Recommended Length: 3 Days
Explore Nikko's natural riches above and underground, from forests, rivers and hot springs, to the copper mines that sustained the area for over 400 years.
Nikko's Scenic and Cultural Highlights Including Ashio Copper Mine
AMAZING NIKKO, ASHIO
Day 1
Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station
On Foot
1-minute walk
Food
Mishimaya
Nikko is famous for sweets, made with the finest ingredients from Tochigi and beyond. Mishimaya is a must-visit for its signature Nikko Ningyo Yaki, cakes shaped like popular Nikko icons including the three wise monkeys. The small cakes are filled with sweet adzuki bean paste, and make cute souvenirs.
FOOD
On Foot
5-minute walk
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
By bus
Take a bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen from Nishisando Iriguchi (stop 9) and get off at Akechihira (stop 24). The trip takes around 35 minutes.
Observatory
Akechidaira Observatory
Take the Akechidaira Ropeway to the observatory, and enjoy sweeping views of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. The viewpoint is popular in fall when the mountains of Okunikko are ablaze with autumn colors, but the views are beautiful in all seasons.
Spot
Other
From Akechidaira (stop 24), take a bus bound for Yumoto Onsen and get off at Shobu Yuransen Hatchakujo (stop 35) after about 25 minutes. Walk for 5 minutes to reach Shobugahama Campsite.
Accommodation
End of Day 1
Day 2
Shobugahama Campsite
By bus
Take a bus bound for Nikko Station from Shobu Yuransen Hatchakujo (stop 35) and get off at Futarasan Jinja Chugusi (stop 30). The trip takes about 7 minutes.
Hiking
Mt. Nantai
Rising 2,486 meters above Lake Chuzenji is Mt. Nantai, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and the object of worship of Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine. Sub-shrine Chugushi is located at its base, and Okumiya at the top. There is a four-kilometer mountain trail leading up to the summit, open to hikers from May to October each year. The hike takes between three and four hours and is fairly tough, so it’s only recommended to experienced trekkers.
Nature
By bus
Take a bus bound for Yumoto Onsen at Futarasan Jinja Chugusi (stop 30), and get off at Kohanmae (stop 45). The trip takes about 35 minutes.
Accommodation
By bus
End of Day 2
Day 3
Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
By bus
Take a bus from Yumoto Onsen (stop 46) toward Nikko Station and get off the bus at Chuzenji Onsen (stop 26). The trip takes about 35 minutes.
Activity
Other
60 minutes by bicycle
Activity
By bus
From Senjugahama, ride about 60 minutes to Chuzenji Onsen. Take a bus from Chuzenji Onsen (stop 26) bound for Nikko Station. Get off the bus at Kiyotaki (stop 19) after 20 minutes. Transfer to a bus bound for Ashio Soai Hospital for 40 minutes and get off at Ashio Dozan Kanko Mae bus stop
Spot
Ashio Copper Mine
Once one of Japan’s most important industrial sites, Ashio Copper Mine is now a tourist attraction. You can explore the 700-meter-long tunnel by trolley and learn more about the mine’s 400 years of history in the on-site museums.
Entertainment & Leisure
By bus
Take the bus from Ashio Dozan Kanko Mae bus stop bound for Akakura (about 12 minutes). Akakura is the last stop. It is a short walk to Furukawa Bridge.
National Important Cultural Property
Furukawa Bridge
Furukawa Bridge was completed in1890 to transport copper ore from Ashi Copper Mine to the refinery across the Watarase River. The steel truss bridge was made in sections in Germany then bolted together onsite. It is an example of Japan's rapid modernization during the Meiji period (1869–1912).
Spot
Other
Walk 20 minutes from the bridge to Mato Station, for trains back to Nikko Station.