Top Things to do in Nikko, Japan: Must-See Sites and Attractions
Located in the mountainous Prefecture of Tochigi, Nikko is a picturesque town known for it’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shinkyo, Nikko National Park, and authentic Ryokan hotels. For a town of its size, there is no shortage of things to do in Nikko. Nikko is a popular day trip from Tokyo, but it is recommended to stay at least two days to get a feel for the town and take in the sites. This post shares my recommended things to do in Nikko to include where I stayed and can’t miss attractions.
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Nikko is in Tochigi Prefecture, just to the north of Tokyo. Tochigi is a landlocked and mountainous prefecture known for Nikko National Park and Tosho-gu, the famous golden shrine.
A Nikko day trip from Tokyo or other northern cities is possible although not highly recommended, at least by me. I feel Nikko has plenty of things to do and see to keep anyone busy for a few days.
There are many train options to get to Nikko from Tokyo. Train travel to Nikko is possible by The Tobu Nikko Line, JR trains, or a combination of the two.
There are three passes, the All Area Nikko Pass, World Heritage Area Nikko Pass, and Kinugawa Theme park Pass, that allow unlimited access to trains to Shimo-Imaichi to Tobu-Nikko and Kinugawa Station from Tobu-Asakusa.
The three passes can be purchased at the Tourist Information Center at Asakusa Station.
Of course if you have the Japan Rail Pass, you need to take the JR lines.
Instead of taking the train to Nikko, I actually rented a car through Rentalcars.com and picked up and dropped off the car near Narita Airport.
The drive time from Narita to Nikko was about 2.5 hours. Of course, I turned it into a road trip and stopped at other recommended attractions like the Ushiku Daibutsu (Japan’s tallest Buddha statue) and Kairaku-en, one of Japan’s top three gardens.
Top Things to do in Nikko
If you are traveling to Nikko from Tokyo or any other place really, it will be a jam packed day. Although Nikko is a smaller mountain town, there is an abundance of things to do and see in and around Nikko.
I spent almost three days in Nikko and already have plans to go back. I hear the fall season in Nikko is spectacular.
I visited Nikko in late March and Early April. I didn’t know what to expect but I was surprised there was still snow in Nikko at the time.
After spending nearly three days in Nikko, I managed to hit all the main attractions and scoped out places I think others would really enjoy. Here is a list of my recommendations and top things to do and see in Nikko.
1. Drive Around Nikko National Park
Most people who visit Nikko probably visit Nikko’s temple area for the day before heading back to the train station.
One of the highlights and reasons for visiting Nikko at least for me, was to drive through Nikko National Park.
From Nikko, take Route 120 directly to the park passing by very curvy and steep mountain roads.
While in Nikko National Park, you can drive by the beautiful Lake Chunzenji and get incredible views of Mt. Nantai.
Depending on the type of adventure you are looking for while in Nikko, I’d recommend at least a brief stop at Senjogahara Grassy Plain. This is a scenic march area that has observation decks, boardwalks, and kilometers of trails. The day I visited, the ground was snow covered, so I didn’t get a chance to hike here much.
I’d also recommend stopping by at least one waterfall in Nikko National Park. A few of the famous waterfalls within the park include Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, and Yudaki Falls. Yudaki Falls was definitely my favorite.
One of the most memorable experiences while driving through Nikko National Park was seeing the wild Japanese Macaques. Especially close to the evening hours, they seemed to be everywhere, from parks to parking lots.
2. Explore the Temple Area: Toshogu, Rinnoji, and Futarasan
Besides the beautiful nature in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko’s Temple Area is what puts Nikko on the map and the reason why this area gets so many visitors.
The temple area in Nikko consists of three temple complexes, all within walking distance from one another. The three temples include Toshogu, Rinnoji, and Futarasan.
Unfortunately, all three temples charge an admission price so you have to pay to visit each one.
Toshogu Shrine
Easily one of the most beautiful shrines in Japan is Toshogu. The shrine was constructed as a memorial to the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The dozens of buildings at Toshogu Shrine were constructed in 1634 by Tokugawa Ieyasu’s grandson.
Many of the buildings within Toshogu Shrine are covered in gold leaf.
When walking around Toshogu Shrine, visitors will notice the five story pagoda near the entrance and ticket booth.
Don’t miss the famous Three Wise Monkeys who “hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.” You can’t miss it, just look for the crowd of people standing in front of the famous monkey carvings.
Like the Three Wise Monkeys, you have to see the “Sleeping Cat.” The Sleeping Cat is located on the gate that leads to the Tokugawa Ieyasu Mausoleum.
Admission and Hours
Admission
Adults – ¥1300
Children – ¥450
Hours
9:00 – 17:00 (April to October) and 9:00 – 16:00 (November to March)
Rinnoji
Rinnoji Temple, was just as impressive as Toshogu Shrine but in a completely different way. The complex was smaller but visitors can access the interior of Rinnoji to see the three Buddha statues here.
According to the Nikko Official Guide, the three Buddha statues include the eight meter tall thousand armed Buddha of Mt. Nantai, the Amida Buddha of Mt. Nyoho, and the Horse headed Buddha of Mt. Taro.
Photos are not allowed inside Rinnoji Temple.
