【8:00am - Start your beautiful day trip】
For meeting point pickup/drop-off package:
8:00am: JR Tokyo Station, Marunouchi North Exit
8:30am: Shinjuku MODE Gakuen
For hotel and B&B pickup/drop-off package:
7:00am - 8:30am: hotel and B&B pickup in the 12 wards of Tokyo
Notes:
* hotel and B&B in Shinjuku, Chiyoda, Chuo, and Taito wards can be confirmed for direct pickup.
* Hotels in other wards (Minato, Shibuya, Toshima, Nakano, Sumida, Koto, Bunkyo, Edogawa) require secondary confirmation.
Important:
* Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure, as the tour will leave on time.
* Pickup order and schedule will be arranged by the driver-guide based on travel distance. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated; please follow the driver-guide's instructions.
【10:40am – Toshogu Shrine Area】——Approx. 180 minutes, free time, lunch at own expense, entrance fee not included.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, and is one of Japan's most iconic historical and cultural heritage sites. Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple, it forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko."
The shrine was originally built in 1617 by Tokugawa Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Tokugawa Hidetada, and later expanded in 1636 by the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, resulting in the grand scale seen today. Its architecture follows the Gongen-zukuri style, blending Shinto and Buddhist elements, symbolizing Tokugawa Ieyasu's deified status as Tōshō Daigongen.
The shrine complex consists of approximately 55 buildings, including 8 national treasures and 34 important cultural properties.
——Key highlights include:
▼Yomeimon Gate: Known as the "Gate of the Setting Sun," it is famous for its lavish decorations and intricate carvings. With over 500 carvings, it showcases the high craftsmanship of the Edo period.
▼Three Great Carvings of Nikko Toshogu:
Three Wise Monkeys: Located on the sacred stable, these carvings represent the proverb "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,"symbolizing moral lessons for children and are a cultural icon of Japan.
Sleeping Cat: Believed to be carved by the famous Edo-period sculptor Sōjin Gorō, symbolizing peace and tranquility.
Imagined Elephant: A relief of two elephants carved under the eaves of the upper storehouse. Since real elephants were unknown in Edo-period Japan, these were created entirely from the artist's imagination, demonstrating both creativity and technical skill.
【14:00pm – Irohazaka Winding Road】——Scenic Drive, No Stop
Irohazaka is one of Japan's "Top 100 Roads", stretching 15.8 km from Nikko city to Lake Chuzenji and the Oku-Nikko area. The up and down routes feature a total of 48 hairpin bends and pass through Nikko's mountainous terrain. Famous for its scenic beauty, it is especially popular in autumn, when the hillside is covered with vibrant, multicolored foliage.
Due to differences in elevation along the route, travelers can enjoy sweeping panoramic views that are both breathtaking and refreshing. From the Akechidaira Ropeway, you can also catch views of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
【15:00pm – Lake Chuzenji】——Approx. 30 minutes
Lake Chuzenji is Japan's highest-altitude natural lake. It offers stunning scenery throughout the year: azaleas in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. The spring azaleas and autumn leaves are particularly famous, attracting many visitors who come with cameras to capture the perfect shots.
【15:40pm – Kegon Falls】——Approx. 50 minutes, Elevator Ticket Not Included
Kegon Falls is one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls and a popular sightseeing spot. Water from Lake Chuzenji forms the Oshirigawa River, which cascades down the side of Mount Nantai from a height of 99 meters. The upper rocks protrude forward, creating 12 smaller streams along the cliff face. In autumn, the surrounding colorful foliage enhances the scenic beauty, making it a perfect spot for photography with a serene mountain-and-water ambiance.
【16:30pm – Departure for Tokyo】
The return time is approximate and may vary depending on traffic and the pace of the day.
【18:30pm – Return to Tokyo and End of Tour】
Arrive at JR Tokyo Station, Marunouchi North Exit, Shinjuku MODE Gakuen, or your hotel/accommodation, marking the end of a wonderful day!
Guests on the Meeting Point Pickup/Drop-off Package may end the tour directly at Tokyo Station or Shinjuku.
Guests on the Hotel/Accommodation Pickup Package will be returned to their hotel or accommodation by shuttle, as arranged.
▼Tokyo Station (Tokyo Station Hotel) is located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, at the center of the Marunouchi commercial area. This large complex station has multiple levels and serves numerous lines, including: Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, Akita Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, Nagano Shinkansen, Tokaido Line, Chuo Line (Rapid), Sobu Line (Rapid), Yokosuka Line, Keiyo Line, Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Narita Express, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Station Code: M-17), and more. It is not only a starting point for many rail lines but also one of Tokyo’s main large-scale stations. The iconic red-brick station building is a national cultural property of Japan and was fully restored in 2012 to replicate its appearance from 100 years ago.
▼Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's most famous commercial districts, centered around Shinjuku Station and extending to several key areas, including the East, West, and South exits. It is a shopper's paradise, with department stores, electronics shops, drugstores, and fashion boutiques. Major department stores include Odakyu, Keio, and Isetan. Shinjuku is also home to Kabukicho, Japan's most famous entertainment and nightlife district, featuring numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, earning it the nickname "Japan's Number One Nightlife Street."
Shinjuku Station is a critical transportation hub in Tokyo, handling nearly 4 million passengers daily, making it the busiest railway station in the world. Nearby attractions include Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Golden Gai.
Visiting Attractions
Toshogu Shrine
Kegon Falls
Meal
B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded