Nikko undisclosed
A transformative journey blending nature, adventure, culture and spirituality awaits you just outside Tokyo, in Nikko and the neighboring Oku-Nikko region.
For centuries, this region has been a haven of peace where the beauty of nature has inspired people to get closer to the gods. In the eighth century, the monk Shodo Shonin climbed the perfectly shaped Mount Nantai and established a Shinto temple at his summit, opening a long tradition of mountain worship. Eight hundred years later, the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most eminent characters in Japanese history, has chosen this place to build his mausoleum : Toshogu.
Deep dive into the history of Toshogu, the most gorgeous and historically significant mausoleum in Japan, and also a UNESCO cultural heritage. Let monks be your spiritual guides, and outdoor specialists make you feel the grandiosity of nature.
Self-guided tour including accommodations, breakfasts & diners, train tickets, activities. Japan Experience additional value: custom designed activities to experience the natural and historical legacy of Nikko.
3 days / 2 nights itinerary from Tokyo
- Departure city : Tokyo
- Nikko (2 nights)
- Return city : Tokyo
Find more details in the itinerary below.
Why choosing this excursion?
1. Delve into Nikko with a deeper perspective, gaining insight into its spiritual and historical heritage.
2. Exclusive visit of Toshogu with a knowledgeable local guide
3. Selection of the best accommodation at lake Chuzenjiko
4. Exclusive outdoor experiences to fully enjoy the amazing nature of Oku-Nikko
5. Recommandations available in your digital travelogue
Your excursion in detail
Itinerary
Day 1 : Nikko, Home to Japan's Most Remarkable Mausoleum
Embark on a journey from Asakusa station aboard the Spacia X, a newly designed train providing the fastest and most comfortable direct link from Tokyo to Nikko. Upon reaching Nikko, make your way to Toshogu.
On arrival, you'll be greeted by a local guide who will unveil the secrets of Toshogu, a UNESCO heritage site. She will intricately detail the structure and objects that give Toshogu its transcendent essence.
Following this, you will have the opportunity to participate in a guided zazen session and engage in a spiritual Buddhist ritual at one of Nikko's renowned temples, Rinnoji temple. After some leisure time to explore the temples, board a bus to Oku-Nikko and check into your hotel as dusk falls.
Enjoy your dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 : Submerge your body and mind in a nature revered as sacred
Breakfast at your hotel.
Initially a lake shaped by the eruption of Mt. Nantai, Senjogahara has transformed into a 400-hectare marsh over the years.
This expanse is home to over 350 species of native plants and wild birds, with 175 hectares of the marshland included in Okunikko Shitsugen, a designated Ramsar site.Then, venture into the forest and discover the places that are a testimonial of Oku-Nikko's area history of shugendo (as a “mountain religion,” Shugendo emphasized pilgrimages and retreats to sacred mountains).
In the afternoon, a different outdoor activity awaits you; this time, you will paddle on a standing board in the Chuzenjiko lake, situated at the base of Mount Nantai.
Dinner at your hotel.
Day 3 : Shift away from the spiritual and re-enter the realm of the ordinary
After breakfast, gather at the temple Tachiki Kannon and listen to the stories that the monk will tell you about the place. In the temple, the monks will invite you to experience bead bracelet making or Buddha drawing, two activities thought to be active types of meditation.
With your time left you can stay and enjoy the Chuzenji lake views or go back to Nikko and take a reflective walk on the ancient road that use to link Edo with Nikko. This last walk over, you can head to the station where you will take the Spacia X again bound to Tokyo.
Accommodation
- 2 night in an 3* hotel in Nikko, next to Chuzenjiko
Basic fee is for a twin room, two persons occupancy
Transportation
- Round trip train ticket with Spacia X from Tokyo to Nikko
Buses and taxis in Nikko are at your charge- Activities & meals
- Breakfasts and diners* at your hotel are included
- Zazen activity in a temple
- Visit of Toshogu with a guide
- Bicycle (e-bikes) in the mountains
- Standing paddle on Chuzenji Lake
*For lunch, you will find addresses carefully selected by us in your travel itinerary.
Included in your self-guided excursion
Other services
- A digital travelogue made by our experts, including our recommended detailed itinerary (sent 20 before your departure)
- Phone assistance 24/24, 7/7, in English and Japanese bilingual
Not included in your excursions
- Optional insurances
- Lunches
- Buses and taxis
- Every expense that is not in the "included in your tour" session
Other services
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