you again:) - Tomoko
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Rhonda K.
“Yanaka tour with Tomoko ”
Had the most wonderful experience Tomoko was so informative and went out of her way to make sure we had the best time she catered the tour to what we wanted to see and do Then she made sure we tried some wonderful treats Tomoko made our day highly recommend Mal and Rhonda from Australia
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Tomoko H.
Rhonda, Mal, it was so nice walking around Yanaka with you today. I'm glad you both enjoyed this quiet, relaxed area. Having just spent a week walking the pilgrimage trails through the mountains of the Kumano Kodo until yesterday, I felt a sense of peace guiding you around the familiar neighborhood near my home this afternoon. It was wonderful sharing the nostalgic shopping streets, temple town, cemetery, and interactions with local middle schoolers with you, experiencing the daily lives of ordinary people, and enjoying my favorite snacking (roasted sweet potatoes and rice crackers called “kakinotane(persimmon seeds)”) together. Enjoy Disneyland tomorrow with the younger members of your family. Thank you again! - Tomoko
Hope P.
“A Fun Day in Tokyo”
We had a wonderful day exploring Tokyo with Tomoko. She was extremely accommodating and thoughtfully adapted our itinerary to make it easier for my travel companion to see the city when walking was difficult. Tomoko has an excellent sense of humor and a warm, engaging personality that makes the day fly by. She easily wove in our spontaneous requests for shopping and sightseeing, and even shared one of her favorite neighborhood antique shops with us—a highlight of the day! We came away with many memorable moments, great stories, and a lasting appreciation for all that Tokyo has to offer. Thank you, Tomoko!
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Tomoko H.
Dear Hope, I also fondly remember the day I spent with you and Rickey. After leaving the hotel and checking out the basement food floor of the Ginza department store, we decided to enjoy a taxi tour around town. It was great to visit the shops you requested, like Tower Records and the Godzilla Shop, and to show you different areas with their own unique atmosphere from the car window. And above all, I'm so glad you enjoyed the matcha served in authentic antique tea bowls, the seasonal wagashi sweets, and the tea ceremony room. The owner's family was also very happy about your visit. Thank you so much again. -Tomoko
$437/ per group
More tours by Tomoko H.
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One Day Customized Tour in Tokyo
Recommended for those who want to make the best of your limited days in Tokyo! First, choose 1 or 2 places from the selection list in ‘Highlights,’ and let me know your requests. Then I will suggest the best itinerary especially for you. If you are thinking of touring around other areas starting from Tokyo or ending at Tokyo, I could assist your planning as a tour guide+consultant. Feel free to contact me.
One Day Customized Tour in Tokyo
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Hakone Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
One-day fun excursion to Hakone from Tokyo. Hakone is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo. This tour covers the highlights of Hakone. You will enjoy its natural beauties, spectacular views of volcanic activity, a lovely museum with great masterpieces, historical sites, and fun vehicle rides. If weather permits, the view of Mt. Fuji is gorgeous! Fun excursion for both adults and children.
Hakone Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
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Kamakura Highlights with Local Expert - from Tokyo
One day fun excursion to Kamakura, a small, coastal city just one hour south of Tokyo. Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments as well as beautiful beach and forestry hills. Refer to this model plan, and I will customize your tour based on your tastes and requests. Count on me, Kamakura specialist!
Kamakura Highlights with Local Expert - from Tokyo
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Kamakura Day Hike with Local Expert
Kamakura is a small, quiet, lovely town, one hour south of Tokyo. It was Japan's political center around the 13th century. This tour is especially recommended for nature lovers who seek a day-escape from busy Tokyo. It covers many hidden spots never visited in a large group tour. You will visit some famous spots like the Great Buddha as well. Kamakura is my hometown when I spent half of my life and I still often visitt to see my family. I'm sure you can enjoy the area just like locals do.
Kamakura Day Hike with Local Expert
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Tokyo
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One day tour to Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
This is a trip to see the highest and most beautiful mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji and one of five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi. Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that last erupted from 1707 to 1708. At 3776m meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and its top and gentle slopes are surrounded by rich and unspoiled nature. The mountain attracts many climbers during summer, while in winter its snow-covered top and slope gleam pure white in the sun.
One day tour to Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
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Wonderful Hakone to be left in your memorial album
Hakone is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations with easy access from Tokyo, attracting both of international and domestic visitors seeking a break from busy city life. There are many hot spring resort with numerous inns, restaurants and gift shops. You can enjoy the magnificent beauty of nature including breathtaking views of nearby Mt. Fuji. With this tour you will have wonderful experience to be left in your memorial album.
Wonderful Hakone to be left in your memorial album
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A one-day tour to explore Kamakura’s major spots
Kamakura is just about an hour's train ride from Tokyo Station, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. This historic city is home to ancient shrines and temples, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
A one-day tour to explore Kamakura’s major spots
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Enjoy the most magnificent views of Mt. Fuji around Lake Kawaguchiko area!
This is one day tour from Shinjuku Station to the area around Lake Kawaguchi. We take Fuji Panorama Ropeway to Mt. Tenjo to see Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. We visit Oshino Hakkai which is known for its crystal-clear spring water originated from the nearby Mount Fuji. Its eight ponds are formed from the filtered water of the mountain, creating a serene and picturesque environment.
Enjoy the most magnificent views of Mt. Fuji around Lake Kawaguchiko area!
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