Included with Rinnoji is Shoyoen Garden, a peaceful Japanese Garden with a pond, walking paths, and seasonal plants and trees.
Admission and Hours
Admission
Sanbutsudo Hall – ¥400
Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden – ¥300
Hours
8:00 – 17:00
Futarasan Shrine
Futarasan Shrine, is the oldest shrine in Nikko. It was founded in 766 by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin and is dedicated to Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho, and Mt. Taro.
Admission and Hours
Admission
¥300
Hours
8:00 – 17:00 (April to October)
9:00 – 16:00 (November to March)
3. Don't forget to visit the Other Shrines and Temples
There are more shrines in Nikko that have nothing to do with the Temple Area yet are well worth a quick visit.
Across the street from shinkyō bridge, up a few stone stairs, hidden in the woods, is Hongu Shrine. Considered to be one of the oldest shrines in Nikko, Hongu Shrine was also founded by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin.
If you walk around Nikko, you will spot other temples along the hillside.
4. Take Photos of the Shinkyō Bridge (Red Bridge)
A Symbol of Nikko, the Shinkyō Bridge, is a red bridge beautifully constructed over the Daiya River. This highly photographed bridge in Nikko is iconic and a must visit attraction.
Visitors can get photos of the Shinkyō Bridge from the sidewalk at no cost. But if you wish to get closer and even walk on the bridge, there is a ¥350 charge. I don’t think it’s necessary. Photos from the sidewalk should suffice.
5. Visit the Tamozawa Imperial Villa
A surprising attraction in Nikko was visiting the Tamozawa Imperial Villa and Gardens.
According to information at the villa, the Tamozawa Imperial Villa was built in 1899 for Prince Yoshihito and was used by three emperors until 1947. The imperial families used this villa as a retreat during the summer and winter months.
The Tamozawa Imperial Villa is huge, at 23,000 m². There are a total of 106 rooms and a beautiful Japanese Garden behind the villa that is a must. The garden has a 400 year old weeping cherry blossom tree.
Admission and Hours
Admission
Adults – ¥600
Children – ¥300
Hours
9:00 – 17:00 (April to October)
9:00 – 16:30 (November to March)
6. Walk the Kanmangafuchi Abyss
About a 15-20 minute walk from the Tamozawa Imperial Villa is the Kanmangafuchi Abyss.
This is a scenic gorge with a beautiful raging river but the most notable feature are the Jizo Statues lining the side of the trail.
The sign at the trail entrance states that these Jizo Statues are Boddhisatva Jizo, which is the guardian deity of children. Most of the statues carry a Red Hat and Bib.
In 1902, the Kanman Gorge flooded and damaged many of the statues some left as a pile of rubble.
7. Sample Local Beer, especially at Murmur Biiru Stand
Nikko was my kind of place. I loved the shrines, the nature, food, and I found great craft beer in Nikko. It didn’t strike me as a beer destination, but I found liquor stores with local craft beers and stumbled upon an amazing craft beer stand called Murmur Biiru Stand, honestly one of the best craft beer places I’ve discovered in Japan.
Murmur Biiru Stand was a tiny beer stand in town. The day I was there, a single brewer was working and they had four beers on tap. The Coffee Stout and Cinnamon Brown Ale were phenomenal.
8. Stay at a Ryokan Guesthouse
If you are traveling around Japan and want to try staying at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Nikko is a great place as there are many Ryokans and authentic Japanese hotels.
There are so many Ryokans in Nikko, it was hard to choose, I went with one that was close to the temple area and budget friendly. I ended up booking a few nights at the Nikko Tokanso Hotel. I booked the Nikko Tokanso Hotel through Agoda.
The Nikko Tokanso Hotel blew my expectations as well as everyone else in my party. It was a highlight of the whole trip and a positive memory.
Nikko Tokanso Hotel was a traditional Ryokan with an onsen (hot spring or hot bath), rooms with tatami mats, and comfortable futon mattresses.
Although everything was incredible, the food was the most impressive. We booked the hotel with breakfast and dinner each night and both meals were elaborate, unique, and delicious! Each meal was different each day. We tried everything from shabu-shabu and sukiyaki to grilled chicken and Nikko’s famous Yuba. Yuba is the skin that is left over from soy milk when boiled.
If you are looking for a recommended Ryokan in the Nikko area close to the shrine and within walking distance to town, I highly recommend the Nikko Tokanso Hotel.
Nikko Day Tours: Get the Most out of Your Time in Nikko
I always love day tours whenever I travel somewhere new. The guides are usually local and know the area well, so I end up learning more then I ever would had I gone myself.
Now a days, when I visit a new destination, I look at sites like Viator or Get Your Guide.
Below are a few tours offered that provide half day or full day tours of Nikko. These tours will take you to places like the Nikko Shrine Area, Nikko National Park, and other exciting destinations within Nikko.
Conclusion
Nikko remains one of my favorite places to visit in Japan. From spending a day at the temple area seeing Tosho-gu, Rinno-ji, and Futarasan-jinja to driving around Nikko National Park, there is so much to do in Nikko. One of my favorite experiences was staying at a traditional Ryokan hotel and Nikko is one of the better places to find affordable Ryokan hotels for that authentic Japanese experience.
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Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵
Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖
For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com
Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁
Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.
In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘
I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Train Travel 🚂🚊
For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
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