Nikko Toshogu

Photography tours

After meeting at 7:50AM, your tour leader will greet you at the ground floor of the Shinjuku Subaru Building next to the Shinjuku JR Station west exit. At 8:00AM, you will depart from Shinjuku to Tochigi prefecture, where Nikko City is located. At around 10:30AM, you will travel to the first stop on your tour, the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868, known as the Edo Period. You can appreciate the beauty of this shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whilst learning the interesting stories and legends of the buildings from your guide. After visiting the Nikko Toshogo Shrine, you will pass through the Iroha Slope. It is famous for its 48 sharp turns along its route, and is portrayed in the animation ”Initial D”. The road is very popular for its autumn leaves in the fall. At 12:30PM, you will arrive at the Kegon Waterfall. This almost 100-meter-tall waterfall is the most famous of Nikko's many beautiful waterfalls. It is even ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful falls, along with the Nachi Waterfall in the Wakayama Prefecture and the Fukuroda Waterfall in the Ibaraki Prefecture. At 2:00PM, your tour will be separated into two groups, you can choose according to your preference to either walk along Lake Chuzenji, or to experience the Nikko hot spring. Before finishing your tour, you will stop by the Onihei Edo service area, which is the most interesting service area with edo style design and traditional souvenirs. At 6:00PM, you will be dropped back at the Shinjuku Subaru Building, where your tour will end.

Visit the main attractions of Nikko on a private, customizable day trip from Tokyo. Relax in a chartered car with a driver and take the liberty to customize the itinerary to best fit the needs of your group. After a hotel pickup, head to the mountains of Tochigi prefecture and visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage with a history of over 400 years. Admire the lavishly decorated shrine complex with over a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Find yourself surrounded by traditional Japanese architecture, as well as the breathtaking natural landscape of this region. Stand by Kegon Waterfall in Nikko National Park, and take a short break on the banks of Lake Chuzenji, with a view of Mt. Nantai, the volcano that created it. Stop for a Nikko-style lunch before heading back to Tokyo.

Explore world heritage Nikko in a single day without the hassle of public transportation. Relax in a chartered car with private English speaking Driver and take the liberty to customize the default itinerary to best fit the needs of your group. Our English speaking Driver will help create unforgettable travel experiences in Nikko. Let's have a drive at Japan Romantic Road. You will have Nikko Style Lunch. One more big plus, These trips are fully Customizable.We are open for your suggestions and recommendations.

Discover the town of Nikko, a peaceful respite and one of the most iconic places to visit in the North Kanto region. See the town's most famous attractions including the Toshogu Shrine, the Shinkyo Bridge, and the Akechidaira Observation Area on a private tour with a chauffeur. Be picked up from your hotel in Tokyo and travel to Nikko. Stop at the Toshogu Shrine, the most famous sightseeing attraction in Nikko. Admire the many colorful buildings which are richly decorated with gorgeous carvings. The shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 – 1616), and it is also the location of his grave. Next, visit the Shinkyo Bridge, a sacred river crossing which officially belongs to nearby Futarasan Jinja Shrine. One of Nikko’s best-known sightseeing spots, the elegant arc of this bridge crosses the Daiya-gawa River and its vermilion and black lacquer contrasts beautifully with the natural scenery about it. Continue to the Narabi Jizo, a collection of Jizo statues made in the image of Jizo Bosatsu, the guardian deity of children and travelers. They're also known as the 'earth bearer', so jizo statues are made out of stone, which is said to have a spiritual power for protection and longevity that predates Buddhist beliefs. Stop at the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa, constructed as a retreat for Emperor Taisho. The villa incorporates the architectural styles of the late Edo (1603-1867), Meiji (1868-1912), and Taisho (1912-1926) periods. Explore the diverse buildings and beautiful gardens while getting a feel for Japanese imperial culture. Next, head to the Akechidaira Observation Deck to explore the spectacular view of Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and the scenery of Mt. Nantai. The deck is famous as a spot for viewing Nikko's splendid autumn leaves. Finally, visit Kegon Falls, located at Lake Chūzenji in Nikkō National Park near the city of Nikkō. The falls were formed when the Daiya River was rerouted by lava flows. Historically known as one of Japan's top three greatest waterfalls, Kegon Falls offers stunning views every season. End your tour at Lake Chūzenji, also called the Sea of Happiness, a scenic lake in Nikkō National Park. Created 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai erupted and blocked the river, the lake has a surface area of 11.62 km² and a circumference of 25 km.

