Explore Nikko’s UNESCO treasures with a private guide. Enjoy personalized insights and seamless travel from Tokyo. Book your exclusive adventure today.
Explore Nikko’s UNESCO treasures with a private guide. Enjoy personalized insights and seamless travel from Tokyo. Book your exclusive adventure today.
- Nikko Tosho-gu - Discover why the saying “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikko” holds true by visiting the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, along with nearby shrines and temples. This renowned shrine, part of the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” a leading world heritage site in Japan, is…
- Nikko Tosho-gu - Discover why the saying “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikko” holds true by visiting the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, along with nearby shrines and temples. This renowned shrine, part of 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. The current shrine complex, mostly rebuilt in the 17th century, includes 55 buildings, featuring 8 national treasures and 34 listed buildings. Highlights include lavish carvings, lacquered and vibrantly colored, showcasing craftsmanship from across the country. Be sure to see the “Sleeping Cat,” a symbol of peace, and the “Three Monkeys” with their “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses!
- Shinkyo Bridge - The Shinkyo Bridge (神橋, Shinkyō, “sacred bridge”) marks the entrance to Nikko’s shrines and temples and is technically part of Futarasan Shrine. It is considered one of Japan’s top three bridges, alongside Iwakuni’s Kintaikyo and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture. The current Shinkyo was built in 1636, though a bridge has existed at this location for much longer, with unclear origins. Until 1973, Shinkyo was not accessible to the public. It underwent significant renovations in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and visitors can now cross the bridge for a fee.
- Rinno-ji Temple - Rinnoji (輪王寺, Rinnōji) is the most significant temple in Nikko, founded by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who brought 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 seen as 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 National Park - Nikko National Park is among the first designated National Parks in Japan. The park offers a wealth of natural beauty, from the pristine nature of the Oku-Nikko district to the Ramsar Convention-registered marsh, mountains like Mt. Nikko Shirane, the highest in the area north of Kanto, lakes, marshes, valleys, and waterfalls. Additionally, the park is rich in Onsen resources, natural gifts to enjoy. Experience the magnificent nature in Nikko, where the National Park covers most of the city.
- Kirifuri Waterfall - Kirifuri Waterfall (霧降の滝, Kirifuri no taki) is a stunning, 75-meter-high, two-tiered waterfall located below the Kirifuri Highlands, a few kilometers northeast of Nikko’s temples and shrines. The elegant falls cascading down the mountain contrast beautifully with the surrounding foliage, lush and green in spring and summer, and fiery red, orange, and gold in autumn. The name Kirifuri means “falling mist,” referring to the fine mist created when the water hits the rocks at the lower falls. Occasionally, mist or fog may obscure the view. Previously, it was possible to hike to the waterfall’s base, but the trail partially collapsed several years ago and remains closed.
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park - Tamozawa Imperial Villa (田母沢御用邸, Tamozawa Goyōtei) combines traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture across its 106 rooms. The villa was constructed in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence originally in Tokyo. Before its relocation to Nikko, the building served as the Tokyo residence of a Tokugawa family branch and was temporarily used as the Imperial Palace. In Nikko, it was expanded into a summer retreat for the Imperial Family but fell into neglect after World War II. In 2000, the villa opened to the public following extensive renovations.
- Lake Chuzenji - Lake Chuzenji is Tochigi’s largest lake, surrounded by 25 kilometers of stunning nature. The area was a popular summer resort for foreigners from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The villas of the French and Belgian embassies remain here. Enjoy the lake’s seasonal beauty, with walking trails around the water’s edge and an excursion boat available. The views are spectacular, especially during cherry blossom or azalea blooms, or when autumn leaves change color. The “Koyo-meguri” tour, showcasing autumn leaves reflecting on the lake, is highly recommended.
- Akechidaira Observation Area - Take a scenic 3-minute ride on the Akechidaira Ropeway to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai from the Akechidaira Observation Deck — one of Nikko’s best viewpoints. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, especially during the autumn foliage season.
- Kegon Falls - Kegon Waterfall is the most renowned 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 water’s force and roar can be experienced up close! Impressive in any season, the waterfall is particularly stunning 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.
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss - Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a tranquil riverside trail in Nikko, lined with mysterious stone Jizō statues and lush nature. Formed by a volcanic eruption, it offers a serene escape with beautiful views of the Daiya River.

- Free onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging and bottled water
- All taxes, tolls fees included
- English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Private luxury transportation
- Hotel pickup & drop-off in central Tokyo
- Free onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging and bottled water
- All taxes, tolls fees included
- English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Private luxury transportation
- Hotel pickup & drop-off in central Tokyo
- Entrance Fee to toshogu shrine 1600¥
- Entrance Fee to Shinko bridge 200 ¥
- Entrance Fee to imperial villa 350 ¥
- Entrance Fee to kagon fall 570 ¥
- Gratuities (optional, not required but appreciated)
- Entrance Fee to toshogu shrine 1600¥
- Entrance Fee to Shinko bridge 200 ¥
- Entrance Fee to imperial villa 350 ¥
- Entrance Fee to kagon fall 570 ¥
- Gratuities (optional, not required but appreciated)
Explore the Allure of Nikko: Private Guided Tour from Tokyo
Set off on a customized adventure to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural legacy. This private tour provides a unique chance to discover Nikko’s attractions at your leisure, with a skilled guide customizing the journey to suit your…
Explore the Allure of Nikko: Private Guided Tour from Tokyo
Set off on a customized adventure to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural legacy. This private tour provides a unique chance to discover Nikko’s attractions at your leisure, with a skilled guide customizing the journey to suit your preferences.
Why Opt for This Tour?
• Personalized Experience: Benefit from the adaptability of a private guide and a schedule crafted just for you.
• Expert Knowledge: Gain insights into the history, myths, and culture of Nikko from an experienced local guide.
• Effortless Travel: Enjoy round-trip transport from Tokyo for a stress-free excursion.
This tour is ideal for those wanting a deeper connection with Japan’s history and natural beauty, all while relishing the ease and comfort of a private guide.
Reserve your spot now to make lasting memories in the captivating landscapes of Nikko!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.