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
- 9:50 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station
- 10:35 Lake Chuzenji
- 10:50 Kegon Falls
- 11:50 Lunch @Saryo Hirin
- 12:20 Toshogu Shrine
- 13:35 Rinnoji Temple
- 14:00 Shinkyo Bridge
- 15:20 Disband at Tobu Nikko
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Tobu Nikko Station at 9:50, the group explored Tochigi until the tour ended at 15:20. The day ran to 5 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @Saryo Hirin at 11:50.
The itinerary covered Lake Chuzenji at 10:35, Kegon Falls at 10:50, Toshogu Shrine at 12:20, Rinnoji Temple at 13:35 and Shinkyo Bridge at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tobu Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen by bus (1,250JPY); Chuzenji Onsen to Nishi-Sando Entrance by bus (1,150JPY); Shinkyo Bridge to Tobu Nikko Station by bus (220JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 2,620JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The weather held up, though there was fog around Lake Chuzenji and it was a bit chilly. Near Toshogu Shrine there was no wind, and the tour proceeded smoothly. Kegon Falls had a slightly higher volume of water, and the guests were delighted by its powerful appearance. They took a great many photographs. At Toshogu Shrine, they admired the magnificent carvings and coloring, and here too they took a great many photographs. We walked all the way to Ieyasu's tomb, but we ran into a school excursion, so it took a little extra time. At Rinnoji Temple, I explained about Buddhism and Buddhist statues, though I got the sense they weren't listening very closely. At the Shinkyo Bridge they also took many photographs. I guided them to a souvenir shop near the Shinkyo Bridge, where they bought something. At Tobu Nikko we happened to be on the same return train, so I saw them to the train, and that concluded the tour.
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～Chuzenji Onsen | 1,250JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Chuzenji Onsen～Nishi-Sando Entrance | 1,150JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Shinkyo Bridge～Tobu Nikko Station | 220JPY |
| Total | 2,620JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tochigi tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Tobu Nikko Station at 9:50, and the tour finished at Tobu Nikko at 15:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:50 to 15:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple and Shinkyo Bridge.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,620JPY per person across 3 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?
Koba 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.
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.