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

  • 07:30 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
  • 08:30 Depart Tobu Asakusa Station (Liberty Kinu No. 109)
  • 10:23 Arrive Tobu Nikko Station (transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station)
  • 10:45 Shinkyo Bridge
  • 11:00 Rinnoji Temple
  • 11:40 Nikko Toshogu Shrine
  • 12:30 Futarasan Shrine
  • 12:45 Rinnoji Taiyuin
  • 13:30 Lunch @ Hayashiya (soba restaurant)
  • 14:30 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
  • 16:20 Depart Tobu Nikko Station (Liberty Kegon No. 42)
  • 18:15 Arrive Tobu Asakusa Station
  • 19:00 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The tour started at 07:30 at @ Hotel Tokyo and ended at 19:00. The day ran to 11 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Hayashiya (soba restaurant) at 13:30.

Over the course of the day the route took in Tobu Asakusa Station (Liberty Kinu No. 109) at 08:30, Tobu Nikko Station (transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station) at 10:23, Shinkyo Bridge at 10:45, Rinnoji Temple at 11:00, Nikko Toshogu Shrine at 11:40, Futarasan Shrine at 12:30, Rinnoji Taiyuin at 12:45, Kanmangafuchi Abyss at 14:30, Tobu Nikko Station (Liberty Kegon No. 42) at 16:20 and Tobu Asakusa Station at 18:15.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Ginza to Asakusa by subway (210JPY); Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (2,843JPY); Tobu Nikko to Shinkyo Bridge by Free Pass (600JPY); Kanmangafuchi Abyss to Nishisando by Free Pass (0JPY); Nishisando to Tobu Nikko by Free Pass (0JPY); Tobu Nikko to Asakusa (2,843JPY); Asakusa to Ginza by subway (210JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 6,706JPY per person.

What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu Shrine, and Kanmangafuchi Abyss

The guests were visitors from Europe who were in Japan for their third visit. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Nara. At Shinkyo Bridge, they seemed impressed by the beautiful contrast between the bridge and the river. At Rinnoji Temple, they appeared impressed by the enormous Buddhist statues in the Sanbutsudo Hall and the beautiful Japanese garden of Shoyoen. At Toshogu Shrine, they viewed the Yomeimon Gate and the Crying Dragon (Nakiryu) with great interest. At Futarasan Shrine, they listened with interest to the explanation about the differences between shrines and temples. At Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which I guided at the strong request of the guests, they seemed impressed by the beautiful mountain stream and the many Jizo statues. Since I handled everything as the guests had wished, I believe they were satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
Section 2OtherAsakusa~Tobu Nikko2,843JPY
Section 3Free PassTobu Nikko~Shinkyo Bridge600JPY
Section 4Free PassKanmangafuchi Abyss~Nishisando0JPY
Section 5Free PassNishisando~Tobu Nikko0JPY
Section 6OtherTobu Nikko~Asakusa2,843JPY
Section 7SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
Total6,706JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Tokyo at 07:30, and the tour finished at @ Hotel Tokyo at 19:00.

How long does the tour last?

About 11 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 07:30 to 19:00.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Tobu Asakusa Station (Liberty Kinu No. 109), Tobu Nikko Station (transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station), Shinkyo Bridge, Rinnoji Temple, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Taiyuin, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Tobu Nikko Station (Liberty Kegon No. 42) and Tobu Asakusa Station.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 6,706JPY per person across 7 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?

Seizo 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 Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.

I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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