Where to Go in Nikko


2017.11.27

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Where to Go in Nikko

Famous for its incredible collection of temples and shrines, the city of Nikko also has a lot more going for it than just its history. Its position at the entrance to Nikko National Park makes it the gateway to some of Tochigi’s greatest natural wonders. From the roaring Kegon Falls to the breathtaking sites of Lake Chuzenji and the tranquil beauty of its Botanical Garden, Nikko is a nature lover’s paradise. In koyo aka autumn season the area is awash with the fiery golden leaves while in winter the city is dusted in powdery white snow, however it doesn't matter what time you go as there’s always something new to explore while you’re in town.

  • 01

    Kegon Falls

    Kegon Falls

    Kegon Falls

    Towering at a massive 100 meters the Kegon Waterfall is just one of Nikko's many stunning falls, however it is the city’s most famous. In fact it was named one of Japan's three most beautiful falls, alongside the also stunning Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Waterfall situated in Ibaraki Prefecture. The area surrounding the waterfall is one of Nikko’s most famous koyo locations, however in winter, it transforms completely almost freezing solid. It’s actually the only exit for the waters that fill Lake Chuzenji, and both sites can be viewed simultaneously from Akechidaira Observatory. To check it out yourself catch the ropeway from Akechidaira Plateau and head over to one of the area’s two observation platforms.

    Kegon Falls
    rating

    4.0

    1658 Reviews
    place
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2479-2
    phone
    0288550030
    opening-hour
    8:00-17:00 (Subject to chang…
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  • 02

    Lake Chuzenji

    Lake Chuzenji

    Lake Chuzenji

    Nestled up high in the mountains above Nikko, is Lake Chuzenji a scenic lake that was born from the volcanic eruptions of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano around 20,000 years ago. Given that it sits at an altitude of 1,269m, the lake provides respite from the sweltering Japanese summer heat, however as you can guess in winter it's close to uninhabitable. Remaining relatively untouched by human development, the only real indication of humanity in the area is along the lake's eastern side where the small hot spring town of Chuzenji Onsen sits. If you’re feeling adventurous it is possible to trek along the edge of Lake Chuzenji, which stretches along 25 kilometers and is outlined with mountains and foliage-dense walking trails.

    Lake Chuzenji
    rating

    4.0

    992 Reviews
    place
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
    phone
    0288221525
    opening-hour
    free to visit
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    Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel

    2482 Chugushi, Nikko-city Tochigi

    Agoda
    • Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
    • Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
    • Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
    • Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
    • Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
  • 03

    Nikko Botanical Garden

    Nikko Botanical Garden

    Nikko Botanical Garden

    For those a little more averse to hiking, another natural Nikko landmark is the Nikko Botanical Garden. Owned and maintained by the University of Tokyo, the garden was originally founded in 1902 to give the university’s staff and students an opportunity to collect and study alpine plants. Home to 2,200 individual plants that span an incredible 1,500 species, the spacious garden is webbed with a network of paths that allows for relaxed walks and casual exploration.

    Nikko Botanical Garden
    rating

    4.5

    18 Reviews
    place
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Hanaishichou 1842
    phone
    0288540206
    opening-hour
    9:00-16:30(Last entry16:00)
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    Hotel Natural Garden Nikko

    1825-3, Hanaishi-cho Nikko Tochigi

    Agoda
    • Hotel Natural Garden Nikko
    • Hotel Natural Garden Nikko
    • Hotel Natural Garden Nikko
    • Hotel Natural Garden Nikko
    • Hotel Natural Garden Nikko
  • 04

    Shinkyo Bridge

    Shinkyo Bridge

    Shinkyo Bridge

    One of the most iconic landmarks of the city is the Shinkyo Bridge. The name Shinkyo Bridge translates to "sacred bridge", which is a pretty apt name given its standing at the entrance to Nikko's shrines collection of and temples, which is arguably one of Japan’s most sacred cities. Closed off to the public until 1973, the bridge is technically an extension of the Futarasan Shrine and is one of the main access points into the spiritual heart of this fascinating city.

    Shinkyo Bridge
    rating

    4.0

    917 Reviews
    place
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kamihatsuishimachi
    phone
    0288540535
    opening-hour
    [Apr.-Oct.]8:30-16:30[Nov.-M…
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    Nikko Hoshinoyado Hotel

    1115 Kamihatsuishimachi Nikko Tochigi

    Agoda
    • Nikko Hoshinoyado Hotel
    • Nikko Hoshinoyado Hotel
    • Nikko Hoshinoyado Hotel
    • Nikko Hoshinoyado Hotel
    • Nikko Hoshinoyado Hotel
  • 05

    Toshogu Shrine

    Toshogu Shrine

    Toshogu Shrine

    A visit to Nikko hasn’t really been properly done until you visit Toshogu Shrine, arguably Nikko’s most famous landmark. Registered as a World Heritage site in December 1999, the shrine complex is the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, a feudal Japanese military government that ruled Japan for over 250 years. Make your way around the carefully crafted paths and stairways that were built to follow the natural landscape of the site, creating a harmony between the sacred sites and their natural surroundings.

    Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    place
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2301
    phone
    0288540560
    opening-hour
    [Apr.- Oct.] 9:00-17:00[Nov.…
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    Nikko nishimachi club a la tout

    10-9 Yasukawacho, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1432

    Agoda
    • Nikko nishimachi club a la tout
    • Nikko nishimachi club a la tout
    • Nikko nishimachi club a la tout
    • Nikko nishimachi club a la tout
    • Nikko nishimachi club a la tout

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