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Nikko Nature Reserve Tour from Tokyo: A Historical Exploration with Personal Guide
5.0
9 Ratings
Nikko
Embark on a historical exploration of Nikko Nature Reserve with a personal guide. Discover stunning nature, customize your itinerary, and learn about Japanese culture and history.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Nikko Tosho-gu - Discover why the saying “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikko” holds true when you visit the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, along with nearby shrines and temples. The most famous shrine among the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” a leading world heritage site in Japan, is where the great Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, who initiated the prosperous Edo Period, is enshrined. Most of the current shrine complex was rebuilt in the 17th century and includes 55 buildings, featuring 8 national treasures and 34 listed buildings. Highlights include lavish carvings that are lacquered and vibrantly colored, showcasing craftsmanship from across the country. Don’t miss the symbol of peace, the “Sleeping Cat,” and the “Three Monkeys” with their iconic “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses!
- Nikko National Park - Nikko National Park is one of Japan’s first designated National Parks. It offers a wealth of natural beauty, from the pristine nature of the Oku-Nikko district to the marshlands registered under the Ramsar Convention, mountains like Mt. Nikko Shirane (the highest mountain north of Kanto), lakes, marshes, valleys, and waterfalls. The park is also rich in Onsen resources, natural gifts that provide relaxation. Enjoy the stunning nature in Nikko, where the National Park covers most of the city.
- Kegon Falls - Kegon Waterfall is the most famous of Nikko’s 48 waterfalls. Water from Lake Chuzenji plunges 97 meters straight down to the rocks below, creating a dynamic and artistic natural spectacle. A special lift takes visitors to the basin, where the force and roar of the water can be experienced up close. The waterfall is impressive in any season, particularly when surrounded by 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.
- Lake Chuzenji - Lake Chuzenji is the largest lake in Tochigi, surrounded by 25 kilometers of stunning nature. The area was a popular summer resort for foreigners in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, and the villas of the French and Belgian embassies can still be found here. Enjoy the seasonal beauty by the lake, with walking trails around the water’s edge and an excursion boat available. The views are spectacular, especially during cherry blossom or azalea season, or when the autumn leaves are turning. The “Koyo-meguri” tour, which showcases autumn leaves reflecting on the lake, is highly recommended.
- Irohazaka Route - The Iroha Slope consists of a pair of winding roads that connect the lower elevations near Nikko with the higher elevations of the mountainous region. Featured in the popular anime Initial D, it has 48 hairpin turns across the upslope and downslope roads, making it a prime spot for viewing autumn leaves. “Iroha” represents the first three syllables of the old Japanese alphabet, and each turn is named after one of these syllables, giving the road its name.
- Senjogahara Field - “Senjogara” translates to battlefield, referring to a mythical battle where the gods of Mount Nantai and Mount Akagi fought to claim the neighboring lakes. The gods, taking the forms of a serpent and centipede, intertwined and fought, creating this marshland. Today, the battlefield is a place of natural beauty, with various plants and fauna competing to charm visitors.
- Taiyu-in Temple Hall - Taiyuin is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. The lavish mausoleum complex resembles the nearby Toshogu Shrine in layout and architecture but was intentionally built more modestly out of respect for Iemitsu’s grandfather. Taiyuin is Iemitsu’s posthumous name.
- Rinno-ji Temple - Rinnoji is Nikko’s most important temple, 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”). These three deities are considered Buddhist manifestations of Nikko’s three mountain deities, enshrined at Futarasan Shrine. A decade-long renovation of the Sanbutsudo was completed in spring 2019.
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park - The Tamozawa Imperial Villa blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture across its 106 rooms. Erected in Nikko in 1899 using parts of a residence originally in Tokyo, the building initially served as the Tokyo residence of a Tokugawa family branch and was later used as the Imperial Palace. In Nikko, it was expanded into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family but fell into neglect after World War II. After extensive renovations, the villa was opened to the public in 2000.
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss - Formed by an eruption of nearby Mount Nantai, Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a gorge near central Nikko, a few hundred meters long, with a pleasant riverside walking trail. It is known for its row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who cares for the deceased. These statues are also called “Bake Jizo” (Ghost Jizo), “Narabi Jizo” (Jizo in a line), or “Hyaku Jizo” (100 Jizo). The statues overlook the river and the Nikko Botanical Garden, though there is no direct access between the garden and the abyss.
- Nikko Futarasan Shrine - Futarasan Shrine, located next to Toshogu in central Nikko, is much older than its more lavish neighbor. Founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and founded nearby Rinnoji Temple, Futarasan Shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three sacred mountains: Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Futarasan is another name for Mount Nantai, the most prominent of the three mountains. The shrine grounds are mostly free to enter, except for a small paid area featuring a forested garden, a spring, old sacred trees, and closer views of the main hall. The Shinkyo Bridge, located one kilometer from the shrine grounds, also belongs to Futarasan Shrine.
- Nikko Botanical Garden - Owned and maintained by the University of Tokyo, the Nikko Botanical Garden is a branch of the university’s main research garden in Tokyo. Opened in 1902 for the study and collection of alpine plants, the garden is spacious and quiet, with a network of paths for pleasant walks and viewing various labeled trees, plants, and shrubs. The garden also offers a view into the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, though there is no direct connection between the two.
- Shinkyo Bridge - The Shinkyo Bridge stands at the entrance to Nikko’s shrines and temples and belongs to Futarasan Shrine. Ranked as one of Japan’s three finest bridges, the current Shinkyo was built in 1636, though a bridge has existed at this spot for much longer. Until 1973, the bridge was off-limits to the public. After extensive renovations in the late 1990s and early 2000s, visitors can now walk across the bridge for an entrance fee.
