Nikko
Japan · Tochigi · 600 m
Description
Nikkō (日光市) is a historic mountain city in Tochigi Prefecture and one of Japan’s most important spiritual and cultural destinations. The city is renowned for its magnificent shrines and temples, most notably the UNESCO-listed Tōshōgū Shrine, which houses the mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Dense cedar forests, intricate wood carvings, and the iconic Shinkyō Bridge define its historic heart. In the surrounding Nikkō National Park, Lake Chūzenji, Kegon and Ryūzu Falls, hot springs, and dramatic mountain landscapes showcase the region’s natural beauty. Nikkō uniquely blends religious tradition, elaborate architecture, and pristine nature, making it one of the most fascinating cultural and scenic destinations north of Tokyo.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or October – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO)
- Kegon Falls
- Lake Chuzenji
- Three Wise Monkeys carving at Toshogu Shrine
- Yomeimon Gate at Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Shrine (UNESCO)
- Rinnoji Temple (UNESCO)
- Taiyuin Mausoleum
- Shinkyo Sacred Bridge
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss & Bake Jizo statues
- Senjogahara Marshland hiking trail
- Ryuzu Falls
- Yudaki Falls
- Irohazaka Winding Road
- Irohazaka autumn foliage (October - November)
- Akechidaira Ropeway & observation deck
- Hangetsuyama observation deck
- Chuzenji Temple
- Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park
- British Embassy Villa Memorial Park
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
- Takinoo Shrine
- Kirifuri Falls
- Kirifuri Highlands
- Nikko National Park
- Yumoto Onsen
- Lake Yunoko
- Nikko Botanical Garden
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Tobu-Nikko