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Nikkō, in Tochigi Prefecture, is a destination favored among both international and local tourists. With its stunning mountain scenery and variegated foliage, it's a choice location for admiring Japan’s distinct seasonal changes. Nikkō is an unmissable travel destination and a convenient day trip from Tokyo. Soak your feet in an onsen overlooking a lake, or gaze upon centuries-old carvings at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pro-tip: A guided Nikkō day trip from Tokyo is an easy way to take in the sights. Getting to Nikkō: Transportation and discount tickets Probably the easiest, most comfortable, and most cost-effective way to travel to Nikkō is via the Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station. It takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes on a limited express train and costs one-way. You can reduce the cost by purchasing a two-day Nikkō Pass (known as the Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass) for . This covers the basic fare ( return) from Asakusa to Tōbu-Nikkō Station, but you'll have to pay extra for a seat on the limited express trains. See all of the options in our dedicated guide to transport from Tokyo to Nikkō. Tours from Tokyo to Nikkō It's hard to see everything in Nikkō in just one day, so a guided tour is recommended if you want to explore further than the shrines and temples in Central Nikkō. This includes a visit to Tōshōgū Shrine, Lake Chūzenji, and Kegon Falls. Prices start from a reasonable per person. If you're in a group, with an English-speaking driver is perfect. You get to hit up all the famous spots but in the privacy and comfort of a private vehicle. A group of up to four people costs all in, while a group of up to 13 (!) can be accommodated in a minivan for total. If you would prefer a driver who can be more of a tour guide, as opposed to just a chauffeur, this costs – for up to 13 passengers. And if you are looking to explore even more of Tochigi? Consider a 2-night getaway in the countryside -- full of hot springs and history. Note: This package has limited availability. Central Nikkō: Getting there and things to do Due to the high concentration of natural and historical landmarks in the same area, it’s possible to see a great deal of Nikkō over two or three days. However, if you are just on a day trip, it may be worth focusing on the shops, shrines, and temples in Central Nikkō. Getting to and around Central Nikkō Most of Central Nikkō can be accessed either on foot (20 to 30 minutes from Tōbu-Nikkō Station) or by the World Heritage Loop Bus (also from the station). The two-day Nikkō Pass (Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass) covers this bus route and also includes train access up to Kinugawa Onsen and beyond. Things to see and do in Central Nikkō With 103 buildings and structures, it’s easy to lose track of time and place in the UNESCO World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Central Nikkō. Here, we highlight some of the most popular and not-to-be-missed landmarks. Shinkyō Bridge 5-minute bus or 23-minute walk from Tōbu-Nikkō Station Free; to cross the bridge This red, vermillion wooden icon is seen as the entrance to Nikkō and is one of the most recognizable bridges in Japan. It crosses the Daiya River and has a beautiful mountainous backdrop that changes color throughout the seasons. Originally built at the end of the Nara period, the bridge was rebuilt in 1987 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. If you're lucky, you'll be able to spot a bride and groom's first crossing after their marriage in the affiliated Nikkō Futarasan Shrine. The end of the bridge once started the approach to Tōshōgu Shrine. Note that if you pay the to cross, you'll still have to come back the way you came. Tōshōgū Shrine 10-minute bus or 36-minute walk from Tōbu-Nikkō Station Tōshōgū Shrine, built in 1617, is the mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Featuring elements of Buddhist and Shinto architecture, Tōshōgū Shrine is renowned for its highly ornate façade. Well-known features of Tōshōgū Shrine include the wooden inlay of the three wise monkeys (‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’) and nemuri-neko, a sleeping cat located near the karamon gate. Also spot the elephants motif, which was crafted by an artist who had never seen elephants before -- see if you can tell their tails from their trunks. Rinnōji Temple 10-minute bus or 30-minute walk from Tōbu-Nikkō Station for Sanbutsudo Hall only; for Sanbutsudo Hall, Treasure Hall, and Shōyō-en Garden Near Tōshōgū Shrine is Rinnōji, a Buddhist temple built in the 8th century and founded by the monk Shōdō Shōnin. In the main Sanbutsudo Hall, you'll find three 8-meter-tall golden Buddhas related to Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. The treasure house just opposite also holds precious artworks and statues. Next to Sanbutsudo Hall is the classical garden, Shōyō-en, a pleasant space in which