Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
The 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko' UNESCO site includes Toshogu (mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu), Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji. Higher up, Oku-Nikko around Lake Chuzenji offers Kegon Falls, marshland trails and onsen at Yumoto.
Day trips from Tokyo are possible, but staying overnight lets you explore the higher national park area without rushing.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Nikko town (Tobu/JR Nikko)
Main street of shops and restaurants from the stations to the Shinkyo Bridge and shrine area.
Shrine & temple area
Toshogu, Futarasan, Rinno-ji and the Taiyuin mausoleum in cedar forest.
Lake Chuzenji (Oku-Nikko)
Mountain lake reached by the hairpin Irohazaka road; Kegon Falls and former embassy villas.
Yumoto Onsen
Hot-spring village at the end of the bus line, beside Lake Yunoko.
Kinugawa Onsen
Large riverside onsen resort town nearby, with theme parks.
Top sights & experiences
Nikko Toshogu
Intricately carved and gilded shrine buildings, including the Yomeimon gate and the 'three wise monkeys' carving.
Shinkyo Bridge
Vermilion bridge over the Daiya River marking the entrance to the shrine area.
Kegon Falls
Nearly 100-metre waterfall; an elevator takes you to a viewing platform at the base.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Riverside path lined with dozens of stone Jizo statues.
Senjogahara Marshland
Boardwalk hiking across a high plateau — brilliant in autumn.
Edo Wonderland
Edo-period theme park near Kinugawa, popular with families.
What to eat
Yuba
Tofu skin — Nikko's signature, served fresh, in soup, or rolled and simmered.
Nikko soba
Buckwheat noodles from the surrounding highlands.
Yokan
Sweet bean jelly, a traditional local souvenir.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Guesthouses near the stations.
Mid-range
Onsen hotels at Lake Chuzenji or Kinugawa.
Luxury
Historic hotels such as the long-established Western-style lodgings around Nikko, and upscale lake-view resorts.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Tobu Railway limited express trains run from Asakusa (around 2 hours). JR travellers take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then the JR Nikko Line (total around 1.5–2 hours). Tobu sells Nikko-area passes covering trains and local buses — compare against your plans.
Getting around
Tobu buses connect the stations, shrines, Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto. In autumn, traffic on the Irohazaka road can cause long delays — start early.
Day trips & side trips
Ashio
Former copper mine with a tour through tunnels.
Kirifuri Falls
Multi-tiered falls a short bus ride from town.
Best time to visit
Autumn colour starts at higher elevations in early October and reaches town by early-to-mid November. Spring and early summer are fresh and green. Winter is cold and snowy higher up; some facilities close. Toshogu's spring and autumn festivals (May and October) feature samurai processions.
Local tips
- Arrive at Toshogu at opening time to beat tour groups.
- Pack a warm layer — Oku-Nikko is much cooler than Tokyo.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: