Nikko is the quintessential Japanese countryside – less hectic than the cities, but just as vibrant and full of life. Try regional delicacies such as Yuba and Manju, as well as Sake and Soba noodles made from local harvests. Experience the simplicity of staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan, and soaking in private onsen baths. Containing some of the most striking architecture mixed in perfect harmony with surrounding forests and mountains, it’s no surprise that Nikko’s historic shrines and temples are designated World Heritage sites and National Treasures of Japan.
Day 1: Central Nikko
Shinkyo Bridge: One of the most popular sites of Nikko, and the marker to the entrance of Nikko’s World Heritage temples and shrines. As part of Futarasan Shrine, this bridge is considered sacred cultural property. The first official documentation of the bridge relates to a renovation ordered by the 3rd Shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1636. The structural and aesthetic properties of the bridge have been kept the same since then. As a cultural property, there is an entrance fee of ¥300 to walk along the bridge.
Rinnoji Temple: Rinnoji Temple consists of Sanbutsudo Hall (main temple), the Treasure Hall, Harukaen (Japanese garden), Jokyodo (treasure building/dojo), Daigomadi (Secondary hall), and Taiyuin (Mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu). Sanbutsudo Hall is the largest of the wooden structures in Nikko, and houses statues of the original Buddhist gods of Nikko’s three holy mountains; Mount Nantaisan, Mount Nyohousan and Mount Tarosan. (Make sure to set aside a few hours to explore Rinnoji Temple, as the buildings are quite spread out and there is much to see.) The grounds of Rinnoji Temple are free to enter, but admission fees are required for the Sanbutsudo and the Treasure House. It will cost ¥1,000 (combination ticket) to enter, or admission can also be paid separately for each individual building.
Toshogu Shrine: Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most significant figures in Japan’s history. After coming to power in 1600, the Emperor formally recognized his affluence in 1603 when he named Ieyasu the Shogun, thus beginning the Edo Period. Toshogu is one of the most elaborate, expensive and intricate shrines in Japan. As you walk through the steps into the main entrance, make sure to look out for Kikazaru, Iwazaru, and Mizaru, the famous “Hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil” monkeys. The cost to enter Toshogu Shrine is ¥1,300, or ¥2,100 for a combination ticket that includes entrance to the National Treasure Museum.
Stone Lantern Walkway: A great place to stop for photos between Toshogu Shrine and Futarasan Shrine.
Futarasan Shrine: Futarasan Shrine is the final World Heritage Shrine, founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin. Futarasan is the most notable of Nikko’s three holy mountains (now known as Mount Nantaisan). Admission is free, but to visit the Shrine Gardens and Sacred Bridge it will cost ¥300 and ¥1,000 for the Treasure Hall.
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park: This residence has historically been used as a residence and vacation home for many of Japan’s Emperors and Princes, and is one of the largest wooden structures left in Japan, formally recognized as both a “National Important Cultural Property” and as one of the “100 Historic Parks in Japan”.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss: Formed by an eruption of nearby Mount Nantai, this gorge is only a few hundred meters long and can be enjoyed as a riverside walking trail. Kanmangafuchi is also known for its row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who cares for the deceased. This particular group is called “Bake Jizo” (Ghost Jizo), “Narabi Jizo” (Jizo in a line), or “Hyaku Jizo (100 Jizo). The statues look out over the river and across to Nikko Botanical Garden.
Day 2: Okunikko
Irohazaka Winding Road: This famous road connects Lake Chuzenji with the town of Nikko down the valley. It ascends more than 400 meters and is named “Iroha Slope” because of its 48 turns, used to equal the number of characters in the Japanese syllabary, formerly referred to as “iroha”.
Nikko Natural Science Museum: The Nikko Natural Science Museum, which stands right next to Chuzenji Onsen bus terminal, contains the history and ecology of Nikko National Park. The displays are informative and provide multilingual explanations.
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Apr-Mid Nov), 10:00-16:00 (Mid Nov-Mar). Closed Mondays from December to April.
