Is Nikko, Japan Worth Visiting? Complete Travel Guide

Nikko, Japan is one of those destinations that feels completely different every time you visit. I’ve traveled to Nikko twice now and can confidently say it’s one of those places in Japan that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Located just a few hours from Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko offers a unique mix of ornate shrines, stunning natural scenery, and exciting attractions.

On my first trip to Nikko, I focused more on the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Toshogu Shrine. On my next visit, I slowed things down a bit and explored more of the surrounding nature and more off the beaten path sites.

In this Nikko travel guide, I’ll share my recommended itinerary, must-see attractions, how to get here, best times to visit, and whether or not Nikko is worth that day or overnight trip from Tokyo.

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Nikko is a small town located in the Japanese Prefecture of Tochigi. For your reference, Nikko is about 150 km (93 miles) from Tokyo. Because of it’s accessibility and popularity, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo.

Despite being so close to Tokyo, Nikko feels like a completely different world. It’s set in the mountains of Nikko National Park, known for its forests, scenic lakes, and outdoor activities.

How to Get to Nikko

Getting to Nikko is relatively easy, which is why it’s such a popular day trip from Tokyo. I’ll cover both getting Nikko by public transportation and driving since I’ve done both.

Public Transportation

Option 1: Japan Railways (JR)
If you have the JR pass or are familiar with the JR lines, I recommend this option as it’s easy and convenient.
- Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya.
- From Utsunomiya, transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station.
- Total travel time from Tokyo on the JR is about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Option 2: Tobu Railway
- The Tobu Railway departs from Asakusa Station.
- Direct limited express trains run from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station.
- Total travel time from Asakusa Station is about 2 hours.
- This is a cheaper option then taking the JR Tohoku Shinkansen.

👉 Check out my post on Train Travel in Japan for more helpful tips and additional information.

Driving to Nikko

Driving to Nikko via rental car is my preferred way. The times I’ve rented a car in Japan to drive to Nikko, I rented my car at Narita Airport.

Travel time from Narita is about 2-2.5 hours.
There are many sites to see along the way like the Great Ushiki Daibutsu.
Parking can be limited at major attractions in Nikko, especially during peak tourist season.

👉 Driving to Nikko is best for flexibility and exploring off-the-beaten path areas in Japan.

Getting Around Nikko

If you are arriving to Nikko on a day trip from Tokyo, then you’ll want to maximize your time at attractions and not figuring out how to get to famous places like the the shrine area or Lake Chuzenji.

If you love walking, from Tobu-Nikko Station, it’s only a 20 minute walk to Shinkyo Bridge and then another 10 minutes to the famous Nikko Toshogu shrine.

There are buses available in Nikko that run frequently between the train stations and major attractions in Nikko.

Make sure to pick up a map and updated bus schedule at one of the train stations.

Best Time to Visit

Nikko is a year-round destination and each season is a completely different experience.

I personally, visited Nikko in late spring and autumn. Honestly, the fall colors were so amazing in Nikko National Park, I highly recommend visiting Nikko during the fall.

Visiting Nikko in fall is another reason I recommend renting a car in Japan and exploring on your own.

Although the shrine area is beautiful, Nikko National Park is absolutely stunning with the red, orange, and yellow foliage throughout the mountains.

Autumn – Best overall time

Brilliant fall colors throughout Nikko.
Stunning views around Lake Chuzenji.
Perfect weather for being out all day.

Spring – Cherry Blossom Season

There are Sakura trees around the temples and shrines.
Crowds are not near peak season.
Pleasant temperatures but might rain.

Summer – Lush, Green, and Hot

Summer is a great time to visit Nikko and enjoy outdoor activities.
Although hot, it’s cooler here then in cities like Tokyo.
Perfect season for hiking and enjoying time at Lake Chuzenji.

Winter – Quiet, Crips, and Scenic

Nikko is in the mountains, so there will be snow.
The temples and shrines will be covered in beautiful snow.
Crisp and clear views on nice days.
Keep in mind, many of the mountain roads and passes will be closed for the season.

