1 Day Tour Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park

Duration10h 35m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 25 travelers

Overview

Please note that this tour does not use a private vehicle and uses public transport. This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors.

If you want to see some of Japan’s most beautiful and culturally significant temples, shrines, traditional architecture and natural landmarks, then this tour is for you. With Nikko being two hours from Tokyo, it is the perfect day trip outside of the capital! Granted World Heritage status in 1999, Nikko is considered the heritage hub in Japan due to its many temples and shrines rich in history with many an interesting tale to tell! It is also known for its national park nestled among the lush mountainous landscape sure to impress you and leave you feeling refreshed on your return to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo! Marvel at the gold gilded shrines, the intricate wood carvings and the nature that surrounds you as you make your way through Nikko’s World Heritage site with your tour guide!

What's included

Nikko Heritage Area Pass and limited express tickets to cover all your transport for the tour
Toshogu Shrine and Museum admission fees
English speaking guide
Taiyuin Temple Admission fee
Tamozawa Villa admission fee

Trains and transport before and after the tour
Additional food and drink
Shinkyo Bridge

What to expect

Kammangafuchi Gorge
40m

Our first destination will be a small gorge surrounded by lush greenery and trees off the beaten path in Nikko. We will walk alongside the crystal clear river as your tour guide tells you all about the gorge’s famous inhabitants, the Bake Jizo statues! (Ghost Jizo). It is said there are 70 Jizo statues lining the path of the gorge, but legend says that the number changes each time you count them! So make sure to test this for yourself! Keep your eyes peeled as you will also spot some Sanskrit characters carved into the cliff upstream! There is even a small waterfall here to enjoy.
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
1h · Admission ticket included

Our next stop is an historic and traditional Japanese villa where you can enjoy the traditional architecture and garden. Enjoy stepping back in time as you walk around the Edo and Meiji period building which has been home to many historically important people. From the Tokugawa Shogunate to the Imperial Family, your guide will tell you all about its former residents. Look out for the beautifully painted and decorated cedar wooden doors around the villa!
Shinkyo Bridge
10m · Admission ticket not included

Located at the start of the World Heritage site and National Park in Nikko, this bridge is ranked one of the top three scenic bridges in all of Japan! Constructed in 1636, this bridge has lived to see many people cross its path. Enjoy the scenic views and of course take some wonderful photos!
Taiyu-in Temple Niomon
1h · Admission ticket included

The Heritage Site is home to some of the most elaborate and gorgeous structures in all of Japan adorned in gold leaf, vibrant colours and wood carvings, so make sure to take plenty of pictures! For our first destination we will visit Taiyuin Temple, the temple where the third Tokugawa Shogunate ’Tokugawa Iemitsu’ is enshrined and buried. The temple complex is adorned with elaborate decoration and amazing Buddhist statues. Inside the main hall, you can see the Samurai armour that Tokugawa Iemitsu once wore.
Toshogu Shrine
1h 30m · Admission ticket included

Our next destination will be the star of the show in our opinion, Toshogu Shrine! Some of the most notable sites here will be the lavish Nikko Toshogu shrine where Japan’s most famous and powerful Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. You will also see the wood carvings of the famous ’Nemuri-Neko’ (sleeping cat) and the ’Three Wise Monkeys’, and you will visit the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. We will also be visiting the museum which houses artefacts from the time of Tokugawa Ieyasu, including his armour, swords and personal items.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your tour guide outside of the EKIMISE Store. You will recognize the building entrance as it has Ekimise and Matsuya written across it. Meet your guide by the red post box just directly outside of the store/ train station entrance.

End point

Meet your tour guide outside of the EKIMISE Store. You will recognize the building entrance as it has Ekimise and Matsuya written across it. Meet your guide by the red post box just directly outside of the store/ train station entrance.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The remaining amount of time is allocated to transport.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (7)