Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour
Active
4h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This private and customizable tour for Nikko is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.
Available options
Public Transport-From Nikko
Bus, Trains or other: This tour includes public transportation costs with your tour expert (1 tour guide only). All transportation costs included.<br/>Pickup included
Private Vehicle-From Nikko
Private Car: This tour includes private chartered vehicle (1 driver) with a tour expert (1 tour guide). All transportation costs included.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)
4-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf
Choose 2 to 3 sites for a personalized tour of Nikko
English-speaking professional tour guide
Transportation within the city only
Detailed itinerary
1
Upon confirmation of your booking, you will be provided with a dedicated Tour Form containing key city highlights and essential information for your tour. Through this form, you can specify any attractions you wish to visit and share additional preferences. We will carefully review your input to craft an itinerary uniquely suited to your interests
2
Stop 2
Pass by
The final resting place of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate
3
Stands at the entrance to Nikko's shrines and temples, and technically belongs to Futarasan Shrine
4
A historical building in Nikko. One of the premier hotels in the area and stands as the oldest Western-style hotel in all of Japan.
5
One of Nikko's three most sacred mountains. The paid area features a small forest garden with a couple more halls, a spring, old sacred trees and closer views onto the main hall (honden).
6
Known for its row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who cares for the deceased.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
A Shinto place of mountain worship. The temple's main building, the Sanbutsudo, houses large, gold lacquered, wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon and Bato-Kannon.
What's not included
Gratuities (optional)
Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
Meals, food and drinks not specified
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Moderate Cancellation Policy:
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event
PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:
After your booking, you will receive a link to the Nikko Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Nikko Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date
Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences
If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable
Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today
Mode of transportation: Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
Custom Itinerary:
Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time, and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and responses from the Custom Tour form, we’ll begin creating your itinerary and organizing the necessary arrangements for your tour
How far in advance should I book?
Preparing a customized tour takes time, especially if restaurant or venue reservations are needed. We recommend booking as early as possible—ideally 3 months in advance, or at least 1 month before your travel date. For requests made within 7 days of travel, we may not be able to arrange the tour in time, and your booking request may be canceled with a full refund
What if I'm late?
We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time
Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need help
Although this is a private tour, the tour guide will only wait for you for up to 30 minutes of start time before the tour is cancelled
Attire: Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions
Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour
Children that are age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older
Meeting point
If guests are already in Nikko City, the tour guide will pick up the guest at their hotel (if it's within the city center). If not, pick-up location will be provided to the guest before the tour date (the pick-up location will likely be at a convenient location, such as a train station).
About Nikko
Nikko is a city in Japan's Tochigi Prefecture, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historic shrines. It's home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed shrines and temples of Nikkō, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.
Top Attractions
Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is a lavishly decorated shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most important historical landmarks.
Historical/Religious
1 to 2 hours
¥1,300
Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls is one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, with a drop of 97 meters (318 feet) into a stunning gorge. It is a popular spot for photography and nature lovers.
Nature
2 to 3 hours
Free (access to the falls is free, but the observation deck requires a fee of ¥530)
Shinkyo Bridge
Shinkyo Bridge, also known as the Sacred Bridge, is a beautiful wooden bridge that spans the Daiya River. It is considered the gateway to the shrines and temples of Nikkō and is a popular spot for photographs.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
¥300 (to cross the bridge)
Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji is a beautiful mountain lake formed by a volcanic dam. It is surrounded by lush forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Nantai.
Nature
1 to 2 hours
Free (access to the lake is free, but parking and boat rentals may incur fees)
Rinno-ji Temple
Rinno-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple complex founded in 766 AD. It is one of the most important temples in Nikko and is closely associated with the nearby Toshogu Shrine.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations are appreciated)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Yuba
Yuba is a delicate tofu skin that is a local specialty in Nikko. It is often served in soups, hot pots, or as a topping for noodles and rice dishes.
Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan (if prepared without fish stock)
Shoyu Ramen
Shoyu ramen is a popular ramen dish featuring a soy sauce-based broth, thin noodles, and various toppings such as chashu pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots.
Dish
Contains gluten, Allergens: Soy, Wheat
Nikko Soba
Nikko soba is a local buckwheat noodle dish served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth. It is a popular dish during the colder months.
Dish
Gluten-free (if made with 100% buckwheat flour)
Yakimochi
Yakimochi is a grilled rice cake that is a popular street food and snack in Nikko. It is often served with a sweet soy-based sauce and topped with bonito flakes or sesame seeds.
Dish
Vegetarian (if made without fish flakes)
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain climbing
White-water rafting
Onsen (hot springs)
Nature walks
Boating
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional crafts and workshops
Best Time to Visit
April to November
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and vibrant foliage, while summer brings lush greenery and outdoor activities. Autumn is particularly popular for its stunning fall colors.
10°C to 30°C
50°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Nikko is a very safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety and order. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and handling money in public
- • Use licensed taxis and tour services
Getting there
By air
- Tokyo Narita International Airport • 150 km
- Tokyo Haneda Airport • 130 km
By train
Nikko Station
By bus
Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is the primary mode of public transportation in Nikko, with frequent services to major attractions, hotels, and stations. Buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, with English announcements on some routes.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Nikko Town
Chuzenji
Imaichi
Day trips
Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
15 km from Nikko Station • Full day
Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji offer stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and photography. The area is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and mountain views, making it a popular day trip destination from Nikko.
Oku-Nikko and Mount Nantai
20 km from Nikko Station • Full day
Oku-Nikko and Mount Nantai offer breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails, and religious sites. The area is known for its sacred mountain, Mount Nantai, and its association with the nearby shrines and temples of Nikkō.
Edo Wonderland
50 km from Nikko Station • Full day
Edo Wonderland is a popular theme park and entertainment complex located near Nikko. The park offers a variety of attractions, shows, and restaurants, providing a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Festivals
Nikko Festival • Early October
Nikkō Kanmangafuchi Autumn Leaves Festival • Mid-November to early December
Nikko Winter Illuminations • Late December to early March
Pro tips
- Visit Toshogu Shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
- Try yuba (tofu skin) dishes, a local specialty that is unique to Nikko and the surrounding region
- Explore the city's traditional streets and alleys, such as Nikko Tamoan, for a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture
- Take a day trip to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji for stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as hiking and boating
- Stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) with an onsen (hot spring) for a unique and authentic experience that showcases the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
