Tour Details
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Shinkyō Bridge
- Shōyō-en Garden
- Rin’nōji Hōmotsuden Treasure House
- Nikkozan Rin’nōji Temple
- Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Jinja
Photos & Highlights
- Experience the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage sites and the breathtaking nature of Nikko
- Learn history, symbology and hidden secrets of the Shrines from our experts of Japanese history and spirituality
Tour Description
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey from bustling Tokyo to Nikko, a serene and majestic mountain location favored by the shoguns—the military leaders of ancient Japan—as their summer retreat, place of nature worship, and eternal sanctuary. Our experts of Japanese history and spirituality will accompany you throughout the day, providing you with the history, symbology and culture behind the shrines and temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
No trip to Japan is complete without a scenic and relaxing (and punctual) train ride. Your experience will begin in Tokyo, where you will board the Spacia X, one of the most modern, luxurious, and environmentally-friendly trains of the famous Japanese Rail System—a cultural experience in and of itself.
Upon arrival, you’ll step into a place where history and nature harmoniously merge. Golden shrines and scarlet bridges immersed in a serene and quiet forest setting that changes with the seasons, the scent of incense and wood in the air, and the gentle rustling of the leaves create a magical atmosphere.
Your first stop is the breathtaking Shinkyō Bridge, with its vibrant red color contrasting against the lush greenery and the turquoise river below. You’ll then admire the opulence of the Tōshogū, the exquisitely decorated Shinto shrine dedicated to the first shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Inside one of the more than 30 buildings in this huge complex, is hidden a little secret: you will be able to hear the "Crying Dragon," a unique acoustic phenomenon that can be experienced only at the Honjido Hall in Nikko.
Lastly, you’ll visit the Rin’nōji Hōmotsuden Treasure House, a hidden gem often overlooked by other visitors, and the historic Buddhist Temple with the tranquil Shōyō-en Garden.
Your experienced guide will bring Nikko’s heritage to life, offering profound explanations that go beyond the ordinary, giving you a deep understanding of the Edo period and its enduring legacy in contemporary Japan.
- You’re eager to connect deeply with Japan's spiritual and cultural heritage and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites with a knowledgeable guide.
- You want to travel in comfort and sustainability aboard the luxurious Spacia X train.
- You want to skip the hassle of planning and scheduling trains and buses, and just relax and fully soak in the experience and learning.
- Shinkyō Bridge
- Rin’nōji Hōmotsuden Treasure House
- Shōyō-en Garden
- Nikkozan Rin’nōji Temple
- Yōmeimon Gate and Honjido Hall
- Nikkō Tōshogū
- Okumiya-Haiden
- Nikko Futarasan Jinja
Tickets
All venue, bus, and train tickets are included in this tour for a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Transportation
Can I be picked up from my hotel in Tokyo? Due to the tight logistics of this tour and the train schedule, it is preferable to meet at the train station to ensure we do not miss the train. Alternatively, if you prefer to be picked up at your hotel, we can arrange a private car service for the journey instead of using public transport.
Can we meet the guide directly in Nikko? Yes. We can start the tour in Nikko and have the guide meet you there.
Can we stay in Nikko at the end of the tour and not go back to Tokyo? Yes. Nikko has a lot to offer so we understand if you might like to explore on your own at the end of this tour. We can end the tour in Nikko and have the guide return to Tokyo on their own.
Can we book a car for this tour instead of using public transport? Yes, we can replace the train ride with a car service for this tour. This service will take you from your hotel in Tokyo to Nikko, allowing you to avoid the hassle of the train and local bus. However, please note that once you arrive in Nikko, cars are not allowed within the shrine complex. The historic sites in Nikko, including the beautiful shrines and temples, are part of a large area that requires walking and navigating steps to explore fully. Therefore, while the car service can provide a comfortable journey to Nikko, be prepared for a considerable amount of walking to see all the shrines and attractions.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
A few things that pair well with this tour:
- A camera for capturing stunning landscapes and historical sites.
