Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Japanese Sake Brewery Day Tour

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is near Ikebukuro Station’s west exit. Opened in 1990, it hosts concerts, theatre and dance performances. Meet in the plaza before departure. The bus will pick you up nearby. Your guide will be waiting with a small yellow flag.

We will take a short break at Hasuda Service Area. Restrooms, convenience stores, and a selection of local snacks are available here. After the break, we will continue our journey to Toa Shuzo Distillery.Please note that any purchases will be at your own expense.

Discover one of Japan’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for more than 260 years. Unlike Japan’s often minimalist temples, Toshogu is famous for its lavish gold leaf, vivid colors and extraordinary wood carvings set within a peaceful cedar forest. Our guide will introduce the shrine’s history, samurai culture and the meanings behind its most famous details, including the “Three Wise Monkeys,” the “Sleeping Cat,” and the magnificent Yomeimon Gate. You will then explore the main shrine buildings and follow the forest steps to Ieyasu’s tomb, with time to appreciate the architecture, take photographs and experience the spiritual atmosphere at your own pace.

We will stop at Bandai Nikko, a traditional restaurant and souvenir shop near Nikko’s World Heritage area. Here, you will have free time to choose and enjoy lunch at your own pace.

A local specialty worth trying is Nikko yuba, a delicate tofu skin made from heated soy milk. It has long been associated with the vegetarian cuisine served at Nikko’s temples. Depending on availability, you may also find Japanese set meals, soba noodles, seasonal rice dishes, and beautifully presented shojin-style cuisine.

After lunch, you can browse local souvenirs such as gold-leaf Nikko castella cake, traditional Japanese sweets, and regional yuba products before continuing the tour.

Please note: As this is a flexible lunch stop, everyone is welcome to choose the meal that best suits their preferences. Lunch is therefore not included in the tour price and can be purchased individually.

Traditional Japanese Sake Experience at Katayama Shuzo

Visit Katayama Shuzo, a family-run sake brewery founded in Nikko in 1880. During the guided tour, you will learn about the history and culture of Japanese sake and see how it is made from carefully selected rice and pure spring water from the Nikko Mountains. You can also discover the brewery’s traditional Sase-style pressing method, a rare technique that has been preserved for generations. After learning about the brewing process, enjoy a tasting of locally produced Japanese sake and experience the craftsmanship and flavors of authentic Japan.

We will take a 15-minute break at this service area. Restrooms and convenience stores are available, and you are welcome to purchase anything you may need during the stop. Please note that any purchases will be at your own expense. After the break, we will continue our journey back to the Shinjuku LOVE Sculpture.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is near Ikebukuro Station’s west exit. Opened in 1990, it hosts concerts, theatre and dance performances. Meet in the plaza before departure. The bus will pick you up nearby. Your guide will be waiting with a small yellow flag.