The tour will start after meeting at Shinjuku LOVE stature near Shinjuku Station. Upon arrival in Nikko, we will have lunch first. Lunch is Chestnut Okowa Aoi Gozen (Only for those choose option with lunch). *menu is subject to change without notice. After the lunch, we will first visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a gorgeous structure registered as a Unseco World Heritage site. Then, we will head to Kegon Falls. This is a spectacular waterfall that drops all the way down a 97-meter-high cliff from the Lake Chuzenji, which we will visit afterwards. Finally, we will go to Lake Chuzenji. Enjoy the scenery of Lake Chuzenji, which is beautiful in each of the four seasons! The tour will take about 3 hours to Tokyo, arriving at 18:30~19:00.

Embark on a captivating day trip from Tokyo to Nikko, where ancient heritage meets breathtaking natural beauty. Our journey begins in the lush landscapes of Nikko National Park, a realm where towering cedar trees and tranquil rivers provide a serene backdrop to Japan’s stunning heritage. Marvel at the iconic Shinkyo Bridge, the sacred vermilion structure gracefully spanning the Daiya River—a gateway to the spiritual heart of Nikko. We then explore the legendary Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates with its ornate, gold-gilded architecture and intricate wood carvings. Here, history breathes through every inch of the shrine, and the spirits of the Tokugawa shoguns seem ever-present in the hallowed air. For a change of scenery, we travel to Kegon Waterfalls, one of Japan’s most stunning cascades, plunging nearly 100 meters into a rocky gorge below. The mist and rainbows here are mesmerizing, and the sound of the falls is pure tranquility. Nearby, we reach Lake Chuzenji, nestled serenely at the foot of Mount Nantai. Reflecting Nikko’s towering peaks, this lake is a haven of peace and natural splendor, offering you a moment to absorb the essence of Japan’s wild beauty. With Travel on Peak, each stop on this journey is woven into an unforgettable experience of nature, history, and culture.

Experience Tochigi Nikko, a charming town in Japan’s Tochigi prefecture with plenty of attractions where you can experience authentic Japanese culture. Visit various historical and cultural landmarks in the company of a driver/guide. Start your journey at Shinjuku or Tokyo station, depending on the option selected. Meet your driver/guide and hop into their comfortable vehicle as you head to your first location. Arrive at Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is not to be missed. This site is the memorial of Tokugawa Leyasu, who founded the Tokugawa shogunate.Peruse sculptures full of legends such as the "Three Apes", "Sleeping Cat", and the "Singing Dragon" inside the building.(ticket excluded) Continue on your journey with a visit to Shōyō-en Garden, renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage. Be amazed by the 3,200-square-meter garden within the precincts of Rinno-ji Temple, with a history spanning over 1,250-years. (From Oct.15th to Dec.10th) Stroll on the historic street of Nikko City, along the pilgrimage route where you can find restaurants and souvenir shops. Many shops here sell Nikko specialties like "Yuba" and Japanese sweets.(From Oct.15th to Dec.10th) Start from Dec.11, will go to visit Observation Deck instead of Rinno-ji Temple Shoyoen Garden.Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck is the most popular observatory in Nikko area, with views of both Chuzenji Lake and Huayan Falls. From the east side of the observatory, you can also look at the screen rock made up of continuous cliffs, and the rolling mountains in the distance. It takes only 3 minutes to reach the observation deck at 1373 meters above sea level by taking the aerial cable car from Mingping. Take a pleasant drive down Irohazaka Road, one of "Japan's Top 100 Roads." This mountainous road in Nikko is famous for its scenic driving route, with a total of 48 turns along the uphill and downhill lanes. It's particularly stunning during autumn, known for its vibrant fall foliage making it very popular. Don't miss Japan's highest-altitude natural lake-Lake, Chuzenji. Throughout the seasons, it offers breathtaking scenery, including rhododendrons in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. Admire the magnificent Kegon Falls which was formed when the Daiya River was rerouted by lava flow. Kegon Falls is also an unmissable attraction, which is one of the three major waterfalls in Japan, a large waterfall formed by the river flowing from Lake Chuzenji. Be in awe of the water pouring down from a height of 97-meters, set-off by the different scenery in different seasons next to it. Finish your day of adventure with a transfer back to the original meeting point.

