First-Time Visitors | Nikko Official Guide

History

It’s no wonder that Nikko’s most historic shrines and temples are designated World Heritage sites and National Treasures of Japan. Their striking architecture is in perfect harmony with the surrounding cedar forests and mountain slopes.

The walkable World Heritage area includes two Shinto shrines and one Buddhist temple. Together, they form a complex of over 100 intricately detailed, vermilion-painted structures, connected by paths lined with centuries-old trees and weathered stone lanterns.

These sites are fastidiously preserved by generations of monks, and painstakingly reconstructed using original plans and traditional techniques when damaged. The result is examples of Edo-period (1603-1867) architecture as stunning today as the day they were finished.

Nikko's history goes far beyond just the World Heritage sites. Throughout the region, well-preserved temples and shrines dot the mountainsides as charming compliments to the natural landscape.

Nature

Hike along twisting mountain trails, through ancient cedar forests, around placid lakes and over untamed marshland. Walk until you hear the whisper of rushing water, then follow the sound until the full majesty of one of Nikko’s many waterfalls comes into view. Nikko is part of Nikko National Park, so pristine nature surrounds you wherever you go.

Experience Nikko’s four distinct seasons, each offering its own views and experiences. In springtime, the cherry trees blossom and fields of flowers bloom. Escape from the scorching Japanese summer to Nikko’s rivers and lakes. Autumn is the busiest season, with tourists from across Japan coming to admire the dramatic transformation of the forests from verdant green to vibrant red and gold. Winter brings a covering of snow, best enjoyed on skis and snowboards, or from the warmth of a hot spring bath.

Culture

Most of Nikko is quintessential Japanese countryside—less hectic than the cities, but just as vibrant. Sample sake and soba noodles made from local harvests. Try regional delicacies like yuba, and enjoy produce such as fish, pork, beef, fruits and vegetables. Experience the peaceful simplicity of staying at traditional Japanese ryokan guesthouses and soaking in their private onsen baths. In the summer, Nikko uses its famously pristine water to make a shaved ice treat called kakigori.

Come during one of Nikko’s many seasonal festivals to witness bustling parades, portable shrines carried through town or flower-covered floats celebrating the coming of spring. See the historic shrines come to life during the Autumn Grand Festival, complete with horse-mounted archers and processions of people dressed as samurai. In winter, warm yourself with the sight of hundreds of tiny, candle-lit snow-huts during the Kamakura Festival. For those who want a more hands-on experience, many of these festivals welcome your participation.

At Edo Wonderland, children and adults alike can experience a sprawling theme-park recreation of life during the Edo period (1603-1867). Visit for a taste of what Japan was like hundreds of years ago.

When to visit

How long to spend here

If you’re pressed for time, you can get a taste of Nikko on a day trip. Nikko is easy to get to from Tokyo, and it’s possible to see the core World Heritage sites in a few hours. However, Nikko reveals its true charm to those who explore a little longer.

Take the extra time to immerse yourself in Nikko’s renowned culture and abundant nature — it’s worth it. Arrive early to appreciate the stillness of the temples and shrines before the tour buses arrive. Watch the sunset while soaking in an open-air onsen without concern for catching your return train.

Some of Nikko’s best sights are difficult or impossible to see in a single day. Go beyond the most popular tourist attractions and see Nikko’s less crowded lakes and waterfalls. Hike to isolated viewing spots, like those around Lake Chuzenji, then go fishing or canoeing. Venture into the historic Ashio Copper Mine, trek through Ryuo Gorge and spot wild monkeys on Mt. Nantai. No matter how long you stay in Nikko, there will be plenty to see and do.

Nikko is the perfect place to discover the remarkable hospitality of traditional ryokan inns. They are largely unchanged from the ryokan that visitors to Nikko stayed in hundreds of years ago: minimal yet comfortable, with tatami mats and shoji paper doors, and elaborate multi-course dinners served to your room. If that’s not for you, dozens of familiar Western-style hotels are also available.

Getting to Nikko

Getting to Nikko is very straightforward. Tobu runs direct trains to Nikko from Asakusa Station in Tokyo and co-operates trains from Shinjuku Station. Tobu passes for travel within the region include this journey. Travelers using a Japan Rail Pass can reach Nikko on JR trains, although it isn't the most direct route.

These trains will deposit you at one of central Nikko’s twin train stations, Nikko and Tobu-Nikko. From there, you will have various options for the next leg of your journey.

Highway buses operate from Greater Tokyo's two main airports — Narita and Haneda — as well as Tokyo Station and Yokohama Station. Getting to Nikko from elsewhere in Japan is possible although most routes involve going via Tokyo first.

Getting around Nikko

Getting around Nikko is simple, with various options for every type of traveler.

Buses are the main mode of transport in the region. Frequent buses run a circuit around the World Heritage sites and other popular tourist destinations, while occasional buses run to and between more rural destinations in Okunikko, Kinugawa, Yunishigawa and elsewhere. It may be worth purchasing a travel pass, which allows unlimited use of transport networks. This saves money and makes hop-on-hop-off travel between the sights easier.

For custom routes, taxis are available to book over the phone, in English, from anywhere in Nikko. Similarly, rental cars offer a great way to see Nikko, with convenient rental locations and affordable prices. Driving is particularly useful if you are going to and between remote corners of Nikko.

Travel tips

For further information about visiting, traveling and staying in Nikko, click the links below.
Check the Basic Information page for the average weather and recommended clothing for your visit, where to find currency exchanges and ATMs, and other valuable tips. It also covers the free visitor Wi-Fi, baggage storage and delivery, and emergency information.
Basic Information

Find the answers to questions about sightseeing, getting around, money and credit cards, and more on the FAQ page.
FAQ

Booking accommodation

While some accommodations in Nikko offer same-day booking, it is highly recommended that you book in advance to make sure you get the perfect room.

The majority of accommodation in Nikko can be booked online. For support finding and booking the right accommodation, contact the Nikko Tourist Information Center. Their helpful, English-speaking staff can answer your questions, offer recommendations, and assist you with making reservations. If you arrive in Nikko without a place to stay, head to the center for help in booking that night's accommodation.