Nikko & Kamakura, two days beyond Tokyo
Gilded shrines and mountain waterfalls to the north, a coastal town of temples and a giant Buddha to the south. Each is its own day, planned with care.
Guided in English · also speaks Spanish · from ¥84,000 · long day · for the whole private group
In brief
Nikko and Kamakura are two separate private day trips from Tokyo. Nikko, about two hours north, has the UNESCO-listed Toshogu shrine, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji; Kamakura, about an hour south, has the Great Buddha, Hase-dera and Enoshima. Nikko is a long day trip from ¥84,000; Kamakura is a full day at ¥69,600. Mario is part of the Tony Kansai Guide team; WhatsApp +81 70 8996 8582. Mario travels from Kansai; his train fare (and hotel if overnight) is added at cost.
Nikko & Kamakura
Highlights with Mario
Photo: Saigen Jiro · CC0 Shinkyo Bridge
The sacred vermilion bridge over the Daiya River at the entrance to Nikko’s shrines.
Photo: Jordy Meow · CC BY-SA 3.0 Kegon Falls
A 97-meter waterfall dropping from Lake Chuzenji, seen from a platform reached by elevator.
Photo: Miyuki Meinaka · CC BY-SA 4.0 Lake Chuzenji
A mountain lake beneath Mount Nantai, reached by the 48 hairpin bends of the Irohazaka road. Autumn color arrives here in October, weeks before Tokyo.
Photo: あかれぎ · CC BY-SA 4.0 Kamakura’s Great Buddha
A bronze Buddha about 11 meters tall at Kotoku-in, sitting in the open air since its hall was lost centuries ago.
Photo: Ocdp · CC0 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Kamakura’s great shrine, at the end of a long approach from the station, founded by the first shogunate.
Photo: 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0 Hase-dera
A hillside temple with views over Sagami Bay and a famous hydrangea path in June.
Photo: DXR · CC BY-SA 3.0 Enoshima
A small island joined to the coast by a bridge, reached on the little Enoden railway.
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A suggested day
How the day could unfold
A starting point, not a script: Mario adjusts the order and pace to the season, the crowds and your interests.
- 07:30Meet at Asakusa for the Tobu Spacia X limited express, about 1 h 50 min to Nikko, or a car with driver from your hotel.
- 10:00Shinkyo Bridge, then Toshogu: the Yomeimon gate, the sleeping cat and the three wise monkeys.
- 13:00Lunch of yuba, Nikko’s delicate tofu skin, prepared in many ways.
- 14:30Up the Irohazaka road to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
- 17:00Train or car back to Tokyo, arriving in the evening.
Insider tips
What Mario wants you to know
- Toshogu closes earlier from November to March (around 16:00), so winter days start early.
- In October and early November, the Irohazaka road can jam on weekends; Mario plans weekday visits or early starts.
- In Kamakura, the Enoden railway links Kamakura station, the Great Buddha (Hase station) and Enoshima.
- Hase-dera’s hydrangeas in June draw long queues; weekday mornings are best.
From ¥84,000 · long day trip · beyond 8 h · for the whole private group
Mario travels from Kansai; his train fare (and hotel if overnight) is added at cost. Trains, admissions, meals and any private car with driver are paid separately, at cost. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. All prices
Questions
Nikko & Kamakura: frequently asked
Who is a good English-speaking private guide in Nikko & Kamakura?
Mario, a private English-speaking guide based in Kansai, guides Nikko & Kamakura (his train fare and hotel if overnight added at cost) and plans the whole day, bookings included. Mario is part of the Tony Kansai Guide team; message him on WhatsApp at +81 70 8996 8582.
Can you do Nikko and Kamakura in one day?
No. They lie in opposite directions from Tokyo, about three hours apart. Each deserves its own day.
Is Nikko worth a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. Its shrines and temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the mountain scenery around Lake Chuzenji is among the finest near Tokyo, especially in autumn.
How much is a private guide for Nikko?
Nikko is a long day trip, from ¥84,000 per private party. Kamakura is a full day, ¥69,600. Mario travels from Kansai, so his train fare and hotel nights are added at cost, as are transport, admissions and meals.
Plan ahead
Read next
More journeys
Other places Mario guides
- 01
Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera · Fushimi Inari Taisha · Arashiyama
¥69,600for the whole private group - 02
Tokyo
Senso-ji and Kaminarimon · Meiji Jingu · Shibuya
¥69,600for the whole private group - 03
Osaka & Nara
Osaka Castle · Dotonbori · Kuromon Market
¥69,600for the whole private group - 04
Mount Fuji & Hakone
Lake Kawaguchi · Oshino Hakkai · Lake Ashi
from ¥84,000for the whole private group
Continue?
Let Mario plan your Japan
Send your dates, the size of your party and where you are staying. Mario replies with a plan, and every reservation is made for you, in Japanese.