Learn the history of the Tokugawa clan and experience wonderful Onsen and nature hiking in Oku Nikko.
Nikko and Self-guided Walking in Yumoto Onsen
Nikko and Self-guided Walking in Yumoto Onsen
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January 2024
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Tour details
Nikko and Self-guided Walking in Yumoto Onsen
x2 travellers
USD 0
Single room additional charge
USD 0
TOTAL
USD 0
Due to accommodation restrictions on this tour, we require guests to travel in groups of at least 2. We apologise for the inconvenience.
If you would like to do multiple tours in one trip or have a question about any of our tours, do not hesitate to contact us with the button below.
- Duration: 4 days
- Trip level:Intermediate
- Availability: Recommended from April to November
- Type:Self-guided
- Price: USD 1,385(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
Highlights
- Three nights at traditional Japanese inns, with Onsen baths on all three nights
- Hike along the scenic and varied Oku Nikko plains, taking in waterfalls, lakes and the peaceful Yukawa river
- Experience the local delicacy, the delicious, light version of tofu known as Yuba
- Enjoy the grand, ornate design of the UNESCO-certified temple and Shrine complex in Nikko
- Relax in the rural Onsen town of Nikko Yumoto
- Visit the breathtaking '3 great falls of Nikko'
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 Tosho-gu in Nikko and the region played a big part in his life.
Take a scenic train ride out from Tokyo 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 a rich history and culture, Nikko is also well-known for its beautiful nature. After exploring the central area, travel deeper into Nikko's varied landscape to Oku ('inner') Nikko, to enjoy exhilarating hiking through the marshlands towards Nikko Yumoto Onsen, a hot-spring village with comfortable inns, spending two further days hiking in the region.
What is included
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3 nights at traditional Japanese inns |
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3 breakfasts & 3 dinners |
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Round-trip rail tickets beginning and ending in Tokyo |
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Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions |
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Detailed maps |
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Local support by telephone and email |
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Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks |
What is not included
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Flights |
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Airport transfers |
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Drinks and meals not included in itinerary |
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Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver |
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Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy |
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Daily luggage transfer |
Itinerary
Day 1: Sightsee in Nikko
Travel by train to Nikko. It was here that in 1617 the Shogun 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 Nikko. 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-Nikko. 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 Yukawa River towards the onsen village of Nikko Yumoto where you will spend the evening. The hike also takes in two spectacular waterfalls, Ryuzu and Yudaki Falls.
Distance: 8.4 km / 5.2 mi
Time required: 3-4 hours
Ascent/descent: 295 m / 970 ft of ascent and 90 m / 295 ft of descent
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3: Hike in the Oku-Nikko plains
Heading north-east from Yumoto Onsen, today’s hike offers exceptional scenery along the Oku-Nikko 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 monkey and deer are common on this wonderfully rural trail.
Distance: 14.8 km / 9.2 mi
Time required: 6-7 hours
Ascent/descent: 560 m / 1,840 ft of ascent and 570 m / 1,870 ft 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 Nikko and then continue onwards to Tokyo by train. You can spend time exploring Nikko if you wish, or you may prefer to connect straight onwards to Tokyo before lunch.
Meals: Breakfast
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