Toshogu Shrine (Nikko Toshogu) Tours
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Toshogu Shrine (Nikko Toshogu) was built in 1617 to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the dynasty that ruled Japan for more than 250 years. It's one of Japan’s finest and best-preserved Shinto shrines, surrounded by a Japanese cypress forest in the popular but still peaceful town of Nikko.
The Basics
Toshogu Shrine is part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s exceptionally lavish, with intricately carved beams, rich colors, and layers of gold leaf across more than 12 buildings. Though it is a Shinto shrine, elements of Buddhism can be seen in the structures’ pagados and entryways.
Located just 2.5 hours from Tokyo, Nikko is a popular day trip destination. Full-day tours typically include round-trip transportation from Japan’s capital, and allow you to visit Toshogu Shrine along with top attractions such as Nikko National Park, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls. If you’d rather visit independently, a Nikko Pass provides access to most shrines along with some local trains and buses. If you plan to stay overnight, look for a cozy ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Look for the carved “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys, as well as other carved animals.
- Renovations of the shrine will continue until 2024. This is unlikely to disrupt your visit significantly because the buildings are being renovated two at a time, leaving most open for viewing.
- Because it’s located in the mountains, Nikko can be much colder than Tokyo. Bring extra layers of clothing, especially if you plan to visit in winter.
How to Get There
From central parts of Tokyo, take the local Japan Rail (JR) Nikko Line or the Tobu Nikko line to Nikko. For speedy access, take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo or Ueno station to Utsunomiya station, and then take the JR Nikko line the rest of the way. Toshogu Shrine is a short bus ride, or a 30- to 40-minute walk uphill, from the main train station.
When to Get There
Toshogu Shrine is open year-round, with slightly extended opening hours during the summer. It’s very popular with international and Japanese visitors, but weekends and national holidays tend to be busier. Visit midweek to avoid crowds.
Lake Chuzenji
If you have more time to spend in Nikko, be sure to visit Lake Chuzenji in the mountains above the city. The bus ride there is an experience in itself, featuring sharply zigzagging switchbacks. Hiking trails surround the lake and there’s a picturesque waterfall.
Address: 9-88 Ueno, Taito, Tokyo, Japan
Admission: Varies
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Toshogu Shrine (Nikko Toshogu)
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Day Trips1 day tour to Nikko from Tokyo by chartered car
This is day tour by private car just for your group. It is comfortable and easy to access around Nikko. You can modify the destinations within time duration. Group with seniors or kids are highly welcomed. Great cost for value and you can enjoy non- touristic spots as well. You will enjoy natural landscape, history and local foods for sure. We are happy to accommodate you to maximize your time for great memory. So we are quite unique because we put our entire heart and spirit to your tour to make you satisfied.
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- 10 to 12 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$605.79
per group
Day TripsPrivate Full-Day Nikko Walking around World Cultural Heritage Sites
Explore the sacred town of Nikko with your own private guide, and hear the history behind sites such as Toshogu Shrine and the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu as you walk. The town has been a hub of Buddhist and Shinto worship for centuries, and you’ll learn all about its religious background as you visit Nikko’s many temples and shrines. Note that entrance fees are at your own expense.
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- 11 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$309.85
per group
Kid-FriendlyPrivate Tour - Experience Japanese Culture at Temples and Shrines in Ueno
Explore a lesser-known Tokyo destination with your own private guide on this private half-day walking tour of Ueno Park. Get photo ops of the vibrant torii gates of Hanazono Inari Shrine, see a Hiroshige print from one of the famous artist’s collections, and view temples and shrines throughout the expansive park. You’ll find places that other tours miss and learn about the park’s rich history along the way.
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- 2 to 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$48.41
Multi-day Tours13-Day Classic Japan Tour: Nikko, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, and Kyoto from Tokyo
Lose yourself in Japan’s majestic cultural tapestry on a 13-day tour of the country’s iconic locations from Tokyo. Alongside an expert guide, experience the luminescent streets of Tokyo, the poignant monuments of Hiroshima Peace Park, and the soothing hot springs of Hakone. Absorb the sacred atmosphere of the Toshogu Shrine, pleasure your palate with the street food of Takayama market, and spend 12-nights luxuriating in comfortable hotels and guest houses. Enjoy meals indicated by the itinerary, and receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to only 12 people.
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- 13 days
From
$4,470.00
Day TripsA day tour to Nikko from Tokyo by chartered car
This is day tour by private car just for your group. It is comfortable and easy to access around Nikko. You can modify the destinations within time duration.
Group with seniors or kids are highly welcomed.
Great cost for value and you can enjoy non- touristic spots as well.
You will enjoy natural landscape, history and local foods for sure.
We are happy to accommodate you to maximize your time for great memory.
So we are quite unique because we put our entire heart and spirit to your tour to make you satisfied.
... More
- 10 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$872.57
per group
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