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UNESCO Temples and Shrines: Private Car Tour
5.0
109 Ratings
Nikko
Embark on a private tour of Nikko and discover its UNESCO-listed temples, Toshogu Shrine, and Edo Wonderland. Customize your itinerary and explore the stunning architecture and natural beauty of the area.
Embark on a private tour of Nikko and discover its UNESCO-listed temples, Toshogu Shrine, and Edo Wonderland. Customize your itinerary and explore the stunning architecture and natural beauty of the area.
Duration:
11 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Nikko Tosho-gu - The resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu Shogun, the founder of Tokyo (Edo), showcasing Japan’s most splendid architecture. (60 to 90 minutes)
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura - Step back into the Edo period of the 18th century. Dress up as a samurai, ronin, feudal lord, or wear a kimono to become a princess of the feudal era. Enjoy…
- Nikko Tosho-gu - The resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu Shogun, the founder of Tokyo (Edo), showcasing Japan’s most splendid architecture. (60 to 90 minutes)
-
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura - Step back into the Edo period of the 18th century. Dress up as a samurai, ronin, feudal lord, or wear a kimono to become a princess of the feudal era. Enjoy the performances and immerse yourself in the experience. (120 to 150 minutes)
Ninja Show is a popular attraction.
*Closed every Wednesday. Please check their official calendar for details. - Shinkyo Bridge - A stunning historical bridge. (10 minutes)
- Yomeimon (Main Gate) - The main gate of Tosho-gu, also known as Higurashi no mon, is so magnificent that one could spend an entire day admiring it.
- Taiyuimbyo Shrine - The Mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu, is also a part of the world heritage site. (30 to 60 minutes)
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss - Known for its mysterious Jizo statues (Bodhisattva), it is said that you will not count the same number twice. (20 to 30 minutes)
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park - Originally the ancient residence of the Tokugawa family, it was relocated and transformed into the villa of the Taisho Emperor. (45 to 60 minutes)
- Irohazaka Route - A winding road from Tosho-gu to Lake Chuzenjiko, renowned for its autumn maples.
- Akechidaira Observation Area - Offers breathtaking views of Nikko and Lake Chuzenji from the observatory. (30 to 60 minutes)
- Kegon Falls - One of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls.
- Nikko Futarasan Shrine - Part of the UNESCO world heritage site along with Tosho-gu Shrine.
- Lake Chuzenji - Lake Chuzenji
- Nikko National Park - Nikko National Park
- Ashikaga Flower Park - Famous for its Japanese Wisteria flowers in spring. Enjoy various flowers throughout the seasons and festive lights during Christmas. (60 to 90 minutes)
- Berry’s Fan - Delight in an all-you-can-eat experience of Japanese sweet strawberries, with up to 11 different varieties from Tochigi prefecture. *Late December to May
What's Included
- Hop-on hop-off tour
- One bottled water per person
- Surcharges on fuel
- Private guide (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean professional guides are available)
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Private chauffeur
- Hop-on hop-off tour
- One bottled water per person
- Surcharges on fuel
- Private guide (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean professional guides are available)
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Private chauffeur
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Admission to facilities
- Gratuity *5-20%
- Admission fees
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- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Admission to facilities
- Gratuity *5-20%
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Additional Information
Embark on a private car tour to explore the UNESCO-listed temples and shrines. The journey begins at the Shinkyo Bridge, a symbolic link between the human and spiritual realms, where Mt. Nantai is revered as one of Japan’s sacred mountains. Delve into the samurai culture and history by visiting the Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its stunning architecture…
Embark on a private car tour to explore the UNESCO-listed temples and shrines. The journey begins at the Shinkyo Bridge, a symbolic link between the human and spiritual realms, where Mt. Nantai is revered as one of Japan’s sacred mountains. Delve into the samurai culture and history by visiting the Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its stunning architecture in eastern Japan, constructed in the early 17th century as the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the esteemed “father of Edo” for 265 years until 1867.
In the afternoon, choose to further explore Nikko’s natural beauty by taking the Akechidaira ropeway, viewing the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, visiting Ashikaga Flower Park, or enjoying a delightful experience at Edo Wonderland.
Your tour is led by a nationally certified guide and skilled driver, both eager to share their passion for Japan’s culture, history, and breathtaking nature. Relish in our customized tour, crafted to highlight both iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a memorable day.
- The itinerary on the What to Expect is a list, please select around 4 to 6 sites.
- You can ask our guide for advice and suggestions after booking.
- Please advise for any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking, vegetarian option is available.
- The tour will not be cancelled or refunded even if some spots are not fully visible due to weather conditions. The activity schedule is subject to change/cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The price remains the same with or without the vehicle.
