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About
Nikko, which literally means "Sunshine", is an extremely popular and famous, historical and entertaining tourist destination for foreigners and Japanese tourists alike. It has historical monuments, shrines, temples, nature, hot springs and fun attractions that can make a great "Full Vacation" or "Mini Vacation" on your Japan tour. Nikko is about 2 hours away by comfortable train (140 kilometers, 87 miles) from Tokyo and very easy to get to.
In 766 a monk by the name of Shodo Shonin established a temple called Rinnoji in the Nikko town area (see map below). Other monks, religious people and plain 'ol normal folk followed and established a village. Another Shrine was built by Shodo called Futarasan Shrine and even more people came. Then, Almost a thousand years later, another even more famous temple, Nikko Toshogu (the burial place of one of the most famous Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu), was built in 1617 and Nikko became a very popular destination for Japanese during the Edo period. During the Meiji Period Nikko became popular not only for it's temples and shrines but for just... fun. Nikko became the mountain resort playground of Edo'ites (or Tokyo'ites).
Access
The graphic above is a simplified "Quick Glance" at transportation options. Due to fluctuating schedules & pricing, Times & Costs are subject to change.
Note that the "Tobu Nikko Station" and "Nikko Station" are two completely different stations BUT they are right next to each other in Nikko Town (see map below).
- from Tobu Asakusa Station
- Tobu Railway - around 2,500 yen and takes about 2 hours
This train leaves from the "Tobu Asakusa Station" in Asakusa. It is the most economical and easiest way to get to Nikko. About 2 trains leave per hour. Note that some of these limited express trains require a transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station... try to purchase a ticket that does not require a transfer. Please visit the Tobu Railway English Site for detailed timetables and information.
- Tobu Railway - around 2,500 yen and takes about 2 hours
- from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo)
- JR/Tobu Coop - around 4,000 yen and takes about 2 hours
The JR (Japan Railways) has made a deal with Tobu Railway and offers direct trains from Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko Station. The price is higher than the train from Asakusa and the JR Pass does not cover the fair because the JR train uses Tobu Railway tracks. Please visit the JR East Japan Railway Company for detailed timetables and information.
- JR/Tobu Coop - around 4,000 yen and takes about 2 hours
- from Tokyo or Ueno (Tokyo) Station
- JR Shinkansen & JR Nikko Line - around 5,000 yen and takes about 1 hour & 40 min.
If you have a JR Pass, this route makes the most sense... although you will have to transfer at Utsunomiya. The full route is covered by the JR Pass and the actual "ride time" is less that the two direct routes above. However, depending on scheduling, transfer time may add 30 min. to an hour.
- JR Shinkansen & JR Nikko Line - around 5,000 yen and takes about 1 hour & 40 min.
- from Narita Airport
- Direct Bus - around 4,500 yen and takes about 3 hour & 30 min.
This bus only runs from May to late October. If your headed to Nikko right off the plane during this time, this bus is a great option. Please see the Airport Limousine bus page for timetalbes and detailed information. - Bus to Utsunomiya & Train - around 4,760 yen and takes about 3 hour & 45 min.
If you arrive when the direct bus (above) is not running, your best option is to take a highway bus to Utsunomiya and transfer to the JR Nikko Line. If you have a JR Pass the JR Nikko Line is covered. Please see the Airport Limousine bus page for timetalbes and detailed information.
- Direct Bus - around 4,500 yen and takes about 3 hour & 30 min.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
Area Map
Nikko is split up into two distinct areas, "Nikko Town" and "Nikko Oku" (Oku means "deep"). Below are two maps of the Nikko Town area and Nikko Oku. Below the maps are attractions and things to do in those areas.
Click or Tap an attraction to visit the detail page or scroll down for more details.
Nikko Town Area Map
Nikko Oku Area Map
Attractions
Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Nikko. View all Attractions in Nikko.
Iemitsu Mausoleum
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. from November through March) Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Cost: 13+: 900 yen, under 13: 400 yen
Map: Google Map
Taiyuinbyo (in Japanese; Tai Yu In Byo 大猷院廟) is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. Iemitsu had great respect for his grandfather Ieyasu and therefore purposely made his mausoleum not quite as lavish as the Toshogu Shrine which is the mausoleum of I... more details
Shinkyo Bridge
Hours: From the road you the bridge is "Open" year round, 24/7 but to actually walk over the bridge: from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (April to mid November) and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (mid November to March)
Closed: -
Cost:
Map: Google Map
Shinkyo Bridge (in Japanese; Shinkyo Bashi 神橋 which literally means sacred bridge) is a famous and distinctive Red Bridge which is actually part of Futarasan Shrine (but is actually some distance from the Futarasan Shrine) and is known as one of the three most beautiful bridges in Japan (the o... more details
Toshogu Shrine
Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Map: Google Map
Toshogu Shrine (in Japanese; To Sho Gu Jinjya 東照宮), a Shinto Shrine, is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. in 1603. Toshogu Shrine is (of course) a UNESCO World Heritage site. The shrine was built by Tokugawa's son and was enlarged ev... more details
Rinno-ji
Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.
Cost: 400 yen
Map: Google Map
Note: The Sanbutsudo Temple (the main temple at the Rinnoji Complex) is under renovation until 2021 and has a massive building covering the entire thing (See image to right). Some parts (on and off) are still open to tourists. There are many other buildings and objects within the complex that are ... more details
Futarasan Shrine
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. from November through March)
Cost: 200 yen
Map: Google Map
Futarasan Shrine (in Japanese; Futarasan Jinja 二荒山神社), also known as "Nikko Futarasan Shrine" (because there is a Futarasan Shrine in a city called Utsunomiya too), is a Shinto Shrine close by the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko (Note: "san" in Futarasan means &q... more details
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Hours: 20 March - 30 November: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Winter: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed: Every Wednesday and Dec. 8 - Dec. 21.
Cost: 13+: 1 Day Pass 4,700 yen, Afternoon Pass 4,100 yen | 6-12: 1 Day Pass 2,400 yen, Afternoon Pass 2,100 yen | Under 5 are free
Map: Google Map
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a Theme Park in Japan near Nikko City. It opened in 1986 and is like a "Western Town" in the US with the park re-creating a complete "Edo Era" town and filling it with "Edo Era" characters. The "Edo Town" they re-create is bas... more details
Rinnoji Temple
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. from November through March) Admission closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: No closing days
Admission Cost: 400 yen
Rinnoji Temple was Established in 766, the Rinnoji Temple complex is Nikko's most important temple as it was founded by the Shodo Shonin, a Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko. The temple became popular with monks at the time because of its geographic isolation, far from civilization... see more details.
Taiyuinbyo
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. from November through March) Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: No closing days
Admission Cost: 550 yen
Taiyuinbyo or the Iemitsu Mausoleum is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. Iemitsu had great respect for his grandfather Ieyasu and therefore purposely made his mausoleum not quite as lavish as the Toshogu Shrine... see more details.
Futarasan Shrine
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. from November through March)
Closed: No Closing Days
Admission Cost: 200 yen
Futarasan Shrine also known as "Nikko Futarasan Shrine" (because there is a Futarasan Shrine in a city called Utsunomiya too), is a Shinto Shrine close by the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko (Note: "san" in Futarasan means "Mount" or "Mt."). Founded in 782, Futarasan Shrine... see more details.
Nikko Botanical Garden
Hours: From 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry until 4:00 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a National Holiday). December 1 to April 14.
Admission Cost: 400 yen
Nikko Botanical Garden is owned and maintained by the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo and is a "branch" garden (no pun intended:) of the Koshikawa Botanical Garden in Tokyo. This Botanical Garden is used to study alpine plants and was opened in 1902. There are tons of trails that run through the park, with many plants, bushes and trees labeled to as what they are. The garden contains over 2,000 species and is set up to specialize in "alpine plants"... see more details.
Irohazaka Winding Road
Hours: N/A
Closed: Road may close due to weather conditions
Admission Cost: Free
Irohazaka Winding Road is a road or rather a pair of roads (one up and one down) that connect the "lower" area of Nikko (Nikko Town area) and the "upper" area of Nikko (Lake Chuzenji). Originally the roads were toll roads but now the road(s) are free. The first road was built in 1954 (the "down" road) and the second road was built in 1965 (the "up" road). The "down" road has a little rest area from where you can see two waterfalls while the "up" road has an observation deck from where you can... see more details.
