Explore the Culture and History of Nikko by Private Vehicle

Overview

The abundance of culture, history and nature has earned Nikko a UNESCO World Heritage designation. Famed for its fall foliage, the scenery is spectacular in any season. The area’s wonderful natural scenery has a long history of drawing Buddhist and Shinto practitioners, and it is also the final resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. When you visit Nikko, you can't miss Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kemangafuchi, which you may not be able to stop by on other tours. You can also feel the charm of nature at the overwhelmingly powerful Kegon Water Falls. There are many local cuisines you can enjoy such as yuba(tofu skin), Rainbow trout, etc... Nikko is a must when visiting Japan.

What's included

• ✓Private transportation
• ✓Bottled water
• ✓WiFi on board
• ✓Snacks
• ✓Air-conditioned vehicle

• ✕Entrance fee for Nikko Toshogu Shrine
• ✕Entrance fee for Kegon Water Falls
• ✕Lunch

What you'll do

1. 1

   Toshogu Shrine is a magnificent memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 17th century. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan, where simplicity has been traditionally stressed in shrine architecture.

   ⏱ 1h 30m
2. 2

   Tamozawa Imperial Villa blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 106 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Before being moved to Nikko, the building served initially as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family and was later temporarily used as the Imperial Palace. In Nikko, it was enlarged into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family, but suffered neglect after World War II. In the year 2000, the villa was opened to the public after extensive renovation works.

   ⏱ 40 min
3. 3

   Akechidaira Plateau is located near the top of the ascending Irohazaka Winding Road. At the plateau, there is a parking lot with a free observation area that offers nice views onto the Irohazaka and the valley below. During autumn, this becomes a popular autumn color spot as fall colors spread across the landscape.

   ⏱ 30 min
4. 4

   About 20,000 years ago, an eruption of Mt. Nantai created Lake Chuzenji at its foot. At an altitude of 1,269 meters, Chuzenji is Japan’s highest natural lake, with a 25-kilometer hiking trail along its perimeter. During the 19th and 20th centuries it was a popular summer resort for villas owned by foreigners and embassies. The landscape includes blooming azaleas in early summer and bright foliage in autumn.

Availability & pricing

Pick your exact date & check live availability on the booking page.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.