Nikko is one of the most famous city in the Tochigi Prefecture. It is widely considered to have some of the most beautiful sites in all of Japan such as the Tosho-gu and Nikko National Park. It is a well-known destination for Japanese and international tourists alike. Here are fifteen things you should do if you ever find yourself in beautiful Nikko.
1. Go to Nikko Tosho-gu
Nikko Tosho-gu is a Shinto shrine built for Tokugawa leyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine is a beautiful, and extravagant temple. There are five structures at Nikko Tosho-gu that are classified as National Treasures of Japan. Tourists with a strong interest in Japanese history and culture will be sure to enjoy a day here.
Information
- Name: Nikko Tosho-gu
- Address: 2301 Sannai, Nikko 321-1431, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: 1300 yen
- Opening hour: Sun-Sat 8AM – 5PM
- Website: http://www.toshogu.jp/#_=_
2. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a cultural theme park. The park shows the Japanese culture and life during the Edo period. Attractions include Edo period attire, themed plays, street performances, and parades. This is a great place to go for families with small children.
Information
- Name: Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
- Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko 321-2524, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: 2460-4700 yen
- Opening hour: Sun-Sat 9AM-5PM
- Website: http://edowonderland.net/#_=_
3. Boating on Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji is a beautiful lake in Nikko National Park. If the weather is nice, be sure to take the 35 min boat ride from Chuzenji boat station and enjoy the natural scenery. You also have the option of renting your own swan boat if you’d like to explore the area on your own.
Information
- Name: Lake Chuzenji
- Address: 2478 Chugushi, Nikko 321-1661, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: varies
- Opening hour: Always open
- Website: http://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/12/#_=_
4. Hike Mount Nantai
If you are looking for an athletic activity, Mount Nantai is one of the most popular hiking spots in Nikko. The round hiking trip on Nantai takes about 6-7 hours. Slowly enjoy all the sights the mountain has to offer. If you are lucky you may be able to see Mount Fuji from the top of Mount Nantai.
Information
- Name: Mount Nantai
- Address: Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: free
- Opening hour: Always open
5. Shinkyo
Shinkyo is known as the most photographed bridge in Japan. This red bridge is seen on the way to the shrines and temples nearby. Be sure to stop and have a photo op with this lovely structure.
Information
- Name: Shinkyo
- Address: 2307 Sannai | Nikko Futarasann Shrine, Nikko 321-1431 , Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: 270 yen
- Opening hour: Always open
6. Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
This park is a heaven for those in love with Japanese architecture and landscaping. It houses some of the most beautiful foliage in all of Japan. Tamozawa Imperial Villa used to be the residence of the Tokugawa family and also briefly used as the Imperial Palace. Today, it stands as a museum welcoming visitors to admire its grandeur.
Information
- Name: Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
- Address: 8-27 Honcho, Nikko 321-1434, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: 510 yen
- Opening hour: Sunday-Saturday, closed Tuesdays 9AM -5PM
- Website: http://www.park-tochigi.com/tamozawa/#_=_
7. Go to Nikko Yumoto Onsen
This onsen is the most well known hotspring in Nikko. The Nikko Yumoto Onsen provides the hot springs to all the nearby ryokans. The onsen is next to Lake Yunoko, which provides visitors with a scenic area to rest. It is a quiet, serene town that is great for relaxing after a long day.
Information
- Name: Nikko Yumoto Onsen
- Address: Yumoto, Nikko 321-1662, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: Varies based on Ryokan
- Opening hour: all day
8. Have a walk at Senjogahara Field
Senjogahara Field is a marsh that extends north of Lake Chuzenji. There is a walkway that visitors can use to walk along the field where they can enjoy beautiful scenery like waterfalls, flowers, and interesting birds. A great walk for the whole family!
Information
- Name: Senjogahara Field
- Address: Chugushi, Nikko 321-1661, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: free
- Website: http://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/10/#_=_
9. Spend a day at Ozasa Ranch
Ozasa Ranch is a popular tourist destination for shopping and eating. It is surrounded by cows and sheep feeding on the terrain outside. The shopping center only sells local agricultural products. Bring the kids here to see some adorable animals and eat some very fresh produce!
Information
- Name: Ozasa Ranch
- Address: 3405 Osasahara, Senoo, Nikko 321-1264 , Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: Varies
- Opening hour: Depends on store or restaurant
- Website: http://www.tochiraku.or.jp/oozasa/index.htm#_=_
10. Trick Art Museum
The trick art museum is a series of exhibitions that showcase funny, amusing, or optical illusion art. It is sure to be fun for both kids and adults alike. Many exhibitions trick the eye so you need to look twice to really understand what is going on!
Information
- Name: Trick Art Museum
- Address: 1-4 Kosagoe, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2525, Japan
- Price: 600-900 yen
- Opening hour: Sunday-Saturday: 9:30AM-5PM
- Website: http://www.kyoceradome-osaka.jp/#_=_
11. Eat at Meiji no Yakata
This restaurant is located near Tosho-gu. It is considered to be one of the best western restaurants in Nikko. After a long day of visiting the shrines, drop in here for the delicious food, beautiful décor, and pleasant and lovely hosts.
Information
- Name: Meiji no Yakata
- Address: 2339-1 Sannai, Nikko 321-1431, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: Varies based on menu
- Opening hour: Sunday-Saturday 9AM-8PM
- Website: http://www.meiji-yakata.com/pages/english.html
12. Visit Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Nikko. For a small fee, you can take an elevator down to the bottom of the falls for a spectacular view. There are several viewing platforms to see the Falls at various angles. This is a natural wonder not to be missed.
Information
- Name: Kegon Falls
- Address: 2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko 321-1661, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: 550 yen
- Opening hour: Based on Season Winter – 9AM-4:30PM, Summer to Fall – 7:30Am-6PM, Spring – 8:00AM-5PM
- Website: http://kegon.jp/sub5.html#_=_
13. Get some sweets at Sakaeya
Sakaeya is one of the best sweets bakeries in Nikko. For those with a sweet tooth, come and try the deep-fried bean paste covered in salt. Visitors say this is a must-have dessert in Nikko.
Information
- Name: Sakaeya
- Address: 10-1 Matsubaracho, Nikko 321-1406, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: Varies based on sweets
- Opening hour: Sunday-Saturday 9:30AM to 6:30PM
- Website: http://nikkosakaeya.co.jp/shop/#_=_
14. Heike no Sato Museum
Heike no Sato is a folk museum that displays Japanese traditional houses. It is a recreation of Japanese villages in the old days. This is great for travelers interested in Japanese history or traditional architecture.
Information
- Name: Heike no Sato Museum
- Address: 1042 Yunishikawa, Nikko 321-2601, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: 500 yen
15. Relax at Yunishigawa Onsen
Yunishigawa Onsen is a small hot spring town in the mountains of the Tochigi Prefecture. The town has many lodgings that offers relaxing hot springs for tourists. Many of the lodgings have local food served around a fireplace for dinner. One of the most popular attractions is the Kamakura Festival where hundreds of snow houses (kamakura) are built and lit along the river. This usually happens from late January to early March in seven areas around town.
Information
- Name: Yunishigawa Onsen
- Address: Yunishikawa, Nikko 321-2601, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: Varies
- Opening hour: Depends on lodging
Nikko is a relaxing, gorgeous city that is sure to bring spectacular views and memorable experiences for all travelers.
Have a good trip and travel!
