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Things to do in Tochigi Prefecture

Our most recommended things to do in Tochigi Prefecture

From Tokyo: UNESCO Shrine and Nikko Scenic Spots Bus Tour

1. From Tokyo: UNESCO Shrine and Nikko Scenic Spots Bus Tour

See the Shinto shrines of Nikko on a guided tour from Tokyo. Admire the architecture and spiritual significance of these UNESCO Heritage Sites as well as the scenic views of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, with a lunch also included. Start the tour from either Shinjuku or Shinagawa in downtown Tokyo. Relax on an air-conditioned bus and first to have about an hour for a delicious lunch in Nikko. After lunch, move on to the holy sites of the city, the UNESCO heritage Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futara-san Shrine. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of General Tokugawa Ieyasu. Be amazed by the masterpiece mixture of Japanese spirits with ancient Oriental building designs.  Learn the history of Futarasan Shrine which is dedicated to the deities of Nikko's 3 most sacred mountains, Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Admire the golden details of the main hall in the shrine, while being surrounded by stunning autumn colors. Climb up the thrilling 48 turns of the Irohazaka slope. Head to your first tour destination, the breathtaking Kegon Falls, at around 100 meters high. Follow the stream to the scenic Lake Chuzenji. During autumn, you can take pictures of the seasonal colors with the lake in the background. At the end of the tour return to Shinjuku.

Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

2. Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

After meeting at 7:50AM, your tour leader will greet you at the ground floor of the Shinjuku Subaru Building next to the Shinjuku JR Station west exit. At 8:00AM, you will depart from Shinjuku to Tochigi prefecture, where Nikko City is located. At around 10:30AM, you will travel to the first stop on your tour, the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868, known as the Edo Period. You can appreciate the beauty of this shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whilst learning the interesting stories and legends of the buildings from your guide. After visiting the Nikko Toshogo Shrine, you will pass through the Iroha Slope. It is famous for its 48 sharp turns along its route, and is portrayed in the animation ”Initial D”. The road is very popular for its autumn leaves in the fall. At 12:30PM, you will arrive at the Kegon Waterfall. This almost 100-meter-tall waterfall is the most famous of Nikko's many beautiful waterfalls. It is even ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful falls, along with the Nachi Waterfall in the Wakayama Prefecture and the Fukuroda Waterfall in the Ibaraki Prefecture. At 2:00PM, your tour will be separated into two groups, you can choose according to your preference to either walk along Lake Chuzenji, or to experience the Nikko hot spring. Before finishing your tour, you will stop by the Onihei Edo service area, which is the most interesting service area with edo style design and traditional souvenirs. At 6:00PM, you will be dropped back at the Shinjuku Subaru Building, where your tour will end.

Edo Wonderland Samurai and Ninja Cultural Theme Park Ticket

3. Edo Wonderland Samurai and Ninja Cultural Theme Park Ticket

Enter the renowned Edo Wonderland in the beautiful city of Nikko to learn about one of the most defining eras of Japan. After entering, feel like you have traveled back into the Edo period as you navigate the town constructed with traditional Edo architecture. Choose to wear a traditional kimono from a selection of various ranks and take the opportunity to become an Edo citizen for the day. Become a lord, samurai, princess, farmer or a different kind of citizen, making for great photo opportunities. Be immersed in the culture and experience the complex beauty of being dressed in kimono.  Enjoy a variety of live performances including the popular ninja performances, oiran cultural shows, water magic shows, and a variety of other traditional plays. Try authentic cultural experiences. Learn the basics of how to handle a samurai sword or traditional archery. Take a lesson on how to play the musical instrument Shamisen, how to apply traditional handmade beni lipstick, how to do ukiyo-e woodblock printing or aizome indigo dying.  Learn unique facets about Edo culture through various exhibits including the Edo firefighters exhibition and swordsmith exhibit. Discover fun unique amusements including a mechanical maze, a ninja house filled with secrets, and the mysterious ninja training house, where the laws of physics seem to not apply. Taste authentic seasonal Edo cuisine at various restaurants in the park. 

From Tokyo: Private Cultural Day Trip to Nikko UNESCO Sites

4. From Tokyo: Private Cultural Day Trip to Nikko UNESCO Sites

Experience the wonders of Nikko - from the breathtaking Kegon Falls to the serene Lake Chuzenji, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this enchanting destination. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, indulge in local cuisine, and discover the perfect blend of nature, tradition, and modern comforts in Nikko. 7:00 am - Depart from Tokyo 9:00 am - Arrive in Nikko 9:15 am - Visit Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ornate architecture and intricate carvings. 11:00 am - Take a short ride to Kegon Falls, one of the three famous waterfalls in Nikko. Marvel at the 97-meter tall waterfall and take a scenic elevator ride down to its base. 12:30 pm - Have lunch in the nearby Lake Chuzenji area, where you can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the stunning views of the lake. 2:00 pm - Explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Lake Chuzenji, such as the Chuzenji Temple and the winding road of Irohazaka. 4:00 pm - Visit the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a scenic gorge lined with hundreds of Jizo statues. 5:00 pm - Head back to Tokyo. 7:00 pm - Arrive in Tokyo.

From Tokyo: Guided Day Trip to Nikko World Heritage Sites

5. From Tokyo: Guided Day Trip to Nikko World Heritage Sites

The tour will start after meeting at Shinjuku LOVE stature near Shinjuku Station. Upon arrival in Nikko, we will have lunch first. Lunch is Chestnut Okowa Aoi Gozen (Only for those choose option with lunch). *menu is subject to change without notice. After the lunch, we will first visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a gorgeous structure registered as a Unseco World Heritage site. Then, we will head to Kegon Falls. This is a spectacular waterfall that drops all the way down a 97-meter-high cliff from the Lake Chuzenji, which we will visit afterwards. Finally, we will go to Lake Chuzenji. Enjoy the scenery of Lake Chuzenji, which is beautiful in each of the four seasons! The tour will take about 3 hours to Tokyo, arriving at 18:30~19:00.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Tochigi Prefecture

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What people are saying about Tochigi Prefecture

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 657 reviews

The tour was perfect, the Spanish-speaking guide Gabriel took us to the best places in Nikko, picking us up at the hotel, and guiding us to see the best places, since we wanted to take advantage of the day because we will be in Japan for a few days. He customized the tour based on what we wanted, contacting us before and also during the tour. 100% recommendable!!!

This was a very good tour, well organized and the tour guide (I think Vicky?) was very good. She gave ample information and made sure all our questions were answered. This was a small group of about 12 people, we traveled in a comfortable mini bus and our driver was excellent.

I enjoyed this immensely! Takes all the thinking out of travelling to some key tourist spots in Nikko. Waterfall was extremely beautiful.

Funny park with a lot of fun traditional shows inside. There are lots of mini games and food with just a few bucks extra.

Driver Teng was very accommodating and friendly answered our request. Felt safe and enjoyed much of the trip to Nikko.