Highlights

  • Enjoy stays at traditional inns with onsen baths each night

  • Experience the local delicacy: the delicious, light version of tōfu known as yuba

  • Relax in the rural onsen town of Yumoto Onse

  • Hike along the scenic and varied Oku-Nikkō plains, taking in waterfalls, lakes, and the peaceful Yu River

  • Enjoy the grand, ornate design of the UNESCO-certified temple and shrine complex in Nikkō

  • Visit the breathtaking Three Great Falls of Nikkō

Ieyasu was the first Shogun of the Tokugawa clan, who seized power and effective rule of Japan in 1600. He led the country for a further 16 years until his death, but his legacy continued, and the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled Japan through to the Meiji Period until 1868. Ieyasu was enshrined at Tōshōgū Shrine in Nikkō and the region played a big part in his life.

Take a scenic train ride out from Tōkyō to the picturesque mountains of Tochigi Prefecture to learn about this iconic leader, credited with unifying Japan, and his powerful Tokugawa clan through the atmospheric UNESCO site which now houses his mausoleum, together with a complex of spectacular shrines. In addition to its rich history and culture, Nikkō is also well-known for its beautiful nature. After exploring the central area, travel deeper into Nikkō's varied landscape to Oku-Nikkō, to enjoy exhilarating hiking through the marshlands towards Nikkō Yumoto Onsen, a hot spring village with comfortable inns, spending two further days hiking in the region.

What is included

  • 3 nights at traditional Japanese inns
  • 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners
  • Round-trip rail tickets beginning and ending in Tokyo
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
  • Local telephone support

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
  • Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver
  • Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
  • Daily luggage transferSingle room supplement(s) if required

Nikko and Self-guided Walking in Yumoto Onsen

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 Sightseeing in Nikko

Travel by train to Nikkō. It was here that in 1617 the shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu had himself enshrined. These extravagantly ornate buildings are now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and there is ample time to visit all of the main shrine structures today. A convenient network of buses enables access to many of the town’s wonderful sites, including The Three Great Falls of Nikkō. After sightseeing here, relax at a wonderful inn situated along the nearby river valley.

Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Inn)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Hike from Ryuzu Falls to Yumoto Onsen

This morning, take a bus further into the mountains to Oku-Nikkō. The forests and mountains here have been sacred to Japanese people for 1,200 years, and your first hike in the area is a gentle introduction to the region following the Yu River towards the onsen village of Nikkō-Yumoto, also known as Yumoto Onsen, where you will spend the evening. The hike also takes in two spectacular waterfalls, Ryūzu and Yudaki Falls.

Distance: 8.4km / 5.2 mi
Time required: 3-4 hours
Ascent/descent: 295m / 970 feet of ascent and 90m / 295 feet of descent
 
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Hike in the Oku Nikko plains

Heading northeast from Yumoto Onsen, today’s hike offers exceptional scenery along the Oku-Nikkō plains, skirting both Mount Mitsudake and Mount Orogura. The trail loops around to the south before returning to Yumoto Onsen for a second night. Sightings of both monkeys and deer are common on this wonderfully rural trail.

Distance: 14.8km / 9.2 mi
Time required: 6-7 hours
Ascent/descent: 560m / 1,840 feet of ascent and 570m / 1,870 feet of descent  

It is also possible to reduce the hike by 4.7 km and 2 hours by skipping the final section of the walk with a local bus
 
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Return to Nikko and Tokyo

This morning, return by bus to central Nikkō and then continue onwards to Tōkyō by train. You can spend time exploring Nikkō if you wish, or you may prefer to connect straight onwards to Tōkyō before lunch.

Meals: Breakfast























    I consent to receive communications by email. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications *
    We are aware of our responsibility to protect your personal data. We act in accordance with the principles introduced by applicable legal regulations and the general principle on good faith in the processing of personal data.
    We determine clearly and precisely its legitimate and lawful purpose for processing personal data and process personal data to the extent necessary and in connection with the products and services we offer.
    We transfer your personal data in compliance with applicable laws and only when it is necessary. We take required technical and administrative measures to protect your personal data and also we ensure that Data Processors take administrative and technical measures regarding data security by signing non-disclosure agreements.




     View itinerary