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Tochigi · Japan
The shrines and temples of Nikko among giant cedars, with the carved mausoleum of the first Tokugawa shogun, and, high in the mountains, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
In the photo: Ryuzu Falls, in Nikko.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Nikko is in the northwest of Tochigi Prefecture, at the foot of the mountains, about 140 km north of Tokyo. Since the 8th century it has been a center for mountain worship, begun by the monk Shodo, who founded the first temples there. In the 17th century, the Tokugawa shogunate chose Nikko for the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the dynasty, and the town became a pilgrimage destination.
The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, occupy a cedar-covered slope across the Daiya River. They include Toshogu, with its carved and painted gates, the Rinno-ji temple, the Taiyuin mausoleum and the Futarasan Shrine. The red Shinkyo Bridge marks the entrance to the sacred area, and Nikko’s avenue of cedars, planted in the 17th century, lines the roads that lead into town.
Climbing the winding Irohazaka Road, at about 1,270 meters elevation, is Lake Chuzenji, at the foot of Mount Nantai. At the lake’s outlet, Kegon Falls drops around 97 meters into a rocky valley. The area is part of Nikko National Park, with trails across the high-altitude Senjogahara marsh and the hot-spring village of Yumoto.
The town is known for yuba, the film that forms on the surface of heated soy milk, served in many ways at restaurants, and for bean sweets. In autumn, the slopes and the lake take on fall colors, which move down from the highlands to the town during October and November.
This destination brings together 1 city: Nikko.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors, via Wambacher / geoBoundaries (ODbL 1.0). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Tóquio (Haneda) (HND), in Ota · 160 km to Nikko
From Asakusa in Tokyo, Tobu express trains reach Tobu-Nikko Station in about 2 hours. On JR, the bullet train goes to Utsunomiya in about 50 minutes and the JR Nikko line takes about another 45 minutes. From the station, buses climb up to the shrines and to Lake Chuzenji.
The local experience
The mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, covered in colorful carvings and gold leaf, featuring the Yomeimon gate, the three monkeys and the sleeping cat; World Heritage site.
Nikko’s main Buddhist temple, with the Sanbutsudo hall and three large gilded statues, and the Taiyuin, mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun; World Heritage site.
The shrine of Nikko’s three sacred mountains, founded in the 8th century, owning a vast area that includes Kegon Falls and the summit of Mount Nantai; World Heritage site.
The red-lacquered bridge over the Daiya River at the entrance to Nikko’s sacred area, and upstream, the Kanmangafuchi gorge with its stone statues.
A drop of about 97 meters at the outlet of Lake Chuzenji, seen from a platform at the valley bottom, reached by an elevator.
The mountain lake at about 1,270 meters, at the foot of Mount Nantai, with boats, old embassy vacation houses, Chuzen-ji temple and the Senjogahara marsh.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
October and early November, with the leaves changing first up high near the lake and later in town. May and June bring fresh green and azaleas. In summer the mountain area is cooler than Tokyo. In winter snow often covers the shrines and the lake, and some high roads close.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
One day is enough for the shrines and temples as a day trip from Tokyo. To include Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and Senjogahara, stay one or two nights. During the leaf season, traffic on the Irohazaka Road can delay buses.
Near Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko stations and along the main street that climbs to Shinkyo Bridge, with simple accommodation and walking access to the shrines. At Lake Chuzenji, hotels and ryokan with water views. In Kinugawa Onsen, the hot-spring resort in the south of the municipality, and in Yumoto up high, there are hot springs.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
One day for the shrines and temples; two days to include Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and the Senjogahara trails.
Yes. Tobu trains depart from Asakusa and take about 2 hours. In one day you can see the shrines and, if rushed, Kegon Falls.
By bus from Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko stations, via the winding Irohazaka Road, in about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.
Generally from early October up high to early November in town. On those weekends, traffic to the lake becomes slow.
No. Buses connect the stations with the shrines, Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto. There are bus passes for tourists.
Beyond the guide
