Nikko Discovery

Why choose this activity?

• Escape the city for a full day and explore Nikko’s lush mountains and UNESCO-listed shrines with an expert guide who brings the area’s history and legends to life.
• Discover Nikko’s rich spiritual heritage, ornate temples, and sacred natural sites while learning stories that go beyond the guidebooks.
• Enjoy a well-paced day trip from Tokyo, combining culture, nature, and scenic beauty, with time to appreciate tranquil forests, impressive architecture, and peaceful surroundings away from the urban rush.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The discovery of the historical sites set on the slopes of the mountain, combined with the rustic charm of the village, will surely make you adopt the famous adage "Don't say wonderful until you see Nikko!". Closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shogun, Nikko is a jewel of art and architecture in a magnificent natural setting.

Nikko's most beautiful attractions

Upon arrival in Nikko, your guide will show you one by one the jewels of this spiritual city, notably the Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the famous shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa and a symbol of the city. The site, a UNESCO heritage site, dates from the early 17th century. Your guide will show you its richly decorated doors, the wood carving of the three monkeys of wisdom, the sleeping cat, the groaning dragon room, Ieyasu's tomb on the upper level at the back of the shrine...

Another must-see site is the Taiyu-in Buddhist temple, the mausoleum of Shogun Iemitsu, grandson of Ieyasu who died in 1648. The monument also has architectural treasures to offer. A little further on, the Futarasan Shrine is smaller, but is the origin of the major religious role Nikko plays today.

Your guide will explain the history of this shrine built in the 8th century at the foot of a sacred mountain - Mount Nantai - which is still the object of popular devotion. The magnificent Shinkyô Bridge, which marks the entrance to Nikko, is left from that time and will be another highlight of your day.

An unforgettable visit with an expert guide

You will have the opportunity to discover this wonderful place with a private guide who can tell you about the historical and cultural significance of Nikko.

As part of our discovery days, your guide will prepare the best itinerary for you, although we also offer the possibility of contacting your guide beforehand if you have specific requests (dietary restrictions, parts of the programme you would like to discuss, etc.).

At lunchtime, your guide will take you to a typical restaurant to sample the local cuisine, before continuing with your city tours in the afternoon.

Additional Information

Included: 

- private guide

- guide's transportation, lunch and entrance fees

- a round trip express train reservation, so that you can ride the express train to Nikko

NOT included:

- your lunch

- temple and park entries for yourself

- local transportation

Meeting point: Your hotel or accommodation

Meeting time: 8 a.m.