Explore the UNESCO-listed temples and shrines on our private car tour.
The tour will start from the Shinkyo Bridge connecting the human world to the spiritual world where Mt. Nantai is worshipped as one of the sacred mountains of Japan.
Discover the culture and history of the samurai by exploring Toshogu Shrine, the most gorgeous architecture in eastern Japan which was built in the early 17 century as the mausoleum of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, known as the father of EDO for 265 years until 1867.
In the afternoon, you can either explore more of Nikko's nature such as using the Akechidaira ropeway, see the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, visiting Ashikaga Flower Park, or have a fun time at the Edo Wonderland.
Your journey is guided by nationally certified guide and skilled driver, passionate about sharing their love for Japan’s culture, history, and beautiful nature.
Enjoy our tailored tour, designed to showcase both the iconic sights and hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable day.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, and 8:00 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult
$645
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $1,194.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
Tour Options
Private custom tour: Chartered car to Nikko, Toshogu Shrine, Edo Wonderland etc
Pickup included
Itinerary
Nikko Tosho-gu
Admission not included60 min
The mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu Shogun, the founder of Tokyo (Edo) the most gorgeous architecture in Japan. (60 to 90mn)
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Admission not included120 min
Back in the Edo period in the 18th century. Disguise yourself in samurai, ronin, feudal lord, or wear a kimono to be the princess of the feudal period, etc., enjoy the show, and become part of the scene. (120 to 150mn)
Ninja Show is popular.
*Closed every Wednesday. Please check their official calendar for details.
Shinkyo Bridge
Admission not included10 min
Beautiful historical bridge. (10mn)
Yomeimon (Main Gate)
Pass by
The main gate of Tosho-gu, also known as Higurashi no mon, so magnificent that you can spend one whole day just seeing this gate.
Taiyuimbyo Shrine
Admission not included30 min
The Mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu the grandson of Ieyasu is also part of the world heritage. (30mn to 60mn)
20 min
The famous and mysterious Jizo statues (Bodhisattva) are said that you will not get the same number when you count them the second time. (20 to 30mn)
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
Admission not included45 min
The ancient residence of the Tokugawa family moved and replaced to become the villa of the Taisho Emperor. (45 to 60mn)
Irohazaka Route
Pass by
The windy road from Tosho-gu to Lake Chuzenjiko, famous for maples in fall.
Akechidaira Observation Area
Admission not included30 min
Beautiful scenery of Nikko and Lake Chuzenji from the observatory. (30mn to 60mn)
Kegon Falls
Admission not included30 min
One of the 3 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.
Nikko Futarasan Shrine
30 min
Also taking part of the world heritage of UNESCO with Tosho-gu Shrine.
Lake Chuzenji
30 min
Lake Chuzenji
Nikko National Park
Pass by
Nikko National Park
Ashikaga Flower Park
Admission not included60 min
Japanese Wisteria flower is popular in spring. you can enjoy different flowers throughout the season and light up in during the Christmas season. (60 to 90mn)
Berry's Fan
Admission not included30 min
Enjoy all you can eat of Japanese sweet strawberries. You can taste a maximum of 11 different varieties of Tochigi prefecture local varieties. *Late Dec to May
What's included
Included
Hop-on hop-off tour
One bottled water per person
Fuel surcharge
Private guide (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean professional guides are available)
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Private chauffeur
Not included
Food and drinks
Lunch
Admission to facilities
Gratuity *5-20%
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Edo Wonderland
Shinkyo Bridge
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa
Akechidaira Ropeway
Kegon Falls
Ashikaga Flower Park
Taiyuimbyo Shrine
Berry's Farm
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
118 reviews
5
117
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The itinerary on the What to Expect is a list, please select around 4 to 6 sites.
You can ask our guide for advice and suggestions after booking.
Please advise for any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking, vegetarian option is available.
The tour will not be cancelled or refunded even if some spots are not fully visible due to weather conditions. The activity schedule is subject to change/cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
The price remains the same with or without the vehicle.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Nikko Private: Toshogu & Edo Wonderland | Licensed Guide & Driver lasts about 11 hours. The itinerary has 15 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $646 per person for this Nikko experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $1,194. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, and 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include HOTEL MYSTAYS Ueno Iriyaguchi, Hotel Livemax Asakusa Ekimae.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in RU, ZH-TW, KO, CMN, JA, EN, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 118 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Japan Star Travel Agency.
Reviews(118)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
E
Eric_G
September 29, 2026 · via Viator
Highly recommended and amazing hosts!
We had a wonderful day with the very professional driver Taka and the amazing guide Seiji. Probably learnt the most of any of our tours in Japan.
Operator response
Thank you sincerely for your kind review. Taka and I are delighted that the tour became one of the most memorable experiences of your stay in Japan.
It was truly our pleasure to assist you, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future.
Wishing you a safe and pleasant flight home!
Seiji
C
Cameron_M
September 26, 2026 · via Viator
Wonderful trip to Nikko
We had a wonderful time with Tak on our tour! We learned a lot and got to see some really beautiful spots. Tak and his team were very responsive and curated the day just to our liking, and even picked a fantastic lunch spot to fit our groups many dietary restrictions, definitely give this trip a try!
Operator response
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed your day in Nikko and that the itinerary fit your group’s needs. I also thought the restaurant was a great choice, so I’m happy to hear you liked it.
It was a pleasure guiding you, and we appreciate you choosing our tour.
Tak
W
wenqi_l
June 14, 2026 · via Viator
Wonderful solo trip to Nikko
Taiji san was really professional and passionate with his work and answered all the questions I had during the trip. I booked a solo 11-hour trip and never did I ever feel awkward during the trip. He was good at explaining the historical facts and elaborated information about the places we visited. We were able to visit more places than originally planned and he walked me through everything we saw at the sights. Very fun and informative trip. I have never been to Nikko, but now I feel like I have learned so much about this place in just one day. Again, many thanks to my guide and drive!
Operator response
Dear Wenqi
Thank you for such a kind review.
As we started early and were fortunate with the traffic, we did more visits than the original schedule. After checking the weather, we started visiting the Lake Chuzenji area, which turned out to be a good circuit not just weather-wise but also for avoiding the crowds.
We did the 1. Lake Chuzenji view, 2.Chuzenji Temple, 3. Futarasan Shrine (No2.), 4. Kegon Falls, 5.Lunch, 6.Shinkyo Bridge, 7. Toshogu Shrine, 8. Rinnoji temple, 9.Short visit to Futarasan Shrine (No.1)
and a bonus shopping time at Kanaya Bakery, the renowned Kanaya hotel group's bakery.
So on this day, I ended up explaining from the early beliefs of the Kami, Monk Shodo Shoin who created the origin of the monastery and pilgrimage of Mt. Nantai, the medieval period with the Tokugawa shogun family up to the 20th century when the foreign people started to visit, later spending the summer to enjoy the beautiful nature of Nikko.
It was truly a memorable day for me too, as the allotted time is usually not enough to explain Nikko's history in such depth.
Let me also add that your love and interest in Japanese culture, and your Chinese background in understanding the characters, indeed helped me a lot.
All the best, and I hope to see you again this year.
Taiji
D
denisedT8958LC
June 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Full day in Nikko - worth the time to get there!
Where to begin? Our guide and driver, Mazda, was such a pleasure to work with prior to our trip to Nikko. He helped plan a wonderful mix of culture and nature. When the weather turned on us at Kegon falls he quickly adapted and brought us to Yutaki waterfall that was stunning! I honestly can’t say enough about our day. From Edo Wonderland, the Nikko Toshogu shrine, Rinnoji temple, Shinkyo bridge, and an unexpected treat of Kanmangafuchi Abyss - very full yet manageable day. A really amazing day and Mazda was incredible throughout!! I would highly recommend!
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you once again for joining our Nikko National Park tour.
One of the great advantages of a private tour is that you can travel without waiting. Additionally, we can flexibly adjust the itinerary based on the weather and other conditions, allowing you to make the most of your tour time!
By immersing yourself in the world of the Edo period and enjoying the great outdoors of Nikko National Park, we hope you were able to experience Japan’s history and culture. We know the packed schedule may have left you a bit tired, but we hope you enjoyed the highlights of Nikko National Park.
We offer a variety of private tours, and we look forward to serving you again in the near future!
Mazda
G
gerardoi585
May 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Nikko tour
The tour was excellent, they explained us previous the activities and gave us the chance to modify if we wish to. Both tour and driver gave us the best treatment and recommendations all the time. Without a doubt I’ll be booking this tour on my way back to Japan.
Operator response
Thank you for joining our tour and leaving heartwarming review.
Lake Chuzenji was shrouded in fog, but at Ryuzu Falls, we were able to experience the dynamic waterfall up close, and the fresh greenery was beautiful. The restaurant had a charming atmosphere, utilizing an old building, and the Tochigi beef was delicious. I was very happy that you all enjoyed yourselves.
Yoshiko
H
Heidi M
April 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
LOVED NIKKO! Would totally recommend.
We had a wonderful time with a wonderful, knowledgeable guide. Nikko is a place everyone should visit.
Operator response
Did you enjoy Japan to your heart’s content? Were you able to see the beautiful cherry blossoms?
Even beyond spring, Japan has so much to offer in every season. I hope you’ll come back again—whether to enjoy the fresh greenery of summer, the stunning foliage of autumn, or the peaceful beauty of winter snow.
I’m sure you’ll be busy again back in the United States, so please take good care of yourself.
Tadashi
R
Rajiv_D
April 11, 2026 · via Viator
Nikko excursion
They loved the excursion every different places we visited the tour guide was very knowledgeable friendly
Operator response
Thank you very much for your 5-star review! We really appreciate your feedback. We visited lakes, waterfalls and UNESCO HERITAGE sites on a beautiful day in Nikko. Nikko is also famed for wonderful autumn colored leaves.
We hope to serve you again in the near future!
Yoshimi
A
alyssaw774
March 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
NIKKO MUST DO DAY TRIP!
Our experience was all we could have hoped for and more. Our guide, Tadashi, welcomed us with personalized gifts and gave us a history lesson on our way to Nikko. He really went above and beyond to make the day special. The car was clean and the drive was beautiful. It was a long drive but the car was comfortable enough we all fell asleep on our way back to the hotel. He took us to a wonderful lunch and then snow cones (that I will never forget). Nikko was breathtaking and a highlight of our trip to Japan.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your warm review. I’m very glad that you were able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, even in the rain. I was also delighted that you found a sense of wabi-sabi within the grounds of the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, despite its gorgeous appearance.
I hadn’t expected that you would try shaved ice on such a cold day, but I’m very happy that you enjoyed the incredibly fluffy kakigori in Japan.
Please come back to Japan again—I look forward to seeing you again.
Tadashi
A
Analie_I
December 18, 2025 · via Viator
Incredible Experience
This review is long overdue. This past November, I booked this tour and was assigned Hiroko as our tour guide and Toshi as our driver. Both made this an extremely memorable experience. They were friendly, patient, and professional. Both are also very knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history. We never felt rushed and they made us feel like family.
Hiroko is the nicest tour guide in all of Tokyo! She listened to our preferences and made wonderful suggestions to enhance our itinerary. Her attentiveness was remarkable. She was able to anticipate our needs without explicit communication. At one point, she noticed we were freezing cold and went to buy a hot pack to help us keep warm in the cold weather. Even after the tour was done, she gave us recommendations and offered to answer any questions we had about specific locations. Highly recommend booking this tour!
Operator response
Hello Analie-san,
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I truly appreciate your warm words.
It was a pleasure guiding you in Nikko, and I am so happy to hear that you felt comfortable and well cared for throughout the tour. Your kindness and openness made the day very special for us.
Thank you again for your recommendation. I hope the memories of Nikko stay with you, and I would be happy to assist you again if you return to Japan.
Best regards,
Hiroko K.
D
dr_yousuf
August 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Very delightful, informed and knowledgeable guide (Mrs. Yoshimi Sakai)
Very delightful, informed and knowledgeable guide (Mrs. Yoshimi Sakai). She began her detailed description the minute we entered the mini van. She was very pleasant and patient with the kids answering all their questions.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your heartwarming review!
We are so happy to hear that you all enjoyed the tour in Nikko. It was a memorable day for me. I will never forget how much your children enjoyed Lake Chuzenji and Edo Wonderland and were sad to leave.
Even though it was a hot day in Tokyo, the temperature was comfortable in Nikko, nicknamed a natural refrigerator.
We'd also like to show you and your family the beautiful colored autumn leaves in Nikko.
We look forward to seeing you all again.
Yoshimi
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