NIKKŌ
Nikko is the gilded heart of Japan’s mountain spirituality, home to UNESCO World Heritage shrines nestled in ancient cedar forests. It stands as a lavish counterpoint to Tokyo’s modern rush, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and spectacular nature.
This region is where magnificent Edo-period architecture meets dramatic natural beauty, from towering waterfalls to serene alpine lakes. It’s a land famed for the final resting place of a powerful Shogun and its mystical, mountainous landscapes.
Most Popular Attractions
Cultural & Historical Sites (The World Heritage Core & Town)
Tōshō-gū Shrine: Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Yōmeimon Gate: The spectacular, intricately carved main gate of the Tōshō-gū Shrine, known as the “Gate of Sunlight.”
The Three Wise Monkeys Carving: The iconic carving on the sacred stable at Tōshō-gū, embodying the “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” proverb.
The Sleeping Cat Carving (Nemurineko): A famous, small carving near the entrance to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum.
Futarasan Shrine: The oldest shrine in Nikko, founded in the 8th century and dedicated to the three sacred mountains.
Shinkyō Bridge (Sacred Bridge): A stunning vermillion-lacquered bridge over the Daiya River, marking the entrance to the shrine and temple area.
Rinnōji Temple: Nikko’s most important Buddhist temple, housing three large, gold-plated Buddha statues in the main hall.
Taiyūin Temple: The beautifully decorated mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, Ieyasu’s grandson, blending Shinto and Buddhist styles.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss: A mystical, serene gorge walk featuring a row of nearly 70 stone Jizō statues.
Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park: A former summer residence for the Imperial Family, showcasing a blend of Japanese and Western architecture.
Nikko Kanaya Hotel: Japan’s oldest resort hotel, a historic building that has hosted famous international figures.
Tōshō-gū Museum (Treasure Museum): Houses historical artifacts related to the shrine and the Tokugawa family.
Natural Wonders & Outdoors (Okunikko & The Highlands)
Kegon Falls: One of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, with a dramatic 97-meter drop from Lake Chūzenji.
Lake Chūzenji: A beautiful