There’s a famous saying in Japan, “Don’t say kekkо̄ (splendid) until you’ve seen Nikkо̄.”
I’ll be your Nikko tour guide through its mountainous beauty and stunning complex of temples and shrines. Nearby Kinugawa Onsen is a hot spring said to be good for the skin, rheumatism, and other nervous system disorders… so bring ’em if you got ’em. Also, bring your best camera and lenses, this trip was planned with photographers in mind!
Nikko
Most people think of this as the final resting place of the first Tokugawa Shogun, but it’s so much more. You really need at least two days here – at least!
| heritage tourism, history tourism; tombstone tourism; hiking; nature tourism; photography tourism, architecture tourism, art tourism; theme park tourism |
TOUR SUMMARY
3 full days, 2 nights
We’ll take our cameras and overnight bags to Kura no Machi to visit a town foreign tourist rarely go to so we can experience Japan’s amazing kura architecture. Because today is a travel and photography day, we’ll check into our ryokan traditional Japanese-style inn and enjoy kaiseki ryori and onsen a natural, hot spring. After a good night’s sleep, we’ll explore Nikko’s famous shrines and temples — I’m an expert in this style of funerary architecture, so you’re in good hands. Then, we’re going to step back in time, by dressing up as members of the various classes in Edo Wonderland, a theme park that celebrates Japan’s colorful Edo Period culture. Next, we’ll enjoy dinner at a family-run restaurant that specializes in local cuisine. After several soaks in the hot springs and a good night’s sleep, we’re gonna hike up a sacred mountain to uncover all of Nikko’s secrets that foreigners rarely see. After that, I’ll return you safely to your next hotel in Tokyo or bring you to whatever train takes you to your next exciting destination.
Famous since the 1600’s, if you want to do Nikko you right, you need a passionate guide and a few days to really sink your teeth into this spiritual spot in the mountains of Japan.
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- Destinations
- Edo Wonderland
We’ll don Edo Period costumes, enjoy ninja shows, and learn about daily life in feudal Japan. - Hiking
There’s a rarely traveled, ancient pilgrimage that walks around up and around the main religious complex. - Kura no Machi
Rarely visited by foreigners, this town is famous for traditional storehouses and its preserved historic district. - Onsen
Soak in a classic Japanese hot spring - Shrines & Temples of Nikko
So many sites to see, but we’ll focus on Futara-san, Taiyu-in, and Tosho-gu, the grave of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. See the famous Sleeping Cat and 3 Monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil).
Popular Add-ons
- Try yuba or age-yuba manju, a delicacy of the town
- Try local craft beer!
Starts at ¥70,000
Similar History Tours
- Only want to spend one day? Try my Nikko Day Trip.
- Interested in Tokugawa funerary monuments? Bring your stamp book and we can visit the other graves of the Tokugawa shо̄guns: Tokyo History Tour in Ueno and Shо̄guns Tokyo History Tour in Shiba.
- Check out my other fun and educational Day Tours in Tо̄kyо̄
- I even have Day Trips outside of the capital
- Tired from the long flight? Just want someone to take care of dinner after you check in? Try my add-ons!
Custom Tours
Have a specific spot in Nikko in mind? I can customize this tour (or any tour) just for you.
Or we can build something special from the ground up!
SUMMARY
Here’s a secret. All my tours are customized in one way or another. If you need a private tour or someone to make things smoother, or if you’re gathering contents and shooting video and need a fixer, I’m sure I can help out and get you sorted.
- Services
- Fixer
- Guide
- Liaison
- Interpreter
- Historical consultant
- Wingman
- A shoulder to cry on