Akechidaira Plateau
Hours: N/A
Closed: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Akechidaira Plateau is a plateau at the top of the ascending Irohazaka Winding Road. There is a parking lot and free observation deck where you can get a nice view of the Irohazuka Road and the valley below (from where you just came). Next to the parking lot is a rest house / souvenir shop / cafeteria and the Akechidaira Ropway. For a small fee you can jump on the ropeway and... see more details.
Lake Chuzenji
Hours: N/A
Closed: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Lake Chuzenji is a scenic lake in the mountains near the town of Nikko Japan. A nearbye volcano, Mount Nantai, erupted 20,000 years ago blocking the path of a nearby river thereby creating Chuzenji Lake. Chuzenji lake is quite large having a surface area of around twelve kilometers with a circumference of 25 kilometers and is up to 163 meters deep (over 500 feet). The lake drains through... see more details.
Kegon Waterfall
Hours: Depends on the season but generally from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: No Closing Days
Admission Cost: 13+: 550 yen | Under 5-13: 330 yen | Under 5 is free
Kegon Waterfall is the Nikko areas most famous waterfall and always places high as a top "beautiful waterfall" in Japan (in various "rankings"). It is almost 100 meters tall (one of the top 3 highest waterfalls in Japan) and is the "exit" drainage for Lake Chuzenji which becomes the Oshiri River. You can view the waterfall in many places but the two easy locations are 1.) a "free" platform that is easily accessible by foot and 2.) a "paid" platform at the base of the falls (your ride an elevator for around... see more details.
Mt. Hangetsu
Hours: The road is open 24/7 but closed in the winter.
Closed: Closed in the winter
Admission Cost: Free
Mt. Hangetsu is a mountain near Lake Chuzenji that is a nice "view spot" from the top. You can reach the top by hiking trail (a medium level hike which should be started in the morning wearing hiking boots) or by car, taxi or bus. Once you reach the top there is an "observation deck" from where you get a beautiful view of Lake Shuzenji and Mt. Nankai. Of course during Autumn, the colors a magnificent and the observation deck is a very popular spot for tourist and painters... see more details.
Chuzenji Temple
Hours: Generally 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. depending on season
Closed: No closing days
Admission Cost: 500 yen
Chuzenji Temple was originally founded in 784 as a branch temple of the world heritage registered Rinnoji Temple by the Buddhist Monk Shodo Shonin at the foot of Mt. Nantai and later moved to its current location on the eastern bank of Lake Chuzenji. The principal image is six meter tall Kannon Statue "Juichimen-senju Kannon Boastsu" (Goddess of Mercy). It is a kannon image having eleven-faces and one thousand hands. This statue is designated as a national cultural property. It is said that the founding... see more details.
Ryuzu Waterfall
Hours: N/A
Closed: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Ryuzu Waterfall is on the Yukawa River shortly before it enters into Lake Chuzenji. "Ryuzu" means "dragon head", the waterfall resembles the head of a dragon (well, the person who named it thought so). There are a couple parking lots (if you are driving) you can stop in to see the waterfall, all marked very clearly. Once you get to the waterfall there is... see more details.
Senjogahara Marshland
Hours: N/A
Closed: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Senjogahara Marshland is between Lake Chuzenji and Lake Yumoto. You can take a nice easy hike within this marshland and see some beautiful Japanese natural scenery. Every season offers some exceptional views but Autumn is a busy season here and many Japanese tourists flood the area. There is a trail, Senjogahara Plateau Nature Trail, that runs... see more details.
Yumoto Onsen
Hours: N/A
Closed: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Yumoto Onsen (Hot Springs) is a small hot springs town within Nikko National Park that sits next to Lake Yunoko and is about 2 hours by car or bus from Nikko Station. The town is a "Hot Springs" destination with around 10 Hot Springs hotels and Ryokans (Japanese style Inn). There is a public bath open to the public (without having to stay at a hotel) on the north side of... see more details.
