Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Akey
November, 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
- 11:06 Both of us board the same train departing from Asakusa, arrive at 11:06 and meet outside the ticket gate of Tobu Nikko Station, 11:35 Tobu Bus ~ 11:50 Nikko Tamozawa Memorial Park, Tamozawa Memorial Park (tour the residence & garden of the villa of Emperors Meiji to Showa) ~ walk ~ lunch at Nishi-sando entrance at 12:50 ~ 13:35 walk to Shinkyo Bridge for sightseeing ~ via Rinnoji Temple ~ 14:30 tour Nikko Toshogu Shrine ~ 15:50 tour Futarasan Jinja Shrine ~
- 16:05 Futarasan Shrine ~ walk toward Tobu Nikko Station. Stop by Seven-Eleven on the way ~ arrive at Tobu Nikko Station at 16:35.
- Disperse to separately board the Tobu Limited Express Kegon 46 departing at 17:15.
Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like When Kegon Falls Is Too Crowded? A Licensed Guide's Report
Because this season gets crowded, I had asked the guests to purchase round-trip Tobu limited express seats online in advance to match my schedule. This removed any worry about the train. On a Sunday last month, I had guided in Nikko and experienced the traffic congestion coming from Kegon Falls. Also, hearing TV news that during the holiday period around the 2nd to 4th of December it was taking four hours between the Irohazaka slopes and Nikko Station, I explained the situation to the guests by email, telling them that if we went to Kegon Falls we would not be able to see Toshogu Shrine or catch our return train. I asked them to choose their destination between natural beauty and man-made beauty. Since coming all the way to Nikko without seeing Toshogu Shrine would leave one wondering why one had come at all, instead of Kegon Falls we visited Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, touring the interior and gardens of the villa used by emperors from the Meiji to Showa eras. The guests enjoyed the simple yet beautiful architecture and gardens. It was indeed the right decision not to go to Kegon Falls, as the downhill road was congested from the morning. The guests were impressed by the beauty of the Shinkyo Bridge and the river. Although Nikko Toshogu Shrine was crowded, we also visited the tomb of Ieyasu and the main shrine. The cedar-lined path partway to Futarasan Shrine was a novelty for the guests, and they enjoyed passing through the ring of good fortune at Futarasan Shrine.
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 Station～Tamozawa Memorial Park | 350JPY |
| Total | 350JPY | ||
Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.
Mar 30, 2026
851murraya
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Good time in Hakone
Akey did a great job setting the…
Mar 30, 2026
851murraya
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Good time in Hakone
Akey did a great job setting the itinerary and providing all the logistical details. He was also
very knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited. His English was easy to
understand.
Oct 11, 2025
S
Stephen_M
Incredible day in Hakone
Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr Akey showed me an amazing…
Oct 11, 2025
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Stephen_M
Incredible day in Hakone
Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr Akey showed me an amazing time in Hakone. He planned out a very detailed itinerary based completely on my interests. The hot spring onsen was just what I needed to relax after long travel and a day of walking around the day before. I was hesitant to do the ropeway due to my fear of heights, but am so glad I went. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and I was lucky enough to have a clear enough day to get some incredible views of Mt Fuji. Highly recommend.
May 4, 2025
AliS7090
Great experience
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…
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AliS7090
Great experience
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous person who was kind and had a deep knowledge of ancient and modern Japanese history. He took us on a fun adventure around the bustling Tokoyo, showing us both the posh and modern and local treasures. You should be prepared to walk a lot 🙂
Mar 30, 2025
Mark_B
You can tailor make this…
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You can tailor make this to anything…
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Mark_B
You can tailor make this…
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You can tailor make this to anything you want and the guide delivered exactly what we asked for, along with some extras and very good commentary to explain it all. Only thing is be prepared to travel on subway which can take some time, so make sure what you want to see is geographically close to maximise your sight-seeing.