Admission: ¥510
Akechidaira Ropeway: A three-minute ropeway ride from Akechidaira to the lookout, which is said to have the best view in Nikko – you can see across to Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and Mount Nantai.
*Note; the ropeway may be closed during bad weather (fog, strong winds, lightning, etc.)*
Fare: Adult: ¥600 one way, ¥1000 round trip.
Child: ¥300 one way, ¥500 round trip.
*Premium Nikko/Kinugawa Tobu Free Pass accepted*
Sightseeing Boat Cruise: Hourly boats circle the lake counter-clockwise, stopping at Chuzenji Onsen, Shobugahama Pier near Ryuzu Waterfall, a pier near the Italian and British embassy villas, and Chuzenji Temple. In June only, a line also serves Senjugahama at the lake’s western end.
Kegon Falls: Ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful falls, alongside Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama, and Fukuroda Waterfall in Ibaraki Prefecture, Kegon Falls stands at almost 100 meters tall, and is the most famous of Nikko’s waterfalls. Kegon Waterfall is the only exit for the waters of Lake Chuzenji, and can be seen from a free observation platform, easily accessible by foot. The paid platform (¥570) is accessed from a 100 meter deep elevator. To view the waterfall in combination with Lake Chuzenji, visit Akechidaira Observatory, which is accessible by ropeway from Akechidaira Plateau. Kegon Waterfall is also a popular autumn color spot in mid to late October.*How to get there: Kegon Waterfall is a short walk from Chuzenji Onsen bus terminal. The bus ride from JR or Tobu Nikko station to Chuzenji Onsen takes around 50 minutes and costs ¥1250. This can be covered by the Nikko All Area Pass (¥2300 at Tobu Nikko Station)*
Lake Chuzenji, Chuzenji Onsen and Mount Nantai: Lake Chuzenji is a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko. It is located at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko’s sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, creating Lake Chuzenji about 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko’s shores are mostly undeveloped, and covered in forest, except at the eastern end where the small hot spring town of Chuzenji Onsen was built. The small town consists mainly of souvenir shops, hotels and ryokan, but also offers sightseeing spots to Chuzenji Temple, Futarasan Shrine, a Nature Museum, and Kegon Waterfall.
Chuzenji Temple: Located right on the water at Chuzenji Lake. The main temple is mounted on top of a small hill, giving views overlooking the lake. This temple is a sub-temple under the care of Rinnoji Temple.Chuzenji was built around a unique statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The statue is unique for being carved out of a tree, which is still rooted into the ground today. The second story of the temple houses a rare assembly of all five Buddhist Deva Kinds (Myo-o). The hall’s ceiling contains a giant painting of a white dragon by the same artist who painted the “Crying Dragon” at Toshogu Shrine. The ceiling of the inner chamber is decorated with paintings of over a hundred flower varieties found around Nikko.
Admission: ¥500
Futarasan Shrine: The second of Nikko’s three Futarasan Shrines, which stands at the shores of Lake Chuzenji and the base of the sacred Mount Nantai. The shrine marks the trailhead of the hiking course to the summit. Futarasan’s main shrine stands in Central Nikko, and the third is located on the summit of Mount Nantai
Italian Embassy Villa: This complex along the shore of Lake Chuzenji was the former summer residence of the Italian Ambassador to Japan. It was later donated to Tochigi Prefecture, and opened for public viewing.
Admission: ¥300 (¥450 together with the British Embassy Villa)
British Embassy Villa: Formerly a holiday home of Ernest Satow, an influential British diplomat during the Meiji Restoration (1868). This villa later became a British Embassy Villa before being opened to the public. The building was restored in 2016, and inside are exhibitions on Satow’s life in Japan, as well as on British culture. There is also a cafe where visitors can drink English tea while overlooking Lake Chuzenji.
Admission: ¥300 (¥450 together with the Italian Embassy Villa)
Ryuzu Falls: Named “dragon head waterfall” due to the appearance of the double falls resembling the head of a dragon. It is also one of Nikko’s most famous autumn color spots, usually at its peak in early October.