Experience the charm of Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine on a full-day bus tour departure from Shinjuku, Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this stunning shrine, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors, honoring Japan’s legendary general, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Enjoy a delicious lunch dishes “Kuri Okowa Aoi Gozen”, a flavorful and savory Buddhist vegetarian dish that is sure to delight your palate with its unique tastes and textures. (The lunch menu will be adjusted based on the season or circumstances.) Then, embark on an adventure along the famous Irohazaka Winding Road, with its 48 sharp curves offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Upon reaching Lake Chuzenji, be captivated by its tranquil beauty, as its crystal-clear waters mirror the lush green mountains encircling it. Finally, be amazed by the majestic Kegon Falls, where water plunges 97 meters into the basin below. This Nikko one-day tour will be available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Book now and discover the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Nikko on this unforgettable tour. Notice: Our tour guides can only support English, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. We do not offer support for other languages.

Once you've secured your spot on our tour, your journey begins even before you set foot in Nikko. Look out for an email containing the PDF of your detailed itinerary (arriving within 2-3 business days)! Our comprehensive guide isn't just a list of places to visit – it's your passport to navigating Nikko effortlessly and with confidence. With every detail carefully curated, we've taken the stress out of planning, leaving you free to embrace the thrill of adventure that awaits you in Nikko. Say goodbye to the hassle of organizing and hello to the excitement of discovery!

Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Tochigi Prefecture, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it serves as a spiritual center, attracting visitors to its historic temples, shrines, and beautiful scenery. Nikko Toshogu Shrine Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the most famous shrine in Nikko, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine is known for its intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and impressive architecture. Notable features include the Yomeimon Gate, which showcases exquisite craftsmanship, and the famous sleeping cat sculpture. The shrine is set within a serene forest, enhancing its spiritual atmosphere. Shinkyo Bridge Shinkyo Bridge, meaning “sacred bridge,” is a stunning wooden bridge that spans the Daiya River. Recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful bridges, it is often photographed against the backdrop of lush greenery and autumn foliage. The bridge holds historical significance as a gateway to the Nikko shrines and is a symbol of the area’s spiritual heritage. Kanmangafuchi Abyss Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a picturesque pathway lined with over 70 Jizo statues, representing the spirits of children and travelers. This peaceful walk offers a reflective atmosphere, enhanced by the surrounding nature and the sounds of the nearby river. The path leads to Jiunji Hondo Temple, a small temple that provides a tranquil retreat for visitors. Ropeway The Akechidaira Ropeway offers breathtaking views of Nikko National Park as it ascends to an observation deck. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Nantai, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls. The ride itself is a scenic experience, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the region. Lake Chuzenji Lake Chuzenji is a picturesque highland lake formed by volcanic activity, located at the foot of Mount Nantai. Known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings, the lake offers opportunities for boating, hiking, and picnicking. In autumn, the foliage around the lake transforms into vibrant colors, attracting many visitors. Kegon Falls Kegon Falls is one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, plunging 97 meters into a rocky gorge. Accessible via a short walk from Lake Chuzenji, the falls are stunning year-round, with a spectacular view from the observation platform. In winter, the falls can freeze, creating a beautiful ice formation. The area also features walking trails and viewpoints for additional exploration. Edo Wonderland Edo Wonderland is a historical theme park located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, designed to recreate the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture, architecture, and lifestyle of the time through various attractions and activities. These attractions in Nikko provide a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Japan.