Top 23 must-see spots and places to go in Nikko, according to TripAdviser.

Located in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikko is a small city in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture. It’s the site of Toshogu, the famed Shinto shrine established in 1617 as a lavish the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founding ruler of the Tokugawa shogunate, or Edo Period. Nikko is a town at the entrance to Nikko National Park that serves scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails. Nikko also has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu was built in the 1600s. Nikko can bring you very different feelings from other parts of Tokyo. Let's check out the list of top 23 attractions that you don't want to miss in Nikko.

Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu enshrines Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first Shogun who established the Edo Shogunate. There are many highlights including the extravagantly decorated Yomemon gate, and the decorative carvings known as the Sleeping Cat and the Three Wise Monkeys.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

It will take even an adult more than 1 hour to just walk around the grounds. It is an illusionary experience that will make you wonder if you have gotten lost in the world of movies. Transforming yourself into a person of the Edo era is the key to fully enjoying the theme park.

Nikko National Park

The park is so big that you enter it without even noticing. It is a magnificent natural park with over 2000 m of volcanic plains dotted with lakes, marshlands, and waterfalls.

Kegon Falls

The water falling down a long distance from a great height looks like it’s in slow motion. The intensity of the waterfall is quite hard to capture in a photograph, so go see it for yourself.

Futarasan Shrine

This temple that was built by Shodo Shoin, the first to priest to explore Mount Nikko. The temple worships Mount Nantai as a god and continues to keep guard over Mount Nikko.

Taiyuinbyo

Taiyuinbyo is the grave of the third Shogun (military governor) of the Tokugawa dynasty, Iemitsu Tokugawa. He truly respected his grandfather, Ieyasu Tokugawa, and wrote in his will that he will “continue to serve Ieyasu even in death.”

Ryuzu Falls

The city of Nikko is located 600 meters above sea level, but Ryuzu Falls is at an even higher elevation. It is a waterfall that symbolizes the secluded Oku-Nikko region known as a summer resort area.

Yutaki Waterfall

There is an elegance to the water gliding out over the black rock surface. The bubbling water in harmony with the spring flowers and the autumn foliage is a sight so lovely you will never forget it.

Shinkyo Bridge

In the past, only important officials like the “shogun” (military commander) could cross over this bridge. The vermilion bridge among the green trees is a beautiful sight. It is ideal for this bridge to act as the entry point into the Nikko area.

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

This is an Important Cultural Property of Japan located close to the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”. The building beautifully integrates the architectural techniques of the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho Eras.

Irohazaka

Irohazaka is a part of National Route 120 in Nikko of Tochigi Prefecture. It spans from Umagaeshi to the shores of Lake Chuzenji. In the middle of the route, there is an observation point famed for the wonderful view.

Lake Chuzenji

A lake created when the eruption of Mount Nantai 20,000 years ago dammed the area. It’s located within a national park at an altitude of 1200 m. It is also the largest highland lake in the world.

Kanmangafuchi Abyss

This is a place that was formed by the lava from the eruption of Mount Nantai. This lava formed ravine, a gift from the land, is a soothing walking course along the Daiya River.

Rinnoji

Founded by Shodo Shonin more than 1,200 years ago, the entire area of Nikko has served as a place for worship. Rinnoji is also known for its unique and intriguing ceremony called “Gohanshiki”. *The temple’s main hall, Sanbutsudo, is currently undergoing “the great repair of the Heisei period.” Until 2020, visitors will be able to have the unique and valuable experience of looking down into the main hall from above.

Nikko Yumoto Onsen

This is the No. 1 onsen area as designated by the country. The quiet and relaxing onsen town is a different world next to the hustle and bustle around the station. It’s also ideal as an activity place for Oku-Nikko.

Akechidaira

The amazing view of Oku-Nikko can be seen from Akechidaira. Located on the winding Irohazaka road, you can take a break from driving and enjoy the wonderful scenery from the large parking area.

Nikko Botanical Garden

Grass, ponds and wetlands populate an area that spans over 100,000㎡, and there are even remnants of an Imperial villa in this forest-like site that runs along the streams of the Daiya River that flows from Kegon Falls.

Hangetsuyama

Hangetsuyama is a mountain located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture with an altitude of 1753 meters. The observation deck on the mountain is famous for its splendid view of Oku-Nikko.

Kinugawa River Boat Cruise

Starting from Kinunuma Marsh in Nikko National Park, the Kinugawa merges with one of the largest rivers in Japan, the Tone River, which straddles the border area between Chiba and Tochigi Prefectures. On the Kinugawa River Boat Cruise, you can enjoy a trip down the Kinugawa River gorge.

Tobu World Square

Consisting of 6 zones including Japan, the United States and Egypt, 102 buildings from 21 countries including 45 World Heritage sites are recreated. The night illumination is also popular.

Yunishigawa Onsen

Nikko is popular as a tourist destination lush in nature, blessed by mountains, rivers and lakes. In the middle of the nature of Nikko, you can relax at Yunishigawa Onsen.

Plan your trip to nikko

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

Request a Tour

Related Blogs & Articles

Shrines and Temples of Nikkō

Top 5 most beautiful temples and shrines in Nikko

What to do on a day trip to Nikko

Edo Wonderland, a Place Where You Can Experience Old World Japan!

5 Things to do on a Day Trip to Nikko

common.show-all

Planetyze

Private Tours About Us Company Contact Us Press

Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

Legal