Nikko
Nikko, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its lavishly decorated shrines and temples set amidst beautiful natural scenery, including the stunning Nikko National Park.
Best Time to Visit
Nikko is a beautiful destination year-round, but some seasons offer unique attractions:
Autumn (October - November): This is arguably the best time to visit Nikko when the leaves change color to vibrant reds and yellows, creating stunning landscapes in Nikko National Park and around Lake Chuzenji.
Spring (April - May): Another beautiful season in Nikko, when cherry blossoms bloom, painting the town and shrines in soft pink hues. The weather is also comfortable for exploring.
Summer (June - August): Summers can be hot, but Nikko is cooler than many other parts of Japan due to its altitude. This can be a good time for hiking and exploring the national park, though be aware that it's also the rainy season.
Winter (December - February): The snow-covered landscape can be magical, making it a great time for photography. However, some areas might be inaccessible due to heavy snow, and it can be quite cold.
It's also important to note that weekends and Japanese holidays can be crowded, especially during the peak seasons of spring and autumn. So, for a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weekday if possible.
How to Get There
Traveling to Nikko from Tokyo is straightforward and offers a few options:
Train: The most common way to reach Nikko is by train. From Tokyo, you can take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station directly to Tobu Nikko Station, which takes about two hours. Alternatively, you can take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya, then change to the JR Nikko Line. With a good connection, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Note that if you have a Japan Rail Pass, it covers the JR route but not the Tobu Line.
Bus: There are direct highway buses from Tokyo to Nikko, departing from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
Car: If you prefer to drive, the journey from Tokyo to Nikko takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the exact route. Keep in mind that in Japan you drive on the left side of the road, and you'll need an international driving permit if you're visiting from overseas.
Tours: Various travel agencies offer day trips or multi-day tours from Tokyo to Nikko, which include transportation, a guide, and often a few meals or entrance fees.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Nikko, Japan
Top 11 Attractions in Nikko
Nikko is known for its cultural and natural attractions, with many designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are some top attractions to consider:
Toshogu Shrine: This lavishly decorated Shinto shrine is Nikko's main attraction. It is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years.
Futarasan Shrine: Established in 767, it's one of Nikko's oldest and most important sites, dedicated to the deities of Nikko's three most sacred mountains.
Rinno-ji Temple: This is Nikko's most important Buddhist temple, which features beautiful gardens and a Treasure House Museum.
Taiyuinbyo: This mausoleum dedicated to the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, boasts beautiful structures and gardens, and is considered a highlight of Nikko's architectural complex.
Shinkyo Bridge: This beautiful and iconic red lacquered bridge at the entrance to Nikko's shrines and temples is a must-see.
Nikko National Park: Offering beautiful natural scenery, the park is ideal for hiking, with numerous trails, waterfalls, and Lake Chuzenji.
Kegon Waterfall: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, located in Nikko National Park. There's an elevator that takes visitors to a viewing platform at the base of the waterfall.
Lake Chuzenji: This scenic lake in the mountains above Nikko is particularly beautiful in autumn when the surrounding trees change color.
Iroha-zaka Winding Road: This road offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys of Nikko, particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season.
Nikko Botanical Garden: A beautiful garden managed by the University of Tokyo, featuring over 2,500 different plant species.
Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland): This is a theme park recreating life during the Edo period (1603-1868) with traditional performances, ninja shows, samurai sword fights, and more.
Top 8 Activities to do in Nikko
Nikko offers a diverse range of activities to cater to various interests. Here are some top activities you might consider:
Historic Site Tours: Explore Nikko's UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinno-ji Temple.
Hiking: Nikko National Park has numerous trails, suitable for all levels of fitness, offering stunning views of waterfalls, lakes, and mountains.
Boat Tour on Lake Chuzenji: Take a leisurely cruise on this beautiful lake, especially lovely in the autumn.
Visit Hot Springs: Nikko is known for its onsen (hot springs), such as the ones in Yumoto Onsen town, perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
Photography: With its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural landscapes, Nikko is a paradise for photographers.
Seasonal Festivals: If your visit coincides with a local festival, such as the Autumn Festival at Toshogu Shrine, it's definitely worth participating in.
Try Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on trying Yuba (tofu skin), a local specialty of Nikko.
Cycling: Rent a bicycle and explore the less crowded parts of Nikko, including the beautiful countryside.
Best Shopping
While Nikko is more known for its historical and natural attractions, there are still several shopping opportunities for visitors, from traditional crafts to local food products. Here are a few places to consider:
Nikko Yuba Honpo: This shop specializes in products made from yuba (tofu skin), a specialty of Nikko. They offer everything from fresh yuba to yuba snacks and sweets.
