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
- 10:45 Meet in front of Tobu Nikko Station
- 11:15 Lake Chuzenji
- 11:35 Kegon Falls
- 12:00 Lunch @ Kegon Falls Rest House
- 13:00 Toshogu Shrine
- 14:15 Rinnoji Temple
- 14:50 Shinkyo Bridge
- 15:10 Disband in front of Tobu Nikko Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:45 at front of Tobu Nikko Station and ended at 15:10. The day ran to 4 hours and 25 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Kegon Falls Rest House at 12:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in Lake Chuzenji at 11:15, Kegon Falls at 11:35, Toshogu Shrine at 13:00, Rinnoji Temple at 14:15 and Shinkyo Bridge at 14:50.
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The weather stayed clear throughout, and the guests were in high spirits as the tour progressed. The agreed meeting time was 10:20, but the taxi from Tokyo was delayed, so we met at 10:45 and started the tour. At Lake Chuzenji, the guests took photos with the mountains in the background. We did not spend too much time at Kegon Falls, and the guests had a soba lunch at a nearby shop. Since it looked like we would have time to spare, I gave a thorough tour of Toshogu Shrine, guiding them through every corner. They were amazed by the beauty of the carvings and the variety of designs. They climbed all the way up to the tomb of Ieyasu and purchased a bell that (as they already knew) can only be bought there. At Rinnoji Temple, they made a wish at the "Osasuri Amida" and wrote their wishes on a goma stick. We took photos at the Shinkyo Bridge, and the guests saw me off to the station, ending the tour. Tip received.
The start was originally planned for 10:00, but at the guests' request it was set for 10:20, and the actual arrival in Nikko was 10:45. There was no traffic congestion, and since the guests walked at a brisk pace, we completed the planned itinerary with time to spare. They seemed to be in a hurry to return and did not appear inclined to spend time on souvenirs, so we finished a little early at 15:10.
Click here for more details: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
Please call me Koba.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly appreciated his knowledge of the history of Tokyo and Japan and his very pleasant demeanor. He is a true gentleman and was a pleasure to tour with in Tokyo.
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit…
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit to Tokyo, and our tour with Koba made the experience truly exceptional. We’re a family of four with two teenage boys (14 and 16), and Koba was wonderfully kind, patient, and engaging with each of us. The experience started even before we arrived—his first communications laid out a thoughtful, customized itinerary that perfectly matched our interests as first-time visitors. Our six hours together were full, seamless, and incredibly rewarding. Koba’s deep knowledge of the city, his attention to detail, and his warm, easygoing approach made the tour an ideal fit for our family. It was the perfect way to get a broad yet meaningful introduction to Tokyo in a short time. We’re so grateful he was our guide and highly recommend him to anyone visiting the city.
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience…
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience see learned a lot about Tokyo and our guide Koba was perfect in every way and very helpful. We had a perfect time together.Thank you Koba
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family…
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family and I. He was patient and helped carry a large toy my daughter won. I wished we had another day. Having a guide saved us hours of navigating the subway and metro.