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
- 1.830 Hotel meet
- 2.950 Sano SA
- 3.1050 Shinkyo at Nikko
- 4.1110 Tosho-gu
- 5.1145 Futarasan Jinja
- 6.1200 Taiyu-In
- 7.1315 Chuzenji-ko
- 8.1315-1400 Lunch
- 9.1415 Kegon Fall
- 10.1515 Nikko Sugi Namiki
- 11.1630 Hanyu SA
- 12.1745 Don Quijote Shimbashi to buy Suitscase
- 13.1820 Finish at Hotel
What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
We met at the Hotel as scheduled. Since there was a chance of rain in Nikko, we borrowed umbrellas at the Hotel before departing. We took a break at Sano SA along the way, where I gave a brief overview of Nikko and explained the origins of Toshogu Shrine.
We arrived at the Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko almost on schedule. After taking photos, we headed to Toshogu Shrine. It was raining heavily, and there were many elementary school students on a field trip. We viewed the Three Wise Monkeys and the Sleeping Cat before proceeding to the main hall.
After that, we received an explanation of the "crying dragon" at Yakushido Hall. We then passed through Futarasan Shrine and visited Taiyuin. Afterward, we tried to have lunch, but a large group of schoolchildren had come in, so we headed to Lake Chuzenji instead. The Akechidaira Ropeway was suspended due to the heavy rain. Thanks to that, there was no traffic congestion on the Irohazaka slope. After lunch at Lake Chuzenji, we went to Kegon Falls. The water volume was high, and the guests were impressed not only by the falls but also by the warning signs around them.
We then saw part of the Nikko cedar avenue, took a short break at Hanyu SA, and, having overheard a conversation about needing to buy a suitcase, I suggested a discount store in Shinbashi. Upon arrival, they quickly found something suitable and made a purchase. After that, I saw them off at the Hotel, and the tour ended as scheduled. Everyone was very pleased. They said that the rain actually made the experience enjoyable and that the buildings were truly magnificent.
Click here for more details: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo by Private Car with Licensed Guide
My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
[FRANCAIS]
J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.
Apr 4, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazu Rocks!!
Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…
Apr 4, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazu Rocks!!
Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance of our trip until we parted ways, his communication and attentiveness to our wants and needs was amazing. We were able to say where we wanted to explore and he found some great spots for us. He helped us figure out Tokyo’s train system, gave great facts about the area, gave us travel tips, and provided us with an unforgettable day. Oh, and we walked about 23,000 steps that day and he was only about 3 weeks post op from a knee replacement! That’s dedication!
Oct 19, 2025
geoffreysE7617EB
6-hour Tokyo Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…
Oct 19, 2025
geoffreysE7617EB
6-hour Tokyo Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour, at my request, to visit older (traditional) Temples/Shrines in the Tokyo area. The 6-hour tour included: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon) Temple, Zuirin-ji Temple, Temples in the Taito – Yanaka Area, Daien Ji Temple (lunch break at the neighborhood festival), Nezu Shrine, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the Kyu Asakura House. Kazuyasu Hakata was very informative about each site and answered all my questions.
Oct 9, 2025
zglus
6 Hr walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…
Oct 9, 2025
zglus
6 Hr walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was a great guide. It is very informative to get a
personalized tour from a Japanese local. The 6 hours flew by! Definitely a recommendation
to do early on in your time in Tokyo to learn the city. Kazuyas was great!
Sep 26, 2025
JulieD4351
We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…
Sep 26, 2025
JulieD4351
We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The absolute best guy. We had kazuyasu Hakata. He was absolutely wonderful. Showed us
all around Tokyo. Took us where ever we wanted to go and recommended a bunch of
places for us. Highly recommend!! We had the best day.