Things to do in

Nikko

Enter the renowned Edo Wonderland in the beautiful city of Nikko to learn about one of the most defining eras of Japan. After entering, feel like you have traveled back into the Edo period as you navigate the town constructed with traditional Edo architecture. Choose to wear a traditional kimono from a selection of various ranks and take the opportunity to become an Edo citizen for the day. Become a lord, samurai, princess, farmer or a different kind of citizen, making for great photo opportunities. Be immersed in the culture and experience the complex beauty of being dressed in kimono.  Enjoy a variety of live performances including the popular ninja performances, oiran cultural shows, water magic shows, and a variety of other traditional plays. Try authentic cultural experiences. Learn the basics of how to handle a samurai sword or traditional archery. Take a lesson on how to play the musical instrument Shamisen, how to apply traditional handmade beni lipstick, how to do ukiyo-e woodblock printing or aizome indigo dying.  Learn unique facets about Edo culture through various exhibits including the Edo firefighters exhibition and swordsmith exhibit. Discover fun unique amusements including a mechanical maze, a ninja house filled with secrets, and the mysterious ninja training house, where the laws of physics seem to not apply. Taste authentic seasonal Edo cuisine at various restaurants in the park. 

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.

The tour will start from either Shinjuku or Ueno in downtown Tokyo. Relax on an air-conditioned bus and climb up the thrilling 48 turns of Irohazaka slope. Your first tour destination is the breathtaking Kegon Falls, at around 100 meters high, which is one of the top three waterfalls in Japan. Follow the stream to the scenic Lake Chuzenji to have about an hour for a delicious lunch at Hitachi-ya, one of the best restaurants in the area with a gorgeous view of the lake. During Autumn, you can take some stunning pictures of the seasonal colors with the lake in the background.  After lunch, move on to the holy sites of the city, the UNESCO heritage Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futara-san Shrine. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of General Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Japan for over 250 years before Emperor Meiji. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, Great Deity of the East Shining Light. Be amazed by the masterpiece mixture of Japanese spirits with ancient Oriental building designs.  Futarasan Shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko's three most sacred mountains, Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Futarasan is an alternate name for Mount Nantai, the most prominent of the three mountains. Enjoy the beauty of the golden details of the main hall in the shrine, while being surrounded by astonishing autumn colors. Return to Shinjuku at around 6:50 PM. Please note there is only one drop-off point at the end of the tour, Near Shinjuku Station (west exit). This is also the case for customers who chose the Ueno departure location.

Set off towards the Nikko area after being picked up at your hotel in Tokyo. Your first tour destination is the breathtaking Kegon Falls, at around 100 meters high, and are one of the top three waterfalls in Japan. Follow the stream to the scenic Lake Chuzenji. During Fall you can take in the drama of the seasonal change in colors with the lake in the background, and take some wonderful pictures. The area is home to many shrines and temples, which you'll also visit on your tour of the area.   After arriving at the designated sightseeing spot, you will have the opportunity to explore the area on your own. The flexibility of a private transfer means you have the opportunity to return to your hotel in Tokyo at any time. You also have the option to book an English-speaking guide to accompany you on your trip to Nikko who will be with you throughout the day.

Discover Nikko on a fully customizable private tour. Choose what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and the local partner will arrange a tour to suit you. Start your day by meeting your guide and then choose the sites you wish to visit depending on your interests. Example 6-hour Itinerary: Meet your guide at Tobu Nikko Station and get the bus to Nikko Tosho-gu shrine. Discover the impressive carvings of the shrine which showcase the techniques of Edo period craftsmen. See carvings of animals, such as the three monkeys said to be admonishing mankind, the sleeping cat, as well as ornate buildings and a five-storied pagoda. Hop on the next bus to Lake Chuzenji via Iroha Zaka. Enjoy the views throughout the journey on this famous winding road. Enjoy lunch by Lake Chuzenji with the brilliant colors of the leaves contrasting with the lake's pristine waters. Take a short walk along the shore of the lake to better experience the beautiful scenery. Continue to Kegon Falls, one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. See the water flowing from Lake Chuzenji as it falls from a height of 97 meters. To experience the full power of the waterfall, take the elevator to the viewing platform at the base of the falls where you can view them up close.

Access 4G LTE WiFi across Japan with this pocket router that connects to the Softbank Network. Never get lost in Japan again, with Unlimited WiFi data, which enables you to use Map Apps, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, watch Youtube videos and even Netflix. Pick-up the WiFi router at the Kansai International Airport, located in Osaka. Just visit the Kansai International Airport arrival lobby 1F between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM to pick up your device and start using the internet. The devices can be returned at most major airports in Japan, or via delivery from any hotel, Family Mart, or Lawson convenience stores.

Set off towards the Nikko area after being picked up at your hotel / your home. Your first tour destination is the breathtaking Kegon Falls, at about 97 meters high, which is one of the top three waterfalls in Japan. Follow the stream to the scenic Lake Chuzenji (Circumference 25km, Water depth 163m). During Autumn, you can take some stunning pictures of the seasonal colors with the lake in the background. After arriving at a sightseeing spot in Nikko such as Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine and Nikkozan Rinnoji, you will be exploring the place on your own. ※Zhensho Yashason is put on view to the public at special venue in Nikkozan Rinnoji Sanbutsudo from 4th Feb.2022 to 3rd Feb.2023 which is held once every 9 years. -------------------- 【COVID-19 Safety Measures】 ・Safety screen installed between driver's seat and passengers' seats in vehicles. ・Vehicles regularly sanitized. ・Vehicles regularly ventilated for fresh air circulation. ・Regular temperature checks for all drivers. ・Drivers wears a face mask. ・Drivers regularly sanitize/wash hands. ・Drivers have a hand sanitiser for passengers.

Travel to Nikkō and enjoy the small city nestled in the foothills of gigantic, snow-capped mountains north of Tokyo. Meet your host in Tokyo and head to your destination on the Tobu Railway Limited Express.  You'll be paired with guides that are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free time sharing it with like-minded travelers matched to them. Immerse yourself in centuries of Japanese culture and see two grand mausoleums and an array of Edo relics adding to Nikkō’s rich history. Visit the Buddhist temple of Rinnō-ji and Toshogu Shrine, a 17th-century treasure with a stunning five-story pagoda, that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You can take a trip up to the mountains, which are home to Nikkō National Park. It is one of Japan’s most spectacular protected areas, where Lake Chūzenji drains through Kegon Falls, a 97-meter natural marvel. With your host by your side, lace-up and tackle some of its mesmerizing walking trails, some of which lead to hidden waterfalls and secret Shinto shrines. Once you leave the forests, before heading back to Tokyo, quiet the tummy rumblings at a local eatery, and crunch down on some yuba, or tofu skin, a local delicacy, and wash it all down with some locally-brewed sake.

Access 4G LTE WiFi across Japan with this pocket router that connects to the Softbank Network. Never get lost in Japan again, with Unlimited WiFi data, which enables you to use Map Apps, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, watch Youtube videos and even Netflix. Pick-up the WiFi router at the Shinjuku Counter, which is located a 2 min walk away from the Higashi Shinjuku station. Same day pick-up available. The business hours at 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, on weekdays only. When you are finished, the devices can be returned at most major airports in Japan, or via delivery from any hotel, Family Mart, or Lawson convenience stores.