Nikko Bussankan: Located near the entrance to the shrines and temples, this shop sells a variety of local products including sake, snacks, yuba, crafts, and souvenirs.
Kiuchi Brewery: If you're interested in sake, consider a visit to Kiuchi Brewery, which also produces the Hitachino Nest craft beers. They offer brewery tours and a shop selling their products.
Nikko Kirifuri Highland Urushi Art Museum and Shop: This museum showcases the local craft of urushi (lacquerware). Their shop sells a range of urushi products that can make for a unique souvenir or gift.
Nikko Goyoutei Souvenir Shop: Located inside the historical villa, this shop offers traditional Japanese sweets, snacks, and souvenirs.
Kanaya Hotel Bakery: A popular bakery offering a range of breads and pastries, including some made with yuba.
Oya-Kei: A pottery shop featuring a variety of ceramics from around the region.
In addition, there are several souvenir shops around the Nikko train station and the World Heritage area where you can find a wide range of souvenirs, from traditional Japanese crafts to local food products and sweets.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Nikko is more of a historic and natural attraction and is not particularly known for its nightlife, as many visitors come for day trips from Tokyo. Most of the activities in Nikko center around its historic sites, natural beauty, and onsen (hot springs). However, there are still some options for evening entertainment:
Onsen (Hot Springs): Nikko has several onsen resorts, such as Yumoto Onsen and Chuzenji Onsen. Soaking in a hot spring in the evening can be a wonderful way to relax after a day of sightseeing. Some onsen also offer private baths that can be reserved in the evening.
Local Dining: Trying local cuisine is always a fun evening activity. Some ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) offer kaiseki dinners, which are multi-course meals highlighting local and seasonal ingredients.
Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland): This theme park often has evening performances, including ninja shows and Oiran (courtesan) parades.
Evening Strolls: Some areas of Nikko, such as the area around Shinkyo Bridge and the World Heritage area, are beautifully lit up in the evening.
Bars: There are a few small bars and izakayas (Japanese pubs) in Nikko where you can enjoy a drink in the evening, but they tend to be more low-key.
Kegon Waterfall Illumination: Occasionally, the waterfall is illuminated at night, offering a different and beautiful perspective.
Remember, Nikko is a relatively small city and not as bustling in the evening as places like Tokyo or Osaka. Many shops and attractions close in the late afternoon or early evening, and public transportation can be less frequent, so plan your activities accordingly.
Local Cuisine
Nikko, like many regions of Japan, has a unique culinary culture that reflects its local resources and history. Here are some dishes and foods that you should try when visiting Nikko:
Yuba (Tofu Skin): Yuba is the local specialty of Nikko. It is the skin that forms on the surface when soy milk is heated, and it is enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as in soups, sashimi-style, or rolled with vegetables.
Soba Noodles: Tochigi Prefecture, where Nikko is located, is famous for its soba (buckwheat noodles). You'll find many soba shops in Nikko, serving both cold and hot soba dishes.
Trout: The clear, cold waters around Nikko are home to freshwater trout. These are often grilled and served whole, or used in other local dishes.
Nikko Age Yuba Manju: A local dessert, this is a steamed bun filled with sweetened yuba and red bean paste.
Nikko Castella Cake: Inspired by Portuguese castella cake, Nikko's version is a sponge cake made with local honey.
Local Sake and Craft Beers: Tochigi Prefecture is known for its sake, and you'll find a selection of local varieties in Nikko. The Kiuchi Brewery, also known for its Hitachino Nest craft beers, is located nearby.
Accommodations
When visiting Nikko, you'll find accommodations scattered around the city and its outskirts, with a few key areas where tourists often choose to stay:
Nikko City Center: Staying near the city center or around Tobu-Nikko Station offers the convenience of restaurants, shops, and easy transportation to other areas. You'll find a range of accommodations here, from guesthouses and budget hotels to more luxurious options.
World Heritage Area: There are some ryokan (traditional inns) and hotels near the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nikko's most famous shrines and temples are located. Staying in this area provides easy access to these historic sites.
Lake Chuzenji Area: Further from the city, this area is known for its beautiful lake and nature views. It's a good place to stay if you plan to do lots of nature activities or want a retreat from city life. It's home to a range of accommodations, including lakeside hotels and ryokan with onsen (hot springs).
Yumoto Onsen Area: Located in the Okunikko area, Yumoto Onsen is known for its hot spring resorts. Staying here offers a very traditional Japanese experience with ryokan providing hot spring baths and kaiseki meals.
Kinugawa Onsen: Although not in Nikko itself but in Tochigi Prefecture, Kinugawa Onsen is a popular hot spring resort area with a range of accommodations, and it's a convenient base for visiting both Nikko and other attractions in the region.