Location
Nikko Tosho-gu
2301 Sannai,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(109 Ratings)
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Dr_yousuf
Aug 22, 2025
Very delightful, informed and knowledgeable guide (Mrs. Yoshimi Sakai) - Very delightful, informed and knowledgeable guide (Mrs. Yoshimi Sakai). She began her detailed description the minute we entered the mini van. She was very pleasant and patient with the kids answering all their questions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass34747213370
Jul 2, 2025
A lovely day trip - Our family had a great time in Edo Wonderland, and Toshogu was beautiful. Kaz was a great guide and helped us make the most of a rainy day.
Dressing up in Edo Wonderland is a bit time-consuming, but worth it. We were able to watch two shows, do several activities, and eat lunch. The maze and ninja house were surprisingly difficult, but still fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer58180977501
Jun 22, 2025
Nikko is worth it - Nikko is an amazing and magical place and our tourist guide, Shun, was amazing. He is very knowledgeable, and friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjamin_a
Jun 2, 2025
Fantastic tour guide and... - Fantastic tour guide and driver. Yoshimi was an excellent and very nice tour guide. She was very informative and showed us many unique locations that we otherwise could not see with a large bus tour. She was very friendly and provided multiple suggestions for both Tokyo and Kyoto. Highly recommend a tour with her.
Review provided by Viator
Travel705693
Apr 5, 2025
Excellent experience! - We loved it!! the guide is very friendly, speaks very good Spanish, explained very well the history and meaning of some things and places!! The driver super attentive, very friendly!! thank you so much for the experience and for being so kind to our son ..!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phallon_m
Mar 27, 2025
Worth it - We originally were just going to make our way to Nikko for edo wonderland before stumbling across this tour. It’s very flexible with plenty of options to choose from and company is really easy to work with and plan your schedule. I highly recommend. Just know that any tickets or entry fees are not included with this so you will be spending more depending on what you choose. But still worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Alison
Mar 5, 2025
Great day out of the city - Seiji was fantastic. We got to see everything we wanted and he was super helpful with information about Toshogu. I like that he didn’t pressure us to keep going when we were ready to go and was most interested in doing the pace we wanted to go at.
Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
637matthewp
Dec 4, 2024
A must do day trip from Tokyo - Yoshimi and Taiji, you were wonderful and made our full day experience all that much better. You were very accommodating, knowledgeable, and spoke wonderful English.
Our daughters really enjoyed the entire day.
We highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a day trip out of Tokyo to experience the beautiful nature and culture Japan has to offer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_t
Dec 1, 2024
Nikko day trip from Tokyo - We had an amazing day with our guide Ken-san and driver Toshi-san. They were punctual and excellent communicators and Ken was very informative and interested in our family, and very good with our two young boys at Edo wonderland. Ken and Toshi were so accommodating and nothing was too much trouble, they even went on an ice-cream hunt for our kids. We will remember this tour fondly and highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Diana_b
May 22, 2025
This is a Fraudulent tour company. - Please do not reserve this company. (Danger ! ) Beware ! Japan Star Travel. We paid an enormous amount of Money to enjoy this tour. $1,250.00.
The itinerary lists 13 stops. We only did 1 stop number 8 and allowed only 15 min as tour guide Ken admitted his terrible incompetence, by go to number 8 first little water falls.
The tour is really 1 hour for the first stop and 2 hours for the 2nd stop with 3 hour drive each way back to Tokyo City. The tour guide Ken took us to stop 8 first , bypassing the highlight of the tour which is 1&2. In fact stop 2 was actually Closed for the Day! Note. The weather was perfect. I paid $1250 to go to a little water fall (that was really not very special and threatened to do stop 1 shrines in 15 minutes or they said will leave us behind. (Crazy Stressful! ). When we started complaining. They said we have no time for stop 1-2 and argue and try to play games. It’s what it is. I am an avid traveler. I have travelled the world 3 times. I always book with Viator. I have filed a complaint. I demand to get a full refund. As far as safety issue. All of a sudden we were driven to a secluded area about 2 hours from Tokyo, and we were told to get out of the car. When we refused. And said we are going to call the Japanese police, US Embassy. They started driving back to town again. This was a very scary and life threatening experience. When in the Tokyo City I frantically called Viator while in the Van as we felt safer now only 10 min to our Hotel.
We proceeded to contact Viator for help! We also filed a complaint with the US embassy Tokyo. The owner of the company called and we refused to speak to him. So Ken proceeded to put him on speaker and the owner said we must get out of the car if we complain to Viator.I am working with Viator for a refund. I am confident that Viator will protect its customers and provide a full refund for this dangerous and scary experience, and cancel its Vendor there will be no more Victims. Please do not reserve this company for your touring needs in Tokyo.
Review provided by Viator