Nikko Itinerary (1-2 Days)

Whether you are visiting Nikko as a quick day trip from Tokyo or planning to stay overnight, this Nikko itinerary covers the must-see highlights and some off the beaten path destinations that I personally recommend.

Day 1

If you only have one day in Nikko, then I recommend visiting the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, this includes Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine.

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko are huge and deserve time to explore. If you finish the shrines and temples, I recommend visiting the Kanmangafuchi Abyss and the Imperial Villa.

Below you can find more detailed information on each site and the perfect 1-day Nikko itinerary.

Shinkyo Bridge

If you are walking from the train stations to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, you’ll most likely see the famous red Shinkyo Bridge.

The Shinkyo Bridge is an iconic bridge in Nikko that represents the entrance to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

The main reason visitors travel to Nikko is to visit the beautiful shrines and temples, set deep within a cedar forest. Collectively, the shrines and temples here known as the Shrines and Temples of Nikko is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine is the most famous and impressive shrine in Nikko. This shrine is dedicated to the samurai and daimyo, Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Toshogu Shrine is lavish, colorful, and very detailed. The gold leaf, intricate carvings, decorations, and colors make it feel more like a work of art rather then a shrine.

Some of the famous features of Toshogu Shrine include the “See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil,” monkey carvings and the “Sleeping Cat” carving.

Rinno-ji Temple

Rinno-ji Temple is the most important Buddhist temple in Nikko. Inside, there are three Buddha statues. There is the thousand armed Buddha of Mt. Nantai, the Amida Buddha of Mt. Nyoho, and the Horse headed Buddha of Mt. Taro.

Rinno-ji is far less crowded then Toshogu Shrine.

Shoyo-en Garden

Prior to or just after visiting Rinno-ji Temple, I highly recommend visiting the Shoyo-en Garden. It’s a small garden and museum that is worth it, especially during fall.

The few times I’ve visited this Japanese Garden, it was never crowded, which is surprising because it’s a beautiful Japanese Garden with maple trees, ponds, and small trails.

Futarasan Shrine

Futarasan Shrine is one of the oldest structures in Nikko and it is dedicated to the deities of the surrounding mountains.

Futarasan Shrine might not be as ornate as Toshogu Shrine, but it’s a completely different style and beautiful in its own way.

Futarasan Shrine is surrounded by forest paths that lead to hiking trails and it’s far less crowded then Toshogu Shrine.

Taiyuin Temple (Iemitsu Mausoleum)

One of my favorite temples in Nikko has to be Taiyuin Temple and the Iemitsu Mausoleum. This temple is tucked in the back near Futarasan Shrine.

Taiyuin Temple shares both Buddhist and Shinto structures, which is common. The setting of Taiyuin Temple is beautiful, sitting at the top of a staircase surrounded by forest.

Here you can also see the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu.

Tamozawa Imperial Villa

After visiting the Shrines and Temples of Nikko and you still have room for more in your itinerary, I recommend either taking the bus or driving to the Tamozawa Imperial Villa and Gardens.

The Tamozawa Imperial Villa was built in 1899 for Prince Yoshihito. The villa was used by three emperors until 1947. Its intended use was as a retreat for the royal families during the summer and winter months.

The Tamozawa Imperial Villa is 23,000m² with a total of 106 rooms and a beautiful Japanese Garden. The garden has a 400 year old weeping cherry blossom tree.

Visitors have access to many of the rooms and floors of the villa. It’s a must visit attractions in Nikko that doesn’t take to much time out of your itinerary.

Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Both times I visited the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, I walked from the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. It’s only a 15-20 minute walk through a small neighborhood. Visitors do have the option to drive here as well, there is a small parking lot.

Kanmangafuchi Abyss is located in a beautiful gorge. Along a portion of the trail, there are several Jizo Statues.

Jizo Statues are Boddhisatva Jizo, which is a guardian deity of children. They are recognizable by their red hats and bibs.

