Nikko Toshogu World Hertiage Site Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo with Utsunomiya gyoza stopover
Joined 2024
Embark on a captivating journey from Tokyo to Utsunomiya and Nikko on the bullet train. Explore Nikko's Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its intricate carvings. Discover serene shrines like Taiyuin and Rinnoji, offering glimpses into Japan's spiritual heritage. Then, in Utsunomiya, savor the renowned gyoza at Minmin, renowned as the best in Japan. Conclude with a swift bullet train ride back to Tokyo, reflecting on the day's cultural immersion and culinary delights.
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
Tokyo Station
We will take the bullet train to Utsunomiya and then a local to train to Nikko. The total trip takes about 1 hour and 45minutes to 2 hours. After arriving at the Nikko station we take a short bus for about 220 yen or a few coins directly to Toshogu Shrine. It is a walkable distance from the station.
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.
Lunch Time
We will have lunch at one of a handful of restaurants near the Toshogu shrine. You try the local Yuba of Nikko, or I usually just go for a steak.
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.
Gift Shops in Nikko
Nikko boasts an array of charming gift shops offering unique souvenirs. From traditional crafts like ceramics and woodwork to modern trinkets and snacks, visitors can find treasures to commemorate their journey. Don't miss Toshogu Omotesando for traditional crafts or the bustling streets near Shinkyo Bridge for local specialties.
Minmin Gyoza: Culinary Gem of Utsunomiya
After an hour-long journey on the local train to Utsunomiya, treat yourself to the legendary Minmin Gyoza near the station. Renowned as Japan's finest, its succulent fillings and crispy exteriors promise a culinary delight. Don't miss the chance to savor the best gyoza in the Gyoza Capital of Japan.
Tokyo Station
We will leave Utsunomiya and arrive in Tokyo 40minutes by bullet train.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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
Guides Transportation
Guides Admissions
Guides Lunch
You need to purchase the JR East Tokyo WIDE rail pass which is roughly 15,000yen for 3days.
Bus fare roughly 220yen one way
Admissions: Toshogu 1800yen, other shrines 900yen roughly.
Your transportation.
Your Admissions.
Your Lunch and Dinner.
Tour Important Information
This tour is only available Wednesday to Friday as part of a 3 day - day trips from Tokyo.
This tour is designed to be part of 3 day trip set maximizing the utility of the JR East Tokyo WIDE bullet train pass. You need to book 3 tours as a set Wednesday to Friday.
Important message from the supplier
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
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
Joined 2024
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. 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
Reviews
“Sugoi!!!!! ”
Very helpful and very informative. Highly recomended.
“This Guy Knows His Stuff ”
This guy is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge! Thank you for all your hard work, I feel more confident in checking out the train lines, it was great meeting you and getting to see part of the city. I appreciate your time and effort.
“Great knowledge on a broad range of subjects”
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Grant. After collecting us from our accommodation we caught trains to various locations and discussed all manner of topics from Japanese history, culture old and new, food, politics and religion. Very flexible. Could not recommend Grant more highly.
$257/ per group
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