- Kirifuri Waterfall - Kirifuri Waterfall is a 75-meter high, two-tiered waterfall located below the Kirifuri Highlands, a few kilometers northeast of Nikko’s temples and shrines. The elegant falls cascade down the mountain, contrasting with the lush green foliage in spring and summer and the fiery autumn colors. The name Kirifuri means “falling mist,” referring to the fine mist created when the water crashes against the rocks. The view may be obscured by mist or fog. It used to be possible to hike to the base of the falls, but the trail has been closed due to partial collapse.
- Kanaya Hotel History House - The Kanaya Hotel History House is a historical building in Nikko that served as the predecessor to the renowned Kanaya Hotel. Open to the public, it offers a glimpse into Nikko’s past. The house stands next to a bakery that sells admission tickets. After Japan’s era of isolation ended, Nikko became a popular summer resort for foreign diplomats and business people. The Kanaya Hotel, now the oldest Western-style hotel in Japan, began at the Kanaya Hotel History House, though it is now located one kilometer down the road above the Shinkyo Bridge.
What's Included
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 3 to 4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
- Private transportation
- Licensed Local Guide
What's Not Included
- Lunch and Other personal expenses
- Entrance fee (for you)
Additional Information
This trip, packed with value, accompanied by a certified government guide who is proficient in English, is a wonderful and productive way to discover Nikko!
Several factors make Nikko a not-to-be-missed destination during your visit to Japan. Your personal guide will facilitate a half-day excursion in this picturesque, historical town, maximizing your enjoyment.
Your day will begin with a morning pickup from Nikko Station (Tobu or JR) by your guide. Nikko, one of Japan’s most remarkable nature reserves located on the stunningly scenic―and challenging to reach independently―Romantic Road.
Share any specific requests you have for the day, and we will tailor your itinerary accordingly in advance!
Note1: Please choose your preferred locations from a list in the tour details to customize your itinerary.
Note2: The certification of National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, issued by the Japanese government, necessitates a solid understanding and knowledge of Japanese culture and history.
Location
Nikko Tosho-gu
2301 Sannai,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Deborah_s
May 10, 2024
Great day in Nikko - Nikko was fantastic. Our tour guide, Koba, and our driver were great. Nikko is a ‘must’ for anyone touring Japan. The shrines are amazing to see and the mountains and forest setting spectacular.
Review provided by Viator
Guillaume_b
Apr 26, 2023
Get to know the best Nikko has to offer - This tour was the most special tour we had during our trip to Japan. The experience, knowledge, attitude and flexibility Ikuko shared with us was invaluable.
We enjoyed Nikko, the temples, tge food, little stories and anecdotes that made us feel welcomed.
We would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Pattyscannella
Mar 2, 2023
Great 1/2 day tour in Nikko - Karen, was a wonderful tour guide. She organized a great 1/2 day tour focusing on the nature aspects and shrines of Nikko. She communicated well and met us on time at the train station . If you are short on time and want to get a full experience !! This is the tour for you.
Review provided by Viator
Paul
Feb 1, 2023
Excellent venture into Feudal Japan - Our guide, Karen, with her knowledge, approachability and suggestions made for an unforgettable visit to Nikko. We learned, laughed and WALKED.
Visiting the amazing treasured shrines and temples I was a fantastic day trip from Tokyo.
Having Karen as our leader allowed us to see and understand far more than we could have done ourselves.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimmaree_b
Jan 26, 2023
Tailored tour - Yumi was great. She contacted us and found out our interests than tailored the tour for us. Can't recommend her enough.
Review provided by Viator
Andreatse
Jan 2, 2023
Highly recommended - Ikuko (Karen) is a great guide and made our date at Nikko magical. This is my 2nd time to Nikko and last time I travel without a guide. And I can really tell the difference between traveling around with a guide with in-depth knowledge and love for the area.
We really enjoyed her accompany and sharing of the knowledge of the history in the area.
Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elliot_s
Dec 12, 2022
Tosho-gu & Nikko Pudding - Karen is a warm and friendly guide with plenty of knowledge on Nikko and the surrounding area.
We visited Tosho-gu, Rinno-ji Temple, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Shinkyo Bridge and Tamozawa Villa. The highlights of the tour were seeing the beauty of Toshu-gu and getting to try the delightful Nikko Pudding.
Thank you for a fun day out Karen!
Review provided by Viator
Tristan_b
Dec 9, 2022
Perfect day in Nikko - This has to be the best tour I have taken on my travels. Nikko is secretly a beautiful city even during the winter months. It is not as busy as many of the other locations we visited. The town of Nikko is pretty and easy to navigate with lots of good shops and food. Our guide Yumi was the highlight of the experience. She was very fun and extremely knowledgeable about the area. She knew the city well and navigated everything very efficiently. The tour itself is a mix between shrines, temples and natural beauty. The Kanman gorge was my favourite part and tokugawa ieyasu‘a resting place is an amazing place to visit for history buffs. Yumi was cheerful and talkative, giving us great insight into Japanese culture outside of Tokyo. It was a perfect day trip and would recommend it to anyone wanting to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Review provided by Viator
Madshus
Feb 1, 2020
Excellent! - My guide, Ikuko-ssn, met me at my hotel where we discussed a plan for our half day guided trip. She incorporated my wishes and showed great flexibility as to what we saw in Nikko and how. Thus our plan was to focus on the temples and shrines of Nikko and we would walk everywhere. However if I’d have desired it she’d have got a bus or taken me somewhere else. I found her to be very informative and flexible. She had lots of good suggestions including what restaurant and dish to try as well as a free bus pass promotion. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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