Many of the statues you see here today are badly damaged due to flooding.

Day 2

If you plan to stay overnight in Nikko, I recommend spending the next day exploring the various sites around Nikko National Park. Now that the Shrines and Temples of Nikko are out the way, Day 2 is all about nature.

Kegon or Yudaki Waterfalls

There are so many waterfalls in Nikko National Park but two to me stand out and are a must see.

Kegon Falls is ne of Japan’s most famous waterfalls and is included in any Nikko travel guide. It’s a 100 meter tall waterfall with great viewing platforms.

Personally, my favorite waterfall in Nikko National Park is Yudaki Waterfall. This spectacular waterfall is 70 meters tall. There is a nice trail that leads to the base of the fall and viewing platforms.

Senjogahara Marshland

For a scenic hike with interesting landscapes, I recommend hiking or at least stopping by the Senjogahara Marshland.

For those that want to hike, there are trails throughout the valley.

When I visited the marshlands, it was early spring and still snow covered, so I just walked the raised boardwalks to the observation deck and grabbed a coffee at the nearby restaurant, Sanbonmatsu Chaya.

Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji is a beautiful mountain lake at the base of Mount Nantai. The scenic drive to Lake Chuzenji is an attraction in itself. Lake Chuzenji is peaceful and deserves time to explore.

There are multiple viewing platforms around the lake, some are closed during the winter, but visitors can also walkalong the lakeshore and rent a boat (seasonal).

For me, it’s all about the views. Seeing Lake Chuzenji with Mount Nantai towering in the background is a powerful image.

Demon Steps

My second time staying in Nikko, I stayed in the Kinugawaonsen area of Nikko. This area is full of traditional Ryokan hotels.

There is one attraction here that I found unique and it was the Demon Steps at the Kinugawaonsen Fureai Bridge.

To get a full view of the demon painted on the stairs, you have to descend the stairs or come from the other side of the bridge. Once in the center of the bridge you get a full view of the demon.

It’s obviously not a must-see attraction in Nikko, but if you have time and driving by, it’s worth a brief stop.

Setoaikyo Watarasshaitsuri Bridge

If you are interested in a short hike, walking on a suspension bridge, and getting great views, I recommend going to Setoaikyo Watarasshaitsuri Bridge. It’s a little out of the way but the drive is scenic especially during the fall.

The bridge is located in front of the Kawamata Dam and the hike to get to the bridge is about 20-30 minutes. The hike is hilly and steep in spots but considered easy.

The suspension bridge actually does not continue on the other side, it’s primarily a viewing platform to see the dam and surrounding area.

👉 Looking for more things to do in Nikko? I have a post on top things to do in Nikko, Japan.

Where to Stay in Nikko

If you plan to stay overnight in Nikko, which I highly recommend, it’s the perfect quaint town to stay at a traditional Ryokan hotel.

In Nikko, Ryokan hotels vary from traditional to modern and from reasonable priced to luxury stays.

I’ve stayed overnight in Nikko twice and recommend both these Ryokan hotels. Both were your traditional Ryokan hotels with onsen and breakfast/dinner options.

Itoen Hotel New Sakura: This was a fairly large hotel with great dining options and close to the Demon Stairs.
Address: 1060 Kinugawaonsen Ohara, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2522

Nikko Tokanso Hotel: This was one of my favorite Ryokan hotels in all of Japan. It’s within walking distance to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.
Address: 23352335 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431

Feel free to use the map below to view available hotels in Nikko.

Places to Eat and Drink

The few times I’ve stayed in Nikko, I actually had breakfast and dinner at my Ryokan hotel. I highly recommend if staying in Nikko, to try a Ryokan hotel and opt for the breakfast and dinner, it’s an experience in itself.

That being said, there are several traditional Japanese restaurants in Nikko and places to grab popular snacks. There is also a beer place in Nikko that I love called, Murmur Biiru Stand.