to relax and enjoy the seasonal imagery of Nikkō. Taiyūin Temple and Mausoleum 15-minute bus or 40-minute walk from Tōbu-Nikkō Station for Taiyūin; for Sanbutsudo Hall (Rinnōji) and Taiyūin Taiyūin Temple is the companion piece to Tōshōgū Shrine, being the mausoleum of Ieyasu’s grandson, Iemitsu. Although less grand than Tōshōgū, Taiyūin still deserves attention, not least for its white dragon statue near the Karamon Gate and the Nio statues at the Niomon Gate. Kanmangafuchi Abyss 5-minute bus and 10-minute walk or 40- to 45-minute walk from Tōbu-Nikkō Station Free Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a pleasant walking trail through a valley with a babbling river. Known for its red-hatted jizo statues (monk protectors of women, children, and travelers), the trail is said to have a mystery; each time you count the statues, the number changes. Adding to the mysticism is a Sanskrit character carved into stone that is said to be engraved by the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kōbō Daishi. Nikkō National Park: Getting there and things to do To enter the heart of Nikkō National Park, one of Japan's most beautiful national parks, you'll need to go a bit farther than Central Nikkō and may require more than a day. The 2-day Nikkō Pass does not cover travel in this area -- but the 4-day Nikkō All Area Pass does. How to get around Nikkō National Park (Lake Chūzenji and beyond) You can hop on a bus bound for Lake Chūzenji at either JR Tōbu or Tōbu-Nikkō stations. The 45-minute drive on the sinuous Irohazaka Winding Road will lead you past Shinkyo Bridge and smaller waterfalls such as Urami Falls and Jakko Falls. Chūzenji Onsen, the town next to the lake, is a good resting spot if you plan to spend the night and can be a hub for other attractions in the area. Things to do around Nikkō National Park It may take a bit more planning to see all the sights of Nikkō National Park, especially if you are relying on timetables and public transport. You might consider renting a car, if this area is the main focus of your Nikkō trip. Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck 35-minute bus from Tōbu-Nikkō Station round trip On your way to Lake Chūzenji, you'll pass the start of the Akechidaira Ropeway. Get off and jump on a 3-minute ropeway to the observation deck for perhaps the most iconic landscape shot of Nikkō. If you go in autumn, you're bound to be queuing for a while but it'll be well worth it. It closes early at around 3:30 p.m. and they sometimes suspend it due to weather or safety checks, so make sure to check the website before you go. Kegon Falls 45-minute bus from Tōbu-Nikkō Station Free for ground-floor deck; for lower deck Hop off the bus at Kegon Falls, which at 97 metres is one of the three largest waterfalls in Japan. You can view it for free from above (on a ground-level platform), but for the best view, you'll have to go below the rock. This lower deck costs but treats the viewer to plummeting plumes that you can't see anywhere else. Tip: Although not as impressive as Kegon Falls, Yudaki Falls is still worth a visit. Get up close and personal at the bottom of Yudaki Falls while cracking open a cold one made available to you via the adjacent convenience store. Lake Chūzenji 53-minute bus from Tōbu-Nikkō Station Free; for a 55-minute cruise Lake Chūzenji is the highest lake in Japan, with many activities to do on the water or along the lakeside. You can take a pleasant walk or hike around it, hire a swan paddleboat, or opt for a cruise. The lakeside has a lot of cute cafés and souvenir shops, as well as the British and Italian embassies' memorial parks. Where to stay: Accommodation in Nikkō Nikkō runs the gamut of accommodation options, from deluxe, five-star hotels with private onsen to modest, yet nonetheless decent budget accommodation. You can either stay in Central Nikkō or nearer Lake Chūzenji, depending on what attractions you have planned. Affordability granted, several hostels impress due to their friendly service, location, and amenities. Try Nikkō Guesthouse Sumica near the station for dormitory beds around the mark. For hotels, try Nikkō Akarinoyado Villa Revage (mid-range) or the very popular Nikkō Park Lodge (cheap-cheap) near Tōbu-Nikkō Station. Nikkō FAQs Can Nikkō be a day trip from Tokyo? Yes, Nikkō can be done as a day trip from Tokyo. We recommend spending the day in Central Nikkō, as this has easy access to the main station and attractions by foot or a quick bus ride. When is the best time to visit Nikkō? Visitors tend to flock to Nikkō during two periods of the year -- first, in April for hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) and second, around November for the beautiful autumn leaves, kōyō. While we do our best to ensure that everything is correct, information is subject to change. Originally published in June 2015. Last updated in September 2023.

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Easy Nikkō Day Trip Guide [With Video]

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