Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge — Guide Masa
October, 2024
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:10 Meet at Hotel
- 8:20 Purchase Toshogu tickets at Tobu Nikko Station
- 8:40 Shinkyo Bridge
- 9:00 Toshogu Shrine
- 10:10 Taiyuin
- 10:50 Futarasan Shrine
- 11:30 Tamozawa Imperial Villa
- 12:30 Lunch at Maruhide Diner
- 13:10 Disband at JR Nikko Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:10 at Hotel and ended at 13:10. The day ran to 5 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at Maruhide Diner at 12:30.
Over the course of the day the route took in Purchase Toshogu tickets at Tobu Nikko Station at 8:20, Shinkyo Bridge at 8:40, Toshogu Shrine at 9:00, Taiyuin at 10:10, Futarasan Shrine at 10:50 and Tamozawa Imperial Villa at 11:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tobu Nikko to Shinkyo Bridge by bus (220JPY); Yasukawacho to JR Nikko Station by bus (280JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 500JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. We met at the hotel and started earlier than scheduled. Perhaps because of the early start, we were able to visit Toshogu Shrine smoothly. At Taiyuin, since one of the guests preferred to avoid the stairs, only part of the group went up to worship. As we had time to spare, we visited Futarasan Shrine, which had not been on the original plan. There, the guests enjoyed a monkey performance by a local monkey troupe. After that, I guided them to the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. For lunch, one of the guests had a preference for tonkatsu, so they ordered katsu curry and said it was delicious. The tour finished earlier than planned, and the guests were glad we were able to complete it before the rain started.
Click here for more details: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Tobu Nikko～Shinkyo Bridge | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Yasukawacho～JR Nikko Station | 280JPY |
| Total | 500JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tochigi tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel at 8:10, and the tour finished at JR Nikko Station at 13:10.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours in total, from 8:10 to 13:10.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Purchase Toshogu tickets at Tobu Nikko Station, Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu Shrine, Taiyuin, Futarasan Shrine and Tamozawa Imperial Villa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 500JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Masa is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tochigi itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello! My name is Mato. I got a National License in 2020.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, I guided about 20 pairs in Tokyo as volunteer. In 2023 I guided 16times such as Tokyo ,Okinawa, Kochi ,Sendai, and Mt Fuji view cycling tour at Lake Kawaguchi. In Tokyo I guided Shibuya, Shinjyuku, Roppngi, Imperial palace,Ueno, Asakusa. Especially I am good at guiding at Ueno and Asakusa.
My hobby is running, hiking,eating,drinking Sake,cooking,and travelling by local train. What about eating, I like eating Sushi, and I cook Sushi sometimes. Also I know very nice Sushi restaurant in Tokyo. And what about tour spot in Tokyo, I know Ueno and Asakusa well. So I can show you hidden spot.
Also I can make Origami cranes, so I can give them for your souvenir. Let’s enjoy Japan tour with me.
Jun 4, 2026
123Susan321
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great day out
Great day spent exploring Tokyo with our guide Mato.…
Jun 4, 2026
123Susan321
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great day out
Great day spent exploring Tokyo with our guide Mato.
A local person his knowledge and information was both informative and interesting.
Felt like I was exploring with a friend,not a guide.
Apr 17, 2026
Wendy_J
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Tokyo
Great tour of Tokyo with Mato. Saw many sights…
Apr 17, 2026
Wendy_J
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Tokyo
Great tour of Tokyo with Mato. Saw many sights of Tokyo using subway trains and walking.
Mato booked us a lovely sushi lunch
Mar 31, 2026
U1583SAgregt
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mato is the best!
Mato was one of the best tour guides…
Mar 31, 2026
U1583SAgregt
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mato is the best!
Mato was one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had! He was so knowledgeable and friendly and tailored the tour exactly how we requested. We got to see so many amazing parts of Tokyo, and became experts at navigating public transportation with him. My wife was 3-4 months pregnant at the time, and Mato allowed us to take breaks when she needed and made sure we were comfortable and enjoyed the experience to the max! It was so much fun seeing the city with him. It felt like we were just hanging out with a local expert all day. Everywhere he took us was incredible! We would 100% book another tour with Mato!
Oct 27, 2025
Drakhignazzo
Wonderful day in Nikko
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had a lovely day with Mato with Nikko.…
Oct 27, 2025
Drakhignazzo
Wonderful day in Nikko
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had a lovely day with Mato with Nikko. The shrines and waterfall are very beautiful. The
curry lunch was fantastic and appreciated him leading through all the busses.