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Yomeimon Gate in Nikko Toshogu, surrounded by maples in autumn
TOKYO → NIKKO · TEMPLES AND MOUNTAIN

Nikko, between gold and forest

Golden shrines, a volcanic lake and Kegon waterfall

About two hours from Tokyo by train. A tour of the World Heritage Toshogu Shrine and the Oku-Nikko mountain landscape: Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Waterfall and the Senjogahara trails.

From Tokyo · tokkyu train, approx. 2 hours
Two ways to live it · full day or 2 days, 1 night
Option A
Full day from Tokyo

A long but unhurried day: the morning dedicated to the temples, a leisurely lunch, and the afternoon at Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon waterfall. Depart early, return at dusk.

1
TOKYO → NIKKO6:30–9:00

Departure from Tokyo

Direct tokkyu train to Nikko or Tobu-Nikko station. Leaving early in the morning is key to having enough time at the temples and in the mountains.

Approx. 2 hours by train
9:00–9:20 short walk to Shinkyo bridge
2
SHINKYO9:00–9:20

Shinkyo Bridge

The vermilion bridge that traditionally marks the entrance to Nikko, over the Daiya River. A short stop, ideal for the first photos of the day before heading up to the temple area.

photo stop
9:20–9:30 Climb on foot towards the temple area
3
Yomeimon, the golden gate by Nikko Toshogu
NIKKO TOSHOGU + RINNO-JI9:30–12:00

Toshogu and Rinno-ji, calmly

The mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most elaborate decorative ensembles in Japan: the golden Yomeimon gate, the relief of the "three wise monkeys" and the famous sleeping cat. Next, Rinno-ji Temple and its Great Hall of the Three Buddhas. Two and a half hours designed to explore it without rushing.

World Heritage Yomeimon · three monkeys · sleeping cat
12:00–13:00 Lunch calmly, yuba cuisine (Nikko soy cream)
4
Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai in autumn
LAKE CHUZENJI13:50–15:30

Iroha-zaka climb to Lake Chuzenji

A road with sharp curves climbs the mountain to Lake Chuzenji, formed centuries ago by an eruption of Mount Nantai, which is reflected in its waters. A walk along the shore or a scenic cruise is the most peaceful way to enjoy it.

Iroha-zaka: approx. 40–50 min View of Mount Nantai
15:30 Short path to the viewpoint of the Kegon waterfall
5
Kegon waterfall surrounded by autumn foliage
KEGON FALLS13:50–15:30

Kegon waterfall

With a drop of 97 meters, it is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. An elevator takes you to an observation deck at the foot of the waterfall, to feel the force of the water falling from Lake Chuzenji up close.

Lower elevator viewing point One of the "three great waterfalls" of Japan
16:20–18:30 Descent through Iroha-zaka and train back to Tokyo
Option B
Nikko — 2 days, 1 night

The first day, the temples with the complete set of three sanctuaries. The second, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall without rush, plus a hike through the Senjogahara Wetlands and Ryuzu Waterfall.

Day 1 — Nikko Temples
1
SHINKYO + TOSHOGU + FUTARASAN + RINNO-JI10:00–13:00

The complete set of temples

Depart Tokyo, Shinkyo Bridge, and this time the complete set: Nikko Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple, with plenty of time for all three. Afterwards, I have a leisurely lunch before climbing the mountain.

14:00–17:00 Climbing through Iroha-zaka towards Yumoto Onsen, check-in and free time
+
YUMOTO ONSENEvening

Overnight at Yumoto Onsen

A thermal town in the upper part of Oku-Nikko, with sulfurous waters and a quiet mountain environment. Free time for the hot spring bath (onsen), dinner and rest before the second day.

Day 2 — Lake, waterfalls and wetlands
2
Lake Chuzenji at sunrise
LAKE CHUZENJI + KEGON FALLS9:00–11:00

Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Waterfall, no rush

Unlike Option A, there's plenty of time here: a lake cruise, free time on the shore, and a leisurely lift visit to the lower Kegon Falls viewing point.

Optional lake cruise
11:00–12:30 Walk through the wetlands of Senjogahara
3
SENJOGAHARA11:00–12:30

Senjogahara — the Oku-Nikko wetland

A swampy plain at the foot of the mountains, crossed by wooden paths. Its name means "battlefield", according to the legend of a dispute between the deities of the Nantai and Akagi mountains. A silent contrast compared to the gold of the temples of the previous day.

Walk on wooden walkways
12:30–13:30 Lunch
4
RYUZU FALLS + YUMOTO ONSEN13:30–14:30

Ryuzu waterfall and one last hot spring bath

Ryuzu Waterfall, smaller and more intimate than Kegon, divides into two arms of water between the rocks. To close the trip, a foot bath (ashiyu) or a last hot spring bath in Yumoto Onsen before returning to Tokyo.

Ryuzu waterfall Thermal bath or foot bath
14:30–17:30 Descent through Iroha-zaka and train back to Tokyo
Options and prices

Nikko can be visited in a full day from Tokyo, or more leisurely on a two-day tour with an overnight stay in Yumoto Onsen.

Option A
Nikko — full day
USD625
per group (up to 5 people)
  • Private English-speaking guide, full day
  • Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko Toshogu and Rinno-ji
  • Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Waterfall
  • Customer transportation (train, bus within Nikko)
  • Entrance fees to temples and meals
Note: Neither price includes the client's transportation costs (local train and bus) or entrance fees to the temples. For the 2-day option, accommodation at Yumoto Onsen is arranged as part of the service, but its cost is charged separately from the tour price.
*Proposed accommodation in Yumoto Onsen; If you prefer the shore of Lake Chuzenji instead, it can be easily adjusted.

Transparent price

One price for your entire group

TOTAL PRICE OF THE GROUP · NOT PER PERSON
You pay a single rate for all travelers in the group:

1 personUS$525
2–5 peopleUS$625
6–10 peopleUS$599
11–15 peopleUS$725
16–20 peopleUSD 925

More than 20 people: request a quote. Payment is made in USD; Any amount in EUR is for reference only. Transportation, entrance fees and meals are not included unless expressly indicated.

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