Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo with Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji

Toshogu Shrine, Nikko's ornate mausoleum

Toshogu Shrine was built in the early 1600s as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. Its gilded gates, carved beams and painted animals are among the most elaborate in the country, and together with nearby temples and shrines it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include the richly carved Yomeimon Gate and the carving of the three wise monkeys who see, hear and speak no evil.

Your Nikko Toshogu Shrine ticket depends on the option: the all-inclusive option covers the entry ticket and lunch, the second covers the shrine ticket only, and the third covers transport and guide without a shrine ticket. Your guide explains the symbolism and history. The best time to visit Nikko is autumn, when leaves turn red and gold in October and November.

Kegon Falls, one of Japan's great waterfalls

Kegon Falls drops about 97 metres from Lake Chuzenji into a rocky gorge and is counted among the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. A viewing platform close to the base lets you feel the spray and see the water falling in a single column, which is especially dramatic after rain or when the trees around it change colour in autumn.

The falls are a short stop on the mountain circuit, so your Kegon Falls day trip from Tokyo usually leaves time for photographs and a walk along the platform. Bring a light waterproof layer, since the mist can be cold even in summer, and keep your camera lens dry.

Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka road

Lake Chuzenji lies at about 1,270 metres above sea level at the foot of Mount Nantai and was formed when an ancient eruption dammed a river. The cooler air makes it a favourite summer retreat, and in October the surrounding forest is among the most photographed autumn scenery in Japan. The road up from the town of Nikko winds through a series of hairpin bends known as the Irohazaka.

The lakeside is calm, with time for a short walk, photographs and views of the mountain. Because it is several degrees cooler than Tokyo, bring an extra layer even in early autumn or spring. If you are asking whether Nikko is worth visiting as a day trip, the mix of shrine, waterfall and lake is the reason most visitors say yes.

Getting there: Tokyo to Nikko and how the day runs

Nikko lies about 125 kilometres north of Tokyo, and the journey takes roughly two hours each way, so the tour runs about 10.5 hours in total. Transport, the guide and your choice of tickets are arranged in advance, which saves the queues and train changes of a do-it-yourself visit.

Lunch is included only with the all-inclusive option; with the others you buy your own. The meeting point and start time are on your voucher. Because this is a shared group trip, please arrive on time so that everyone can leave together.