Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Ichi
September, 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
- Tobu Nikko Station (10:30) ➡ Shinkyo Bridge (10:40) ➡ Rinnoji Sanbutsudo (11:10) ➡ Toshogu Shrine (11:40) ➡ Lunch (12:45) ➡ Jogyodo / Hokkedo / Taiyuin (13:45) ➡ Futarasan Shrine (14:45) ➡ Five-Story Pagoda (15:05) ➡ Miyamae Dango (15:35) ➡ Tobu Nikko Station (17:10) ➡ Return to Asakusa on the 17:24 Liberty Kegon No. 46
- After resting at the Miyamae Dango shop, enjoy shopping on the way while walking to the station.
Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Two Shrines and One Temple
Right up until the last moment, the effects of Typhoon No. 10 were hard to predict, and I had prepared several backup plans in advance. In the end, however, the typhoon stalled, and the weather in the Nikko area went from cloudy to sunny, so there were no problems. Perhaps as a result of the typhoon, the number of tourists was small, and we were able to move through everything smoothly, leaving us about 30 minutes to spare. We used that extra time to relax at a Japanese sweets shop and to make some adjustments while allowing time for shopping. The guests' interest was in the history, culture, and religion of Nikko (the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism). When I explained the history and the process by which the two religions were able to coexist, they showed great interest. At the sweets shop, I asked which of the Two Shrines and One Temple had left the strongest impression, and one of the guests said Taiyuin, while another mentioned the three Buddhist statues at Rinnoji Temple, rather than Toshogu Shrine. They said that Toshogu somehow always had people in view and felt like a tourist spot, whereas they seemed to sense the beauty of Japan in the quiet, ancient buildings surrounded by nature with no one around. As the guide, I did not say which of the two was better; instead, I explained a comparison of the two (Toshogu and Taiyuin), helping them understand the background and thinking behind each, so that they could take an interest in both, though perhaps my explanation was still not enough. The dango and matcha at the sweets shop seemed to be very much enjoyed. Incidentally, ever since we met at Tobu Nikko Station in the morning, the guests kept saying "Matcha, Matcha…", so I think it was a good choice.
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～Shinkyo Bridge | 220JPY |
| Total | 220JPY | ||
I am more than happy to take you to attractive tourism resources scattered in Nikko. I will prepare for your trip enough to satisfy your requests and provide you with the memorable tour. When I was a company employee, I lived abroad for 5 years in Los Angeles, 11 and a half years in Washington D.C. and 2 and half years in Brussels. Despite 19 year long stay abroad, I remain charmed by Japanese things, such as culture, custom, spirit, martial art etc. I am glad if I can be of help you understand Japan as well as Nikko through my guide. I am interested in Japanese martial arts: I own the third grade in Japanese archery, known as Kyudo and I have passed a certification examination (1st grade) for Sumo wrestling conducted by the Japanese Sumo Promoting Association.
May 22, 2026
michaeliI2370UG
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nikko with Ichiro Amazing!
Ichiro was an awesome tour guide and made…
May 22, 2026
michaeliI2370UG
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nikko with Ichiro Amazing!
Ichiro was an awesome tour guide and made our trip to Nikko a super memorable one! He was extremely knowledge in the history of the city and was amazing. We were also late coming from Tokyo due to losing our suica card and ichiro accommodated us immensely. Highly recommended and an amazing person to have as your guide!
May 15, 2026
Laurent S
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
excellent
Ichi was very patient, indulgent, super nice, always had an…
May 15, 2026
Laurent S
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
excellent
Ichi was very patient, indulgent, super nice, always had an ear for our questions.
We had a wonderful day, with a wonderful guide. We can highly recommend Ichi. very
happy that he was part of our trip in Japan. Thank you. Laurent
May 12, 2026
H4725BUbarbarab
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ichi memorable tour
Ichi made our trip to Nikko very memorable. He…
May 12, 2026
H4725BUbarbarab
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ichi memorable tour
Ichi made our trip to Nikko very memorable. He was veery knowledgeable about all aspects of Nico and divided our trip up into nature and temples. Very organized and had a plan to maximize our time. He was very personable and made our one day in Nikko very very special.
Apr 5, 2026
EmilioP6
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Great day with Ichi
Our day in Nikko with Ichi was…
Apr 5, 2026
EmilioP6
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Great day with Ichi
Our day in Nikko with Ichi was truly the highlight of our trip to Japan. He was absolutely amazing from start to finish ? friendly, knowledgeable, kind, and a real pleasure to spend the day with. He made the whole experience so special and memorable, sharing fascinating insights and helping us appreciate Nikko even more. We also had a great lunch together and a lovely coffee in the afternoon, which made the day feel even more personal and enjoyable. Thanks to Ichi, this was not just a tour, but one of the most beautiful memories of our trip. We couldn’t recommend him more highly.