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

  • 10:00 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station 10:20 Start from Shinkyo 10:30 Rinnoji Sanbutsudo Shoyoen
  • 11:30 Toshogu 13:00 Lunch 14:00 Futarasan Shrine Shinen Taiyuin 15:00 Kanmangafuchi
  • 16:30 Disband at Shinkyo, end

Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The tour was for a group of guests who had connections to one another from before, which created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout the tour. Some of the guests had visited Nikko three times before and were also living in Japan, so they were quite familiar with Japanese customs. Another of the guests, visiting for the first time, purchased a heart-shaped ema votive plaque, intending to hang it on a Christmas tree, which I thought was an interesting and creative way to use it.

When we were about to head to Kanmangafuchi Abyss, I noticed that one of the guests was wearing shorts, and I became a little concerned about the possibility of being bitten by land leeches. However, one of the other guests reassured me that it would not be a problem, and so we decided to proceed. Fortunately, they had properly prepared insect repellent spray, and since the temperature had suddenly dropped, there was no issue at all, which put me at ease. The guests were very natural and easygoing, and the time flew by as we chatted and enjoyed ourselves. At the end, we said goodbye with a firm handshake.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station/Tobu Bus~Shinkyo/Tobu Bus220JPY
Section 2BusShinkyo/Tobu Bus~Tobu Nikko Station/Tobu Bus220JPY
Total440JPY

Hi I am June, I work as a guide in Tochigi where is easily accessible from Tokyo. Tochigi is blessed with nature and has world heritage sites such as Toshogu shrine, Rinnoji temple, Futarasan shrine. I showed international travelers around World Heritage sites more than 100 times. Would you like to go there with me ? I will give you the detailed information about their history, custom and others. Also, I will take you to the quieter place even in the World Heritage area. Besides World Heritage sites, I will plan a course that perfectly suits your needs. Even if you have been to Tochigi before, you will discover a different Tochigi that you have never experience before.
I am waiting for your contact.