A Whiff of Culture; a Tour to Nikko (10 hours)

Description

Nikkō (日光市 Nikkō-shi, literally “sunlight” or “sunshine”) is a city in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Approximately 140 km north of Tokyo and 35 km west of Utsunomiya, the capital of Tochigi Prefecture, it is a popular destination for Japanese and international tourists. Attractions include the mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (Nikkō Tōshō-gū) and that of his grandson Iemitsu (Iemitsu-byō Taiyū-in), and the Futarasan Shrine, which dates to the year 767. There are also many famous hot springs (onsen) in the area. Elevations range from 200 to 2,000m. The mountains west of the main city are part of Nikkō National Park and contain some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls and scenic trails.

The Japanese saying “Never say ‘kekko’ until you’ve seen Nikko”; kekko meaning beautiful, magnificent or “I am satisfied” is a reflection of the beauty of the sites in Nikkō.

Let’s go to Nikko; the birthplace of the shoguns and see the world-famous temples and statue gallery.

Here are some of the highlights of Nikko, depending on your personal interests we can arrange our schedule accordingly:

• Cedar Avenue of Nikko
• Nikko Botanical Garden
• Shrines and Temples of Nikkō (Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnō-ji)
• Tōshō-gū
  • The Three wise monkeys (“See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”)
• Rinnō-ji
  • Taiyū-in Mausoleum
  • Shōyō-en Garden
• Futarasan Shrine
  • Sacred bridge
• Lake Chūzenji
• Nikko is well-known for its monkeys that walk around the town in the winter looking for food.
• Visit the Jizo statues on the Kanman Walk. A little out of the main city, locals often tell visitors to count the statues while walking, and to recount while walking back. The number is often different, fueling a legend amongst locals.

*** Please note that the transportation costs of both yourself and your guide are not included in the tour price. Depending on where you want to go, there will be an additional charge to cover the transportation fee.***

For more information or to place a booking email me at nicki@tokiotours.com