Nikko has an extensive winter event lineup with illumination events taking place at most major destinations, including World Heritage temples and shrines, Tobu World Square and the Yunishigawa snow festival. The winter season is also an ideal time to visit the local sake breweries, where you can sample some of the new year's very first brews.
By bus
40 minutes by buses bound for Chuzenji Onsen, then a 5-minute walk from the last stop
Cascading from Lake Chuzenji at a height of 97 meters, Kegon Falls is ranked among Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls. Lush greenery surrounds the area in spring, migratory Asian house martins visit in summer, and the waterfall freezes solid in winter. Paid admission to an observatory platform at the base of the falls offers close-up views.
By bus
15 minutes on buses bound for Yumoto Onsen to the Ryuzunotaki bus stop
One of Nikko’s great waterfalls, Ryuzu Falls consists of two cascades dropping over 210 meters. It is especially beautiful when the rhododendrons are in bloom (May to June), and when the leaves of the surrounding maple and linden trees burst into full autumn colors (September to October). There is an observation deck right by the falls.
By bus
25 minutes from Ryuzunotaki bus stop to Yumoto Onsen
In the center of Nikko National Park, on a plateau surrounded by protected wetlands is Nikko Yumoto Onsen. It is said that the Buddhist monk Shodo discovered this spring near Lake Yunoko 1,200 years ago, and that Kobo Daishi also bathed here. At its source the water is a bright emerald green, but when exposed to the air it turns milk white; it contains a high percentage of metasilicic acid, which is thought to have a smoothing effect on the skin.
On Foot
Short walk
Feel the flow of the water and enjoy the wildlife while rafting down the Kinugawa River in a rubber boat. With a capacity of up to eight people per boat, passengers work together to navigate the river's clear water.
By bus
5 minutes from Kinugawa-Onsen Station by buses bound for Nikko Edomura. Get off at Tobu World Square.
Feel the flow of the water and enjoy the wildlife while rafting down the Kinugawa River in a rubber boat. With a capacity of up to eight people per boat, passengers work together to navigate the river's clear water.
By bus
5 minutes from Kinugawa-Onsen Station by buses bound for Nikko Edomura. Get off at Tobu World Square.
By bus
70 minutes on buses bound for Nikko Station. Get off at the Nishisando bus stop and walk about 8 minutes.
By bus
20 minutes from the Shinkyo bus stop on a bus bound for JR Utsunomiya Station, then a 5-minute walk from the Kasugacho-icchome bus stop
Learn about Japanese sake production at the various breweries in Imaichi district and taste their sake, which benefits from high-quality groundwater originating from the Nikko mountains. English tours are available with advanced reservation.
By train
20 minutes from Shimoimaichi Station by train to Kinugawa-Onsen Station
On Foot
10-minute walk
More than 70 meters high, Tateiwa was named for its shape, which resembles a warrior’s shield (tate in Japanese). An observatory platform at the top of the rock provides a panoramic view of the Kinugawa River and Mt. Keicho. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the scenery from a pedestrian-only suspension bridge between the area and Kinugawa Hot Spring Resort.
By bus
20 minutes on a bus bound for Nikko Edomura
Experience the culture of the Edo period (1603-1867) at Edo Wonderland. Soak in the atmosphere of centuries ago as you stroll through the realistically recreated towns and samurai residences. Enjoy family-friendly events such as a thrilling ninja show, and dress up as a samurai or princess as you interact with period role-playing staff. Edo Wonderland combines history with expansive, theme park-style amusement for an extraordinary day out with plenty of fun photo opportunities.
By bus
20 minutes by bus to Kinugawa-Onsen Station
