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The Yōmeimon gate of Nikkō Tōshō-gū

No. 7 25 Classic Day Trips from Great Cities 2026

Nikkō

Tochigi Prefecture, Japan · Day trip from Tokyo

Ornate shrines and temples in cedar forest, with waterfalls and lakes in the mountains above.

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Photo: Jpatokal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Nikkō is a mountain town north of Tokyo, known for the Tōshō-gū shrine, the richly decorated mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrines and temples of Nikkō are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Above the town, Nikkō National Park has Lake Chūzenji, the Kegon Falls and hiking trails, which are especially popular in the autumn colour season.

205kei train in JR Nikko line
205kei train in JR Nikko line. Photo: Fortew F, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
The Three Wise Monkeys, Nikkō Tōshō-gū; April
The Three Wise Monkeys, Nikkō Tōshō-gū; April. Photo: Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0, source
Nikkō Chūzen-ji Aizen-dō
Nikkō Chūzen-ji Aizen-dō. Photo: Adrian Tync, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

Autumn colours (roughly mid-October to early November) and spring are popular. Winters are cold and snowy higher up. Weekends in autumn are very busy.

Highlights

  • 1

    Tōshō-gū

    A lavishly carved and gilded shrine complex, including the famous 'three wise monkeys'.

  • 2

    Shinkyō Bridge

    A red lacquered bridge over the Daiya River.

  • 3

    Rinnō-ji and Futarasan-jinja

    A temple and shrine near Tōshō-gū.

  • 4

    Kegon Falls

    A waterfall of about 100 m near Lake Chūzenji.

  • 5

    Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    A riverside path lined with stone Jizō statues.

Getting there

Tōbu trains from Asakusa or the JR shinkansen via Utsunomiya reach Nikkō in about 2 hours. Buses run from the stations to the shrines and up to Lake Chūzenji.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
A full day; two days to include the lakes.

Official information: Nikko tourism (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

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