2-Day Nikko Onsen and Ibaraki Coastal Private Tour from Tokyo

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Tokyo – Nikko – Kinugawa Onsen⌄

   Visit Nikko’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the lavish mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine complex features intricate wood carvings, golden gates, and the iconic “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys.

   Explore this historic Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century. Inside, the Sanbutsudo Hall enshrines three large gilded wooden statues of Nikko’s mountain deities.

   Stop at Nikko’s striking red sacred bridge spanning the Daiya River. It marks the entrance to the shrines and is one of Japan’s most photographed bridges. (Admission is free for viewing; optional small fee for crossing.)

   Admire one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, plunging nearly 100 meters from Lake Chuzenji. Take the elevator down to the observation deck for the best view.

   Enjoy peaceful views of the lake surrounded by mountains and forests. It’s a popular scenic spot especially beautiful in autumn.

   Meals: Dinner: Seasonal kaiseki dinner at the ryokan (multi-course meal using local ingredients).

   Overnight: Isshinkan Ryokan (Kinugawa Onsen) or similar. Tatami rooms with open-air onsen. Private bath available.

2. 2Kinugawa Onsen – Hitachi Seaside Park – Mito Kairakuen – Oarai – Tokyo⌄

   Walk among vast flower fields in one of Japan’s most photogenic parks. Famous for blue nemophila in spring and red kochia bushes in autumn, the park offers panoramic sea views and colorful landscapes year-round.

   Stroll through one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, known for its 3,000 plum trees, bamboo groves, and maple-lined paths. Built in 1842, it reflects Edo-era garden design for both samurai and citizens.

   Enjoy an included seafood bowl lunch made with freshly caught fish from the Pacific coast. Browse local stalls offering tuna, crab, and whitebait specialties.

   Visit this seaside shrine overlooking the Pacific Ocean, famous for its Kamiiso-no-Torii gate standing on rocks where waves crash dramatically below.

   Meals: Breakfast: Japanese or Western set menu at the ryokan. · Lunch: Fresh seafood bowl (kaisendon) at Oarai Fish Market, served with miso soup and side dishes.