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.
Important note: I am currently not able to take new customers after the end of March, 2026.
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.
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
Frank T.
“Great 2 days with Grant. ”
We had two great days with Grant. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the spots we visited. Would definitely recommend.
Jeane B.
“Day five of the spectacular week with Grant”
A wonderful day filled with history, culture, excellent dining, and gorgeous sight seeing with Grant! Grant is exceptional in educating and enlightening with historical, cultural, fun and interesting facts about all areas and generations of Japan! Truly we have wonderful memories of our time with him and look forward to booking again in the future! Grant is a wealth of knowledge for your touring in Japan! Do not miss out on experiencing this wonderful country with Grant!
Anne H.
“Ginza Line Tour with Grant A”
Grant was one of the best guides I have ever had in many years of travel! He knows the city, he knows the customs of Tokyo, and he knows the history of Japan perfectly. Additionally, he is a delightful person to see Tokyo with and quickly becomes your friend. If we could give more stars to Grant, I would definitely do that. Anne Harris
$255/ per group
More tours by Grant A.
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