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Nikko Travel Guide

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Monk Kukai, who brought about Cabala Shingon Buddhism from the continent to Japan, is said to have first named Nikko when he visited the area in the Kamakura-era. The name derives from the Chinese meaning of sunlight. At 1000 meters above sea level, you will see the vast wilderness of Kirifuri highlands and Okunikko dotted with beautiful waterfalls and hot springs. Tosho-gu Shrine was dedicated to Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and is a world heritage representing Japan. It is home to many national treasures. Nothing historic but equally popular is the Nikko Monkey Legion Amusement Park. After watching a troop of 50 trained and talented monkeys performing outstanding shows, you'll be marveled and even a bit embarrassed that you believed they are the lesser kind. Further north is Kinugawa hot springs and Nikko Edo Village, a theme park with a replica village from the Edo-era. This is a popular destination among foreign visitors who seek to experience the life of the samurai and ninja.

Access

By Train

JR

From Tokyo/Ueno to JR Nikko(110min.) by Tohoku Shinkansen, transfer at Utsunomiya Sta. to JR Nikko Line
From Tokyo/Ueno to JR Nikko(150min.) by JR local Line

Tobu Line

From Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (110min.) by Limited Express SPACIA"Kegon"
From Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (110min.) by Limited Express SPACIA"Kinu", transfer at Shimo-Imaichi sta. to a local shuttle train
From Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (130min.) by Rapid train, transfer according to the situation

NIKKO TRAVEL SPOT GUIDE

Nikko Tosho-gu
Nikko Tosho-gu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine complex was initially built in 1617, and later expanded by the third shogun with a lavish use of sculptures and ornamentations. Sculptures representing holy animals include the famous carving of the sleeping cat, and the three wise monkeys; hear, speak and see no evil.
The Cedar Avenue of Nikko
The Cedar Avenue in Nikko is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest tree-lined avenue. The entire street stretches over 35 kilometers, consisting of three roads in Nikko, Reiheishi, and Aizunishi merging on the city of Imaichi, About 13,000 Japanese cedar trees line the avenue creating a magnificent view. Nearby is the Suginamiki Park where you will encounter old Japanese houses and a collection of water wheels brought here from various countries.
Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland)
This theme park duplicating the culture and lifestyle of the Edo period features various theatrical performances of the era. For a fee park guests can choose from about 400 costumes, and dress up as samurai, princesses, or other characters from that time and enjoy strolling around the historical townscape.
Senjogahara
Located at an attitude of about 1,400 meters, Senjogahara is 400 hectares of marshland in the highlands of Nikko National Park. Its name, ranslated as 'battlefield', refers to a mythical territorial dispute between two deities. During the months of June and August, visitors can appreciate a vast array of alpine plants.
Tobu World Square
Tobu World Square is a theme park exhibiting more than one hundred famous buildings from around the world, each recreated in a 1/25th scale of its real size. Among them, there are 45 World Cultural and Heritage Sites, all which are reproduced with minute details. In the gardens, visitors will relish the seasonal changes of bonsai trees.
Kinugawa Onsen
Located two hours by train from Tokyo, Kinugawa Onsen, is one of the most famous onsen resorts in Japan. Hot springs in the area are believed to be effective against various afflictions such as nerve pain and digestive diseases. The town is home to various hotels and amusement facilities, and averages about 2 million visitors annually. At many of the accommodations, you are welcome to enjoy a soak without having to stay overnight.
Akechidaira Ropeway
The cable car carries visitors from the Akechidaira Station to the Akechidaira Observatory at the top in three minutes. The observation platform at an altitude of 1,473 meters affords panoramic views of Kegon Waterfall, Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai.
Kirifuri Plateau
Kirifuri Plateau is a highland located to the north of downtown Nikko. Hiking trails and camping grounds in the area showcase the beauty of unspoiled nature. On the vast pasture “Ozasa Ranch”, you can play with cows and taste fresh milk. In the summer, the highlands are covered with yellow alpine daylilies called "Nikko-kisuge".
Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko)
This scenic lake with a circumference of 25 km and a depth of 163 m sits at the foot of Mount Nantai. Listed as one of the 100 Scenic Landscapes of Japan, the lake is especially beautiful in October when the fall foliage attracts many tourists. The lake's high elevation keeps the area cool and comfortable even during hot summers. Taking a ride on the pleasure boats will allow you to view the lake and landscape from all different angles.
Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki)
As the only spot where Lake Chuzenji drains its waters, the Kegon waterfalls boasts its volume of water running down to the base from the height of 97 meters. Ranked as one of Japan's three highest waterfalls, tourists can enjoy the grand view up of the Kegon Waterfall right close from an observation platform. The waterfall and environs is also known as a popular autumn color spot.
Irohazaka
This one-way winding road connecting Umagaeshi and Lake Chuzenji is one of Nikko's most visited tourist attractions. The number of hairpin turns on this switchback road adds up to 48, same number as how many characters there are in the ancient Japanese Iroha alphabet. On each of the 48 turns there is a sign with a letter of the ancient Japanese syllabary.
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
The park is home to the summer villa which was built in 1899 for Prince Yoshihito who later became the Taisho Emperor. It is the best preserved example of an imperial villa that was constructed after the Meiji era. The building complex is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Ashio Copper Mine
The Ashio Copper Mine flourished as the largest copper mine in Japan from the end of the 19th century to the early 20th century. The mine was closed in 1973 in the wake of the pollution caused by the mine drainage. It was revived as a sightseeing attraction and a guided tour through what was once a mining cave is offered to visitors. The neighbouring Watarase River is a great spot to take a break.
Heikeno-sato
Heikeno-sato is a village which was made to recreate the life and atmosphere of the Yunishigawa village from the 12th century, when fleeing warriors of the Heike clan put down their roots in this region. Guests can enjoy local specialties of the era, such as Tochimochi (rice cakes with Japanese horse chestnut) and Kibimochi (rice cakes with bean filling).
Romantic Village
An agriculture theme park titled Romantic Village was founded in 1996 to promote and support agriculture and forestry of Tochigi prefecture. Visitors here can taste seasonal vegetables and locally brewed beer, stroll along the trails, or enjoy hot springs. Every month there is some kind of event held on site.
Setoaikyo
Stretching approximately 2km from the Nokadobashi Bridge to the Kawamata Dam at the upstream of the Kinugawa River is the ravine, Setoaikyo. From the observatory deck at the rest house near the canyon, you will take in a scenic view of the surrounds. Another attraction in the area is "Watarasshai Tsurihashi", one of the longest suspension bridges in the Kanto region. The best time to see fall foliage is from mid October until early November.
Ozasa Ranch
The dairy pasture of Ozasa Ranch expands over 362 hectares in the Kirifuri Highlands. From spring to autumn, over 500 cows roam freely to graze on grass. On site is a large recreational area with an obstacle course where families can have fun together. Visitors will enjoy the changing beauty of nature throughout the four seasons.
Oku-Nikko
Oku-Nikko meaning "deep Nikko" is located in west Tochigi prefecture. Lake Chuzenji, Akechidaira and Senjogahara are tourist spots which all belong to this region and constitute the central part of Nikko National Park. The entire area thrives with nature and is best known for the beauty of autumnal leaves.
Kirifuri Falls
With the height of 75 meters, Kirifuri Falls is one of the three most scenic waterfalls of Nikko. Its name "Kirifuri", literally meaning the descent of fog, stems from the flying spray formed at the lower fall when the water runs down. The site becomes a major tourist draw in May when colorful azalea flowers are in full bloom, and in the autumn when leaves take on their warm red colors.