Nikko Day Trip to Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls by Spacia X
Description
Explore the beauty and history of Nikko on this day trip from Tokyo. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the serene Rinnoji Temple, both rich in cultural significance. Marvel at the stunning Kegon Falls, one of Japan's top three waterfalls, and enjoy scenic views at Lake Chuzenji and Ryuzu Falls. The journey is made comfortable aboard the Limited Express SPACIA X, with reserved seating and a delicious local bento boxed meal featuring chicken included. Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour is designed with care and attention to detail. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, the experience has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities, allowing you to join with confidence.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After meeting your tour conductor, you will board the Limited Express Spacia X from Tobu Asakusa Station, traveling in a reserved standard seat toward the mountain region of Nikko. Upon arrival at Tobu Nikko Station, you will transfer to a bus and begin your exploration of this historic and scenic area. Train details and exact departure times will be provided approximately one week before departure.
After approximately 10 minutes by bus, you will arrive at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, hidden within a forest of tall cedar trees. This shrine was built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the powerful leader who brought peace and stability to Japan after centuries of conflict. Instead of a simple structure, the shrine is lavishly decorated, covered in detailed carvings, gold leaf, and symbolic figures. As you move through the grounds, passing gates such as the richly adorned Yomeimon Gate, the atmosphere feels both sacred and grand, reflecting the importance of the man enshrined here and the legacy he left behind.
Within the same area, visit Rinno-ji Temple, one of the oldest religious sites in Nikko. In contrast to the ornate Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji offers a calmer and more traditional atmosphere. This temple represents the spiritual foundation of Nikko, where Buddhism has been practiced for centuries in harmony with the surrounding mountains. The quiet setting allows you to experience another side of Nikko — one that is more reflective and deeply connected to nature.
Travel approximately 30 minutes into the mountains to reach Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls. Here, water from Lake Chuzenji plunges nearly 100 meters down a steep rock face, creating a powerful and unforgettable sight. The sound of the falling water fills the air, and the surrounding cliffs add to the dramatic scale of the scene. For a closer view, an elevator is available to a lower observation platform (additional fee: 600 yen), offering a more immersive perspective of the waterfall.
After approximately 10 minutes, you will arrive at Lake Chuzenji, a serene lake formed by volcanic activity. Set at the base of Mt. Nantai, the lake is known as a scenic viewpoint where calm waters reflect the surrounding mountains. The open landscape and fresh mountain air create a peaceful atmosphere, offering a moment to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Continue approximately 10 minutes to Ryuzu Falls, recognized as one of the three famous waterfalls of Oku-Nikko. Unlike the sheer drop of Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls flows over a series of rocks and splits into two streams, creating a distinctive formation that resembles a dragon’s head. This unique shape, combined with the surrounding forest, gives the area a more intimate and scenic character.
After approximately 50 minutes, return to Tobu Nikko Station and board the Limited Express Spacia X for your journey back to Tokyo, again in a reserved standard seat. The tour concludes upon arrival at Tobu Asakusa Station between approximately 6:30 and 7:50 PM. Train details will be finalized approximately 1 week before departure.
Highlights
What's included
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement
- Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund.
- Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed
- Wearing clothes and shoes that let you move easily and comfortably is strongly recommended.
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
- Seat assignments on the SPACIA X train will be determined by the operator. Even for groups, seats may not be together or nearby. Please note that standard class seating will be used on the SPACIA X train.
- The elevator at Kegon Falls requires an additional fee. During busy periods, there may be waiting times, and you may not be able to use the elevator.
- Train seating may not be adjacent even for group bookings.
- Boarding and disembarking at intermediate stations is not permitted. Guests must board and disembark only at Tobu Asakusa Station.
- Tours departing on September 30, October 4, October 17, October 29, and November 9, 2026, will be accompanied by an English-speaking tour conductor.
