Nikko Rinno-ji Temple and Tosho-gu Shrine English Guided Tour | Matcha Sweets Voucher Included | Meet Up
- A must-see at the Sanbutsudo Hall, part of the World Heritage site Rinno-ji Temple, is the three majestic Buddha statues.
- The Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning architecture. It serves as the headquarters of all Toshogu shrines in Japan. Its Yomeimon Gate, the Sleeping Cat, and the Three Monkeys are among the structures and sculptures that are must-sees!
- A special gift voucher for matcha dessert from a popular local dessert shop (choose one of two) is included!
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | With Snacks |
| Sightseeing type | Temples & shrines, Historic site tour |
| Transport | Walking |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
・Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is one of Japan's three major Toshogu shrines. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, its magnificent main hall has been designated a National Treasure and Important Cultural Property. In December 1999, the Nikko Shrines and Temples complex, encompassing Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Shrine, was registered as a World Heritage Site. The Toshogu Shrine complex encompasses numerous buildings, most notably the Three Monkey Statue, Yomeimon Gate, and the Sleeping Cat, all must-sees, making it a worthwhile experience.
・Runnoji Temple
The history of Rinno-ji Temple dates back to the Nara period, and it flourished during the Edo period under the patronage of the Tokugawa clan. The temple grounds contain numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, including the Daiyuin Mausoleum, dedicated to Tokugawa Iemitsu, and the main hall, Sanbutsu-do. Mount Nikko comprises Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinno-ji Temple, collectively known as the "Two Shrines and One Temple." Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, while Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple were founded during the Nara period and have a much longer history. Originally, the belief in the unity of Shinto and Buddhism was prevalent, but the distinction was not clearly defined until the implementation of the "Shinto and Buddhism Separation Order" in the early Meiji era, resulting in the buildings of Rinno-ji Temple being scattered across several locations within Mount Nikko.
※This product only provides a guided tour and does not include admission tickets. Please purchase the admission fee at your own expense: Rinno-ji Temple 400 yen, Tosho-gu Shrine 1600 yen
・MATCHA CAFE Nikko Teapot
MATCHA CAFE's Nikko teapots are inspired by the story of Tokugawa Ieyasu's love of tea. Legend has it that the finest matcha tea from across Japan was poured into teapots and sent to a dedicated "teapot house," becoming a precious symbol of tea culture. MATCHA CAFE Nikko Teapot meticulously selects high-quality Uji matcha and infuses it with the aroma of local sencha, offering visitors to Nikko a variety of exquisite matcha desserts and beverages. These teas not only embody Ieyasu's taste but also perpetuate the spirit of Nikko's tea ceremony.
※This special offer offers a coupon that can be redeemed for one of the shop's signature desserts, the "Matcha Crepe" or the "Matcha Strawberry Latte." Each matcha is hand-made by a craftsman on-site, fully showcasing the aroma and layers of matcha, providing a multi-layered tasting experience.
※MATCHA CAFE Nikko Teapot is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please don't miss it.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine - Yomeimon Gate
Nikko Toshogu Shrine - Three Monkeys
Nikko Toshogu Shrine - Sleeping Cat
Nikko Street Style
MATCHA CAFE Nikko Teapot Exchange Coupon Contents
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Tochigi
Experience time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Minimum number of people in a group: 2
English tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Torotech Co., Ltd.
Address: 4th floor, Tennozu Center Tower, 2-2-24 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tokyo Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-5234
Travel Industry Association Name: Full Member of National Travel Industry Association
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 17:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The tour guide mainly provides English explanation services. Please be advised that Chinese explanations are not available.
Please reserve time to arrive at the meeting point. The tour guide will depart on time. No extra refunds will be given for latecomers. Thank you for your understanding.
MATCHA CAFE Nikko Teapot is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so don't miss it.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
To access certain areas within Rinno-ji Temple, such as the Sanbutsudo Hall, and the main shrine complex of Toshogu Shrine, specific admission is required. These sites often have separate entry points for different sections. A guided tour typically includes the necessary admissions to explore the key highlights of both UNESCO World Heritage sites, ensuring a seamless experience.
Rinno-ji Temple is a significant UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in the 8th century by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin. It played a crucial role in establishing Buddhism in Nikko. Its most prominent feature is the Sanbutsudo Hall, which houses three majestic gold-lacquered wooden statues of Amida Nyorai, Senju Kannon, and Bato Kannon, representing the mountain deities of Nikko.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is renowned for its extraordinarily lavish and detailed architecture, combining Shinto and Buddhist elements. Must-see highlights include the ornate Yomeimon Gate, also known as the 'Higurashi-mon' or Twilight Gate, due to its intricate carvings that visitors can gaze upon all day. Other famous carvings include the 'Sleeping Cat' and the 'Three Wise Monkeys' depicting 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil'.
From JR or Tobu Nikko Station, you can easily reach Rinno-ji Temple and Toshogu Shrine by local bus. The 'World Heritage Sightseeing Bus' offers convenient access directly to the area where both sites are located. Alternatively, it's about a 20-30 minute uphill walk from the stations to the temple and shrine complex, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Rinno-ji Temple and Toshogu Shrine, along with Futarasan jinja, collectively form the 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko' UNESCO World Heritage site. Their significance lies in their architectural brilliance, intricate artistry, and deep historical connections to Japanese religious and political figures, particularly the Tokugawa shogunate. They represent a unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions that flourished together.
The tour provides an immersive experience with a professional English-speaking guide. They offer detailed introductions to the rich history, cultural significance, and architectural details of both Rinno-ji Temple and Toshogu Shrine. This expert guidance enhances understanding of these UNESCO World Heritage sites, providing insights you might miss when exploring independently.
The tour includes a special gift voucher for matcha dessert. Visitors can use this voucher at a popular local souvenir shop near the shrine and temple area. You will typically have a choice between two delicious matcha dessert options, providing a delightful taste of Nikko's local flavors and a perfect way to conclude your visit.
To thoroughly experience both Rinno-ji Temple and Toshogu Shrine, including their main halls, intricate carvings, and serene grounds, it is recommended to allocate at least 3 to 4 hours. This allows ample time for exploration, appreciation of the detailed architecture, and learning about their historical significance without feeling rushed.
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