Below are a few of my recommendations for small shops to get treats and Murmur Biiru Stand, to grab a beer after a long day of exploring the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Kumoizu

This confectionery store, with the words “Soppo” written on the side is a popular place to get fresh Taiyaki in Nikko. Taiyaki is a street food in Japan that is a warm cake like pastry with fillings, usually anko which is a red bean paste or custard.

ypically in Japan, you’ll see Taiyaki in the shape of a fish, but here at Kumoizu, they are shaped liked the famous Japanese Macaques that can be found throughout Nikko National Park.

You order at the store and take them to go. The perfect Instagram photo or photo spot to take of your Taiyaki is in front of the nearby Shinkyo Bridge.

Kumoizu
Website
1018 Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401

Nikko Tart-Ya

Another place I recommend is Nikko Tart-Ya. It’s a small shop that specializes in small sized tarts.

If you are like me and have a sweet tooth, then try their famous Nikko Tart or Chocolate Tart. The interior is cozy and it’s the perfect little snack to keep you going either before or after traveling around Nikko.

Nikko Tart-Ya
Official Website
1017 Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401

Murmur Biiru Stand

Do you like beer? I consider myself a beer connoisseur and there is a great little taproom in Nikko called Murmur Biiru Stand.

It’s a small taproom, with only 3-4 standing tables and maybe 6-beers max on tap, but all the beers I’ve tried here, which is all of them are fantastic.

Beer in Japan is slowly getting popular and this taproom is one of my favorites in Japan.

The Cinnamon Brown Ale and Coffee Stout here are my favorite.

Murmur Biiru Stand
Website
1013番地 Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401

👉 For more information on Japanese beer and my recommendations on breweries in Japan I have a post that might interest you called, Beer Guide to Japan.

Is Nikko, Japan Worth Visiting?

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and debating whether or not to add Nikko to your itinerary, the short answer is yes! Nikko is worth visiting and makes for the perfect day trip or multi-day trip from Tokyo.

Nikko is the perfect escape if you love cultural landmarks and nature. The Shrines and Temples of Nikko are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nature surrounding Nikko is stunning everywhere you go.

Nikko is touristy, but it’s still much quieter, relaxed, and more immersive then large cities throughout Japan.

To get the most out of your trip to Nikko, I highly recommend staying at least one night, but it is realistically an easy day trip from Tokyo and worth the effort no matter if you are there for a simple day trip or multiple days.

Tips for Visiting Nikko

✅ Start Early to Beat the Crowds
Nikko gets crowded, sometimes very crowded. Part of the reason I recommend staying overnight in Nikko is to beat the day-trippers from Tokyo. If anything, once arriving in Nikko, do the Shrines and Temples right away.

✅ Take Advantage of the Bus System
If you are relying on public transportation in Nikko, they do have a bus system that connects to the major attractions.

✅ Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
No matter what you do in Nikko, you’ll be walking a lot and for the most part, it’s all outdoors. The Shrines and Temples of Nikko is huge. The trails are well maintained, but still gravel and can be uneven.

✅ Prepare for Rain
Both times I went to Nikko, it rained at one point or another. You can never plan on what the weather will be like as it changes constantly. Keep that in mind and bring an umbrella and rain gear.

✅ Bring Cash
Japan in general is a very cash based society. It’s no different for Nikko. Although the entrances to attractions can be paid via other payment methods many of the shops and restaurants in town still rely heavily on cash.

Conclusion

Whether you are planning a quick day trip from Tokyo or looking to slow down and explore ancient temples and beautiful nature, Nikko is a destination that truly delivers.

From the must visit Shrines and Temples of Nikko to the peaceful landscapes throughout Nikko National Park, Nikko offers a nice blend of culture, history, and nature that you simply can’t find elsewhere.

I hope you found my Nikko travel guide useful. If there is anything that I missed or you have recommendations, please let me and others know through the comments. Safe Travels!!

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Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵

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Train Travel 🚂🚊

For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.

Where is Nikko, Japan