Nikko: a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage shrine, nestled in the forest

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A tour for those who want to visit Nikko in a day. You'll explore the famous ornate temples, discover the fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism, and taste the local specialty: yuba.

Highlights

  • Tour with a Japanese guide who speaks Italian
  • Perfect for those visiting Nikkō by train from Tokyo.
  • All the key places in just 5 hours.
  • Discover the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism in a clear way.
  • We can help you with any aspect of your trip.

Description

We can either leave from Ueno Station in Tokyo or directly from Nikko Station. We'll explore the famous temples and shrines of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can visit all the main sites in 5 hours. The first stop is the spectacular Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the legendary military leader who unified Japan in 1603. Toshogu is a complex of over 30 buildings. Its rich gold leaf decorations and bright colors tell the story of the splendor of the 17th century and testify to the profound fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism. Here you'll discover a unique and fascinating aspect of Japanese spirituality. We'll also visit the tomb of the great Japanese general. For lunch, you can enjoy local specialties such as 'yuba', linked to the Buddhist tradition, and soba, prepared with local ingredients. In the afternoon, we'll visit Futarasan Shrine, founded in the 8th century and dedicated to the three sacred mountains of Nikko. It's a more intimate place than Toshogu, but rich in history and spirituality. From there, we'll head to the nearby Rinnoji, an ancient Buddhist temple. In the large main hall, you'll be greeted by three imposing golden statues over 8 meters high that create a solemn and deeply meditative atmosphere. The tour continues to the sacred Shinkyo Bridge, built – according to legend – by divine will and associated with the monk Shodo Shonin. Its elegant vermilion color, against the backdrop of the stream it crosses, offers an unforgettable photographic moment. To finish, we'll visit some local shops where you can browse typical souvenirs, traditional objects, and lucky charms. We'll explain their stories and deep meanings.

Includes

The guided tour of the itinerary's locations. The cost of admission tickets to the temples for participants. The guide's temple admission fees. The cost of the guide's meals. The guide's transportation costs.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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