Hello, Espunis! Today we’re heading to one of the most spectacular places in Japan: Nikko. This little village tucked away in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture is like opening a treasure chest—full of surprises and magic. Not only is it a natural wonder, but it’s also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Yes, that’s right—Nikko is so special that even UNESCO couldn’t resist giving it its stamp of approval!
Here you’ll find shrines straight out of a fairytale, temples that transport you back in time, waterfalls that leave you speechless, and a bridge that looks like it’s floating in mid-air.
What to See and Do in Nikko
Toshogu Shrine
Let’s start with the main attraction: Toshogu Shrine. This isn’t just any shrine—it’s the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And let me tell you, they went all out to honor him.
The shrine is an explosion of colours, gold accents, and intricate carvings. Dragons, elephants, monkeys—you name it, it’s there. Don’t miss the famous carving of the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys. It’s like stepping into an artist’s wildest dream!
Futarasan Shrine
Just a few steps from Toshogu, you’ll find Futarasan Shrine. Unlike the dazzling and ornate Toshogu, this shrine has a much more understated vibe—but trust me, it’s just as impressive in its own way.
Here, nature really takes the spotlight. Futarasan is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three sacred mountains: Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. In fact, Mount Nantai is also known as Futarasan—so now you know where the name comes from!
Surrounded by forest, this place is absolutely stunning in autumn when the leaves turn fiery red and gold. You can even take a short drive to Lake Chuzenji from here—around 20 minutes—and enjoy some incredible mountain views.
Shinkyo Bridge
Painted a deep red, Shinkyo Bridge arches gracefully over the Daiya River, looking like it belongs in a fantasy film. Legend has it that it was built by the gods to help monks cross without getting their feet wet—talk about VIP treatment 😂
It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Nikko, especially on sunny days when the red bridge contrasts with the blue sky and green trees.
There’s a small fee to cross, but the view is worth every yen.
Rinnoji Temple
Another essential stop is Rinnoji Temple, home to the impressive Sanbutsudo Hall, where three golden statues represent Nikko’s protective Buddhist deities: Amida, Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) and Bato Kannon (Horse-Headed Kannon).
The temple grounds also feature the Shoyoen Garden, a serene space that changes beautifully with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves in autumn. It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe and soak in the atmosphere.
Kegon Waterfall
Nature lovers, this one’s for you! At 97 meters high, Kegon Waterfall is one of Japan’s most famous. The sound of the water thundering down into Lake Chuzenji is honestly hypnotic.
There’s a viewing platform if you want to admire it from above, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the elevator down to the base of the falls and feel the spray up close. It’s refreshing—and yes, you might get a little wet, but it’s totally worth it!
How many days do you need to explore Nikko?
Well, that really depends on your travel style and what you’d like to see! The heart of Nikko—where the main shrines and temples are—is totally doable in a day, which is why it’s such a popular day trip from Tokyo!
But if you’ve got a bit more time, Nikko National Park is full of natural wonders: scenic hikes, waterfalls that’ll leave you speechless, and peaceful spots that deserve to be savoured, not rushed.
If you can, I highly recommend staying at least two days. That way, you can explore places like Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and the Senjogahara Plateau without feeling like you’re in a race. And hey, you might even squeeze in a relaxing soak at an onsen in Yumoto.
Here’s a rough idea depending on how many days you’ve got:
- 1 day: Perfect for hitting the highlights—Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, and Rinnoji Temple. If you plan well and start early, you might be able to add Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, but be prepared for a packed day.
- 2 days: Ideal for a more relaxed pace. Spend your first day exploring the shrines and temples, and use the second to discover the nature-filled side of Nikko in Okunikko—think lakes, waterfalls, and mountain plateaus.
- 3 days or more: The dream plan if you love nature, hiking, and want to uncover Nikko’s quieter side. You can venture into lesser-known areas, unwind in Yumoto Onsen, and really soak up the peaceful vibes of the national park.
Getting around Nikko
Nikko’s city centre is pretty compact, so the best way to get around is on foot. Most of the main sights—like Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple—are just a 10 to 15-minute walk from each other.
That said, make sure to wear comfy shoes! There are quite a few slopes and steps (especially at Toshogu Shrine, which sits on a hill), but trust me—it’s totally worth it. Walking also gives you the chance to enjoy all the little details: charming traditional streets, cute souvenir shops, and the peaceful vibe that makes Nikko so special.
If you’re not up for too much walking, don’t worry—Nikko has a good local bus network, mainly run by Tobu Bus:
- Buses to Lake Chuzenji stop at Shinkyo and Nishisando, both just a short walk from the main attractions.
- The World Heritage Meguri Line (Sekai Isan Meguri Tegata, 世界遺産めぐり手形) runs every 15 minutes and stops close to the major temples and shrines. For Toshogu Shrine or Rinnoji Temple, get off at Omotesando. To visit Taiyuinbyo and Futarasan Shrine, hop off at Taiyuinbyo-Futarasanjinja-mae.
Want to explore further out? There are buses that connect central Nikko with Okunikko, where you’ll find places like Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen:
- To Lake Chuzenji: The trip takes about 50 minutes and costs ¥1,150. If you plan to move around the area, the 2-day unlimited pass (¥2,700) is a great option and can be bought at Tobu Nikko Station.
- To Yumoto Onsen: This ride takes around 80 minutes and costs ¥1,700.
You can check updated timetables and pass prices here. And if you prefer to book your pass ahead of time before your trip, click below:
How to get to Nikko from Tokyo
Getting to Nikko from Tokyo is super easy:
- With a JR Pass: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya Station (about 50 min). From there, switch to the JR Nikko Line to JR Nikko Station (around 40 min).
- Without a JR Pass: Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station straight to Tobu Nikko Station (about 1h 50 min; ¥2,800).
If you’re on a tighter budget, there are also local Tobu trains (¥1,400), but they take over 2.5 hours and usually require a transfer.
Where to stay in Nikko
We stayed at Hotel Hanaan, just a short walk from Kegon Falls. It’s a beautiful ryokan with private onsen in the rooms and absolutely stunning views of Lake Chuzenji.
🏠 Ryokan with private onsen:
Another interesting option near Nikko is Kinugawa Onsen (鬼怒川温泉), a well-known hot spring town in Tochigi Prefecture. It’s perfect if you want to unwind after a day of exploring. Alongside its soothing baths and traditional ryokan, you’ll find fun attractions like Tobu World Square and Edo Wonderland, a theme park that recreates life during the Edo period.
Just keep in mind that accommodation in Kinugawa Onsen can be on the pricey side, as it’s a popular spot for Japanese travellers too.
🏠 Near Nikko:
So there you have it—if you’re planning a trip to Japan, make sure to include Nikko on your itinerary. It’s one of those places that steals your heart before you even realise it!
And if you found this guide helpful and have more time in Japan, don’t miss our other posts: Tokio in 7 days and What to see in Kioto in 7 days.
