Autumn sees Nikko's World Heritage temples and shrines shrouded in colorful leaves, and it's also the best season to sample soba. Savor noodles made with freshly yielded buckwheat and enjoy spectacularly illuminated autumn leaves at night.
On Foot
Short walk
Stretching over 35 kilometers, Nikko Suginamiki Kaido is the longest tree-lined road in the world. The towering cedar trees on both sides of the path were originally planted in the Edo period to provide a suitably regal approach to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Around 50,000 were planted over a 20-year period, and today some 12,000 remain.
On Foot
10-minute walk
By bus
15 minutes from Kami-Imaichi Station on a bus bound for Nikko Toshogu to the 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.
On Foot
10-minute walk
Originally known as Shihonryuji Temple, Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple was founded 1,200 years ago by Buddhist monk Shodo, who served as the first head priest of Nikko. Sanbutsudo Hall, the temple’s main building, is one of the largest wooden structures in Nikko, and houses eight-meter-tall gold statues of the Thousand-armed Buddha of Mt. Nantai, the Amida Buddha of Mt. Nyoho and the Horse-headed Buddha of Mt. Taro. Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple also includes a treasure house with National Treasure sutras and Buddha statues, as well as the Japanese garden Shoyoen, featuring a placid pond.
Sanbutsudo Hall is undergoing renovation until March 2021. During this period, the interior can be viewed from a special elevated area.
Near the World Heritage temples and shrines of Nikko is a legendary hot spring, allegedly discovered by Kobo Daishi (founder of Shingon Buddhism). Though the location of Kobo Daishi’s Muso-no-yu (hot spring of imagination) was not known for a long time, it’s thought to have been rediscovered in 1985, and is now simply called Nikko Onsen. Its clear, pure water is said to be good for the skin, and is a perfect treatment for the aches brought on by walking around all of the city’s World Heritage sites.
Important Notice (Updated October 31, 2025, 3:30 PM)
Due to the severe storm expected tonight, some events will be canceled or modified as follows.
Illuminated Sites: ,Nikkō Toshogu Five-Story Pagoda, Nikko Futarasan Shrine Worship Hall, Sanbutsudo Hall, Shoyo-en Garden, and Hojo-ike Pond
Canceled Events: Stamp Rally, Food Court, Stage Performances, and English Guided Tours
We sincerely apologize to everyone who was looking forward to these events.
For one weekend between late October and early November, Nikko’s World Heritage shrines and temples are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. During the event, free guided tours with English-speaking guides are available.
Here are the event maps for Light-Up Nikko (PDF).
[2025 Event Details]
Dates:
October 31st (Fri) - November 2nd (Sun), 2025
Time:
5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.
*On the last day, the event will close at 8:00p.m.
The following events will be held daily for three days. Don't miss out—come and enjoy them at the venue!
★English Guided Tour
Let's enjoy walking around the lit up World Heritage site with an English speaking local guide!
Reception:
Information desk near Sanbutsudo Hall (Rinno-ji Temple)
Depature times:
5:00p.m. / 5:30p.m. / 6:00p.m. / 6:30p.m. / 7:00p.m.
Tour Duration:
Approx. 40 mins.
The tours offered by Tochigi Volunteer Interpreters & Guides Asociation [TVIGA]
★Night Walk Stamp Rally
Enjoy collecting special stamps in the magical nighttime venue! Take them home as a special memory of your trip to Nikko.
Time:
5:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
*On October 31st, the Stamp Rally will start at 6:00p.m.
*On November 2nd, the Stamp Rally will end at 8:00p.m.
Stamp Location:
-Information desk near Sanbutsudo Hall (Rinno-ji Temple)
-Five-story Pagoda (Nikko Toshogu Shrine)
-Nikko Futarasan-Jinja Shrine
-Nishisando Chaya
★Performance
During the event period, live performances will be held every day in front of Sanbutsudo Hall (Rinno-ji Temple)!
Please note: The performance by Seiya (on November 2nd, from 6:00p.m.) will take place in front of the Five-story Pagoda (Nikko Toshogu Shrine).
-Opening act: Japanese Drum Performance by Ichitaro
On October 31st (Friday), from 6:00p.m.
-Musical Performance by Kiki Takezawa
On October 31st (Friday), from 8:00p.m.
-Japanese Drum Performance by DRUM Hoshu
On November 1st (Saturday), from 6:00p.m.
-Musical Performance by Miki MARiE
On November 1st (Saturday), from 6:30p.m.
-Dance Performance
On November 1st (Saturday), from 7:15p.m.
-Musical Performance by Kamisuzuki Brothers
On November 1st (Satureday), from 8:00p.m.
-Japanese Yosakoi Dance Performance by Seiya
On November 2nd (Sunday), from 6:00p.m.
*It will take place in front of the Five-story Pagoda (Nikko Toshogu Shrine).
-Musical Performance by CiON
On November 2nd (Sunday), from 8:00p.m.
★Night Wedding Ceremony
During the event period, there will be a special opportunity to observe a wedding ceremony for the public held at night.
Time:
6:30p.m. - 7:30p.m.
Location:
At Nikko Futarasan-Jinja shrine
★Food Stands
A food court where you can enjoy warm meals and drinks will also be set up near Sanbutsudo Hall!
Time:
5:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
*On November 2nd, the event will end at 8:00p.m.
On Foot
45-minute walk
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.
By bus
10 minutes from the Sogokaikan-mae bus stop to Nikko Station. Transfer to a bus bound for Kirifurikogen and ride 15 minutes to the Kirifurinotaki bus stop. Walk about 10 minutes.
One of the three great waterfalls of Nikko (along with Kegon and Ryuzu), 75-meter-high, two-tiered Kirifuri Falls flow into the Kirifuri River. Splashing off rocks on the way down, the water descends as a fine mist (kiri), after which the falls were named. The nearby observation deck is the best place from which to view the falls, especially when surrounded by warm autumn colors.
By bus
15 minutes by bus to Nikko Station
