Traverse spiritual power spots where famed monk Shodo Shonin first went in the 9th century, and get a sense for the onmyodo cosmological principles on which Nikko Toshogu was built. While traveling these areas, pray for good luck in life and marriage.
By bus
40 minutes from the Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station on a bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen. Get off at Akechidaira bus stop.
By bus
20 minutes on a bus bound for Yumoto Onsen to Futarasan-jinja-mae bus stop
One of the three sub-shrines that form Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine, Chugushi is situated on the shore of Lake Chuzenji, between the main and upper shrines. Chugushi was established in the 8th century and is dedicated to Mt. Nantai. The shrine is a popular place for those seeking a romantic match.
On Foot
5-minute walk
By Ferry
Get off at the Tachikikannon boat stop
This branch temple of Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple was founded in 784 by Shodo, the first head priest of Nikko. The wooden statue for which it’s named—which represents Kannon, the thousand-armed goddess of mercy—is said to have been carved by Shodo himself. The temple is also home to several historically significant Buddha statues.
On Foot
20-minute walk
Chuzenji Onsen, located at the north end of Lake Chuzenji, is drawn from Nikko Yumoto Onsen, 12 kilometers away. Over that distance, the water—originally 78 degrees Celsius—gradually cools down to the perfect temperature for bathing. Visitors can also enjoy sightseeing spots near the resort such as Chugushi (a sub-shrine of Futarasan-jinja Shrine) and Kegon Falls, whose scenery changes dramatically as the seasons pass.
By bus
30 minutes on a bus bound for Nikko Station to Shinkyo bus stop
At 28 meters long and nearly eight meters wide, the beautiful, vermilion-lacquered Shinkyo Bridge sits at the entrance to the Nikko mountains. According to legend, Buddhist monk Shodo, the first head priest of Nikko, asked the mountain deities for help crossing the Daiya River, at which point two snakes appeared and transformed into a bridge. The bridge belongs to Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine and was designated a World Heritage site in 1999.
●Admission & Tickets
Shinkyo Bridge Crossing Ticket: ¥300
*Cash payments only at the ticket counter.
On Foot
20-minute walk
Kaisando is the mausoleum of Shodo, the first head priest of Nikko. The square, vermilion-lacquered building enshrines an image of Jizo Bosatsu—a bodhisattva said to protect children, dating back to the 14th or 15th century.
On Foot
15-minute walk
About a kilometer from Futarasan-jinja Shrine stands Takinoo-jinja Shrine, standing quietly amid the cedar trees. The atmospheric Takinoo-jinja is a popular place to pray for a successful marriage, pregnancy or birth, but people also come in search of more general luck. According to the legend, if you throw a coin through the small hole atop the torii gate at the entrance, you’ll be blessed with good fortune—but you only get three tries, so aim carefully.
On Foot
30-minute walk
The most noteworthy of Nikko’s religious buildings is Toshogu, where Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined after his death in 1616. Twenty years later, Ieyasu’s grandson (Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun) constructed an elaborate complex around Ieyasu's mausoleum. Its 55 buildings include eight National Treasures, notably Yomeimon, a lavish gate covered with complex wood carvings, bright paintings and gold leaf. While exploring the site, look out for a few of the quirkier carvings—a sleeping cat, angry-looking clawed elephants (the artist had never seen one), and the famous three monkeys in “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses. Just outside the complex is the modern Nikko Toshogu Museum, where you can learn more about the first shogun.
●Admission & Tickets
Nikko Toshogu Shrine Ticket (Entry only) ¥1,600
Combo Ticket (Toshogu Shrine + Museum) ¥2,400
Toshogu Museum Ticket (Museum only) ¥1,000
Nikko Toshogu Art Museum Ticket ¥800
*Cash payments only at the ticket counter.
●Online Booking
( Tobu Top Tours
/ Trip.com
/ Klook
/ GET YOUR GUIDE):
Step 1: Purchase your ticket online.
Step 2: Exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at Tobu-Nikko Station Tourist Center.
Step 3: Head to the shrine.
Please note: Vouchers cannot be exchanged at the shrine entrance.
By bus
15 minutes from Omotesando bus stop on a World Heritage tour bus
