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Tochigi Full Day Tour
Discover Utsunomiya, where delicious gyoza await! Begin in central Utsunomiya with a stroll down Orion Dori, the vibrant shopping street. Stop at Kirasse to taste a variety of gyoza or try local favorites Minmin and Masashi on Gyoza Street. Visit the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins, then explore the Marugame Stone Church and the revered Futaarayama Shrine.
Tour the awe-inspiring Oya Stone Mine and marvel at the Giant Kannon statue.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel (Tokyo)
Utsunomiya Core Course (4 hours)
Futaarayama Shrine – Historic Shinto shrine at the heart of Utsunomiya.
Orion Street – Covered shopping street with local boutiques and snack shops.
Gyoza Lunch – Try Utsunomiya’s famous dumplings at a local restaurant.
Utsunomiya Castle Ruins – Explore the reconstructed castle walls and grounds.
Marugame Church – A unique western-style church known for its striking brick architecture.
Option A: Utsunomiya Extension (4 hours)
Oya Stone Kannon – Giant Buddhist carving set in a dramatic stone cliff.
Oya History Museum (former Oya Mine) – Explore massive underground stone caverns.
Wakayama Bamboo Farm – Walk through a scenic bamboo grove away from the crowds.
Option B: Nikko Toshogu Extension (4 hours)
Nikko Toshogu Shrine – A UNESCO World Heritage site and final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Sacred Bridge (Shinkyo) – Beautiful vermillion bridge marking the entrance to the shrine complex.
Rinnoji Temple – The largest temple in Nikko, known for its grand structure and Buddhist artifacts.
Ending Point
Your Hotel (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
Tour Guiding
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards
Your rail fare
Guides rail fare
(One way local line is roughly 2000yen from Tokyo or 4000yen by bullet train)
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
Sailu B.
“We spent three wonderful days with him”
Grant is a kind, attentive and well-organized person. He was able to interpret our wishes well and made our stay in Tokyo very pleasant.
Robert F.
“He is your man for travel in Japan.”
Grant, Encyclopedic knowledge on many subjects. Great guy, articulate and so knowledgeable of Japan past and present. He went the extra mile plus for me. Ask him to take off his glasses and the Clark Kent from Nebraska becomes the Superman of Japan!!! Robert Farry
Tinu A.
“Grant gets more than 5 stars!”
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide Grant in Tokyo. He took us to all the major attractions and made the whole day smooth, informative, and enjoyable. What really stood out was how great he was with our kids! He was patient, engaging, and very understanding of their needs, which made the tour stress-free for us as parents. Grant was knowledgeable, well-organised, and friendly, and he made Tokyo feel easy to navigate. We highly recommend him to families and anyone wanting a great introduction to the city. Thank you so much Grant!
$255/ 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 Day Trip Tours in Tokyo
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Hakone Nature & Art Private Tour
Hakone is a wonderful day-trip destination with easy access from Tokyo, relaxing hot-spring towns, and beautiful nature, including views of Mt. Fuji. It has also been a sacred place for mountain worship since ancient times. On this tour, we’ll visit three must-see spots: Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. We also enjoy a delicious lunch along the way. These highlights will make your visit to Hakone truly memorable.
Hakone Nature & Art Private Tour
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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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