Description

Discover the spiritual heart of Japan on a private Nikko day tour from Tokyo. Travel in comfort with a private, air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver as you explore Nikko’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine.

Surrounded by lush forests and mountain scenery, Nikko offers a peaceful escape from the city and a deep insight into Japan’s history and culture. With free hotel pickup and drop-off, flexible sightseeing time, and stress-free transportation, this tour is perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

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Nikko, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Kanto

Understand why “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikko” visiting the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and nearby shrines and temple. The most renowned shrine of “the Shrines and Temples of Nikko”-a Japan’s leading world heritage, is where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the great Shogun who started the flourishing Edo Period, is enshrined. Most of the shrine complex you see today was rebuilt in 17th century. The shrine contains 55 buildings including 8 national treasures and 34 listed buildings. The highlights are sumptuous carvings lacquered and richly coloured brilliantly, which you will gaze at craftsmanship assembled from all over the country. Do not miss the symbol of peace “Sleeping Cat”, and the “Three Monkeys” with the “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” poses!

Shinkyo Bridge, 2307 Sannai Nikko Futarasann Shrine, Nikko 321-1431 Tochigi Prefecture

The Shinkyo Bridge is the first structure visitors see before they enter the area of Nikko’s shrines.

Lake Chuzenji Skyline, Chugushi from the intersection of Tachiki Kannon, towards Chuzenji, Nikko 321-1661 Tochigi Prefecture

Lake Chuzenji is the largest lake in Tochigi, framed by 25 kilometres of incredible nature. The area used to be a popular summer resort for foreigners in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The villas of French and Belgian embassies can still be found here. You can enjoy seasonal charms by the lake. Walking trails surround the water’s edge and there is an excursion boat available on the lake. The views from the lake are spectacular, particularly when the cherry blossoms or azaleas are blooming or when the autumn leaves are turning. The “Koyo-meguri” tour, enjoying autumn leaves reflecting on the lake, is highly recommended.

Nikko Tosho-gu, 2301 Sannai, Nikko 321-1431 Tochigi Prefecture

Discover the intricate beauty of Toshogu Shrine’s carvings, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Lake Chuzenji, and be awe-struck by the majestic Kegon Falls. Explore the sacred grounds of Futarasan Shrine and step back in time at Tamozawa Imperial Villa. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking serenity, Nikko offers a journey of enchanting experiences that will leave you with cherished memories. Embrace the harmonious fusion of past and present in this charming destination.

Kegon Falls, 2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko 321-1661 Tochigi Prefecture

Kegon Waterfall is the most famous of Nikko’s 48 waterfalls. Water from Lake Chuzenji falls 97 metres straight down to the rocks below creating a dynamic and artistic work of nature. A special lift takes visitors to the basin where the force and roar of the water can be witnessed close up! Impressive in any season, the waterfall looks particularly spectacular when surrounded by the fresh green leaves in May, house martins in June, or the “12 falls” – small streams of the frozen waterfall clad in blue ice – during January and February.

Rinnoji Temple, 1-14-1 Kitayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-0931 Miyagi Prefecture

Rinnoji (輪王寺, Rinnōji) is Nikko’s most important temple. It was founded by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. The temple’s main building, the Sanbutsudo, houses large, gold lacquered, wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon (“Kannon with a thousand arms”) and Bato-Kannon (“Kannon with a horse head”). The three deities are regarded as Buddhist manifestations of Nikko’s three mountain deities which are enshrined at Futarasan Shrine. A decade-long renovation of the Sanbutsudo was completed in spring 2019.

Kirifuri Waterfall, 1546-2 Tokorono, Nikko 321-1421 Tochigi Prefecture

Kirifuri Waterfall (霧降の滝, Kirifuri no taki) is an impressive, 75 meter high, two-tiered waterfall located below the Kirifuri Highlands, a few kilometers northeast of the temples and shrines of Nikko. The sight of the elegant falls cascading down the mountain provides a nice contrast to the surrounding foliage, which is lush and green in spring and summer and displays fiery shades of red, orange and gold in autumn. The name Kirifuri means “falling mist” after the fine mist that is created when the water crashes against the rocks at the bottom of the lower falls. The view may occasionally be obscured when mist or fog covers the valley. It used to be possible to hike down to the base of the waterfalls, but the trail down the mountain partially collapsed several years ago and has been closed ever since.

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