About this experience
A Japanese proverb says: 'Never say 'kekko' (beautiful) without seeing Nikko'. Join me on a one-day journey within Japan heading north. We will stroll along the shore of a mountain lake, visit one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, and see the country's most important shrines!
Route and Tour program
On a special comfortable train from Tokyo, we will reach the small town of Nikko, where we will transfer to a local bus. We will ascend to an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level along cozy streets and picturesque mountain serpentine roads.
Nikko has a history dating back to the 8th century and is mainly located within an extensive national park, surrounded by mountains of volcanic origin. This is one of Japan's oldest religious and pilgrimage centers, and the park we will visit is one of the most beautiful in the country. Its territory includes plateaus, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs, and dense forests.
If desired, we will stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants. With some luck, we may encounter wild monkeys, of which there are plenty in these areas causing local residents trouble, while tourists always welcome them.
Continuing by bus on the same serpentine road, we will descend from the other side of the mountain. Here, I will guide you to the highlight of our journey - the Toshogu Shrine, one of the most important sites in medieval feudal Japan. Since 1998, the Toshogu, Futara-san, Taiyuin, and Rinno-ji temples have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I will show you all of them! I will tell you about their history, the biographies of historical figures of that time, and try to convey the nuances of events from days long past connected with this unique place.
After the historical part, we will return to the central local station on foot or by bus - the choice of transport depends on your strength and preference. If desired before returning to Tokyo, we can take a dip in the real thermal springs near a local hotel. Bath accessories are provided on-site.
You can return to Tokyo on the same train we arrived at Nikko on, or switch to the local train and then the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train.
Organizational Details
For the successful conduct of the tour, you will need comfortable shoes, and in cold weather, warm clothing is mandatory: the temperature in Nikko is always 5-10 degrees lower than in Tokyo.
Additional expenses for transportation and entrance tickets for yourself and the guide are paid separately. For one person, this will be approximately starting from 12,500 yen (93.6 euros):
- One-way train ticket Tokyo-Nikko - 2,700 yen;
- Lunch - from 400 yen and above;
- Day pass for local buses - 2,000 yen;
- Admission ticket to the observation deck in front of the waterfall - 550 yen;
- Admission ticket to the Rinno-ji and Taiyuin temples - 900 yen;
- Admission ticket to the Toshogu Shrine - 1,300 yen;
- Admission ticket to Futara-san - 200 yen;
- Admission ticket to Taiyuin only - 550 yen;
- Visit to the thermal springs - 1,200 yen;
- One-way train ticket Nikko-Tokyo - 2,700 yen, or tickets for the local train + Shinkansen - 5,170 yen.