- Comfortable walking shoes, but also a rain jacket and a hat if you are planning to take this tour in the spring and summer, and adequate clothing if you are going in the winter.
- An appetite for learning and discovery.
- For more information on planning your travels to Tokyo, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Japan prior to a visit, check out our online lectures at Context Learning.
Why don’t we visit Chuzenji Lake, Chuzenji Temple and Kegon Falls? It is not recommended during this tour. Due to the logistics of the area and the distances, you will find it very challenging within the timeframe. The Falls and Chuzenji are 1-hour bus away from Nikko, and 1-hour return. Including this part would majorly impact the itinerary and force us to skip most of Nikko City Center and Shrines.
When is the best time of the year to take this tour? Can we take the tour during the winter? There is no absolute best time to visit Nikko, as each season offers its unique charm and attractions. In fall, the vibrant colors of the foliage create a breathtaking landscape, while spring brings sweet temperatures and blooming flowers. Summer, though often hot, is equally enjoyable with various outdoor beauties. Winter, with its cold and snowy conditions, presents a special, serene beauty, offering a less crowded experience. However, you should be prepared for the cold and wind, and expect to spend most of the day outdoors and navigating through the snow and wet conditions. Dress for the weather and come prepared.
Which tours should we take between Hakone or Nikko day trips? What is the difference? Choosing between a day trip to Hakone or Nikko depends on your interest in Japan's cultural and natural landscape versus its historical and religious heritage. The Hakone tour aims to foster an appreciation for the connection between Japan’s culture and nature, featuring the Lake Ashi Cruise, Hakone Ropeway, and Owakudani, offering stunning natural views and a unique cultural experience. The Nikko excursion provides insights into Japan's history and spiritual heritage, highlighting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Toshogu Shrine, and offers a deep dive into Japan's religious and historical past.
Can we take this tour with our kids? This tour involves a long and intense day, the itinerary is physically demanding and includes extensive walking, (up to 20,000 steps) and steep inclines. There is no access to strollers and no elevators. While families are welcome, due to the nature of the tour, it is recommended only for those who are comfortable with a high level of activity. Additionally, the focus on spiritual heritage and Japanese history might not be engaging for younger children, making it more suitable for older kids and adults who have an interest in these topics.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly? Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible for individuals with health, mobility or walking issues, nor is it suitable for families with small children. The itinerary includes extensive walking, totaling up to 20,000 steps, on natural terrain and gravel, with significant inclines and uneven and steep steps. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these ancient venues, there is no access to wheelchairs or strollers and no elevators. Due to the physically demanding nature of the tour, it is recommended only for those who are comfortable with a high level of activity.
I am vegetarian/gluten-free/allergic to certain foods. What can I eat in Nikko during this tour? There are very few restaurants on-site in Nikko, with limited food choices. Those with dietary restrictions may find it challenging to find suitable options, so it is recommended that individuals with serious allergies or gluten-free diets bring their own food. Even vegans and vegetarians should consider bringing their own options. Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the tour and will be paid on-site.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
–
3 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Itsuko was extremely knowledgable, engaging, and personable! I loved the information that she presented and the energy that she brought! She is truly passionate about Japan's history and culture. She even answered my husband's questions without hesitation (he's a bit of a Japan buff)! Also, the lunch tasted OUTSTANDING! It was honestly one of the best Japan noodle experiences we've had! BIG shout-out and thank you to Itsuko for being so fantastic through the trip. Can't wait to book more tours when we return to Japan (for a third time)! Such a delight. Very memorable experience.
Colleen
Dec 1, 2024
Aquiles was an excellent guide. He shared all of the history and his own insights. We enjoyed all of our conversations! This experience was exceptional.
Richard
Oct 20, 2024
Itsuko Kiyokawa was a knowledgeable and helpful guide!
Dave
Sep 22, 2024
