Central Nikko's Highlights for the Time Pressed

Recommended Length: 1 Day

Nikko is best explored over a few days, and everyone should try to stay at least one night. However, that isn't possible for every traveler. Follow this route if you only have one day in Nikko and want to hit the absolute highlights.

Day 1

Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station

On Foot

20-minute walk

Dress-Up

Kimono Stroll

Stroll around the World Heritage sites of Nikko while wearing a kimono. A kimono can be rented in a variety of materials and styles for women, men and children. Staff are available to assist in getting you dressed properly.

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Traditional Culture

On Foot

10-minute walk to Shinkyo Bridge

World Heritage Shrines & Temples

On Foot

30-minute walk

Nature

Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Located near the Daiya River, Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a small gorge created by an eruption from Mt. Nantai around 7,000 years ago. From the riverside path, you can see several small statues of jizo, a bodhisattva said to protect children, women and travelers. There are around 70 jizo, but legend holds that the number changes each time you try to count them. Near the upper stream you’ll spot some Sanskrit characters carved into the cliff, said to have been written by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

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Nature

By bus

15-minute walk to Sogokaikan-mae bus stop, then a 10-minute ride on buses bound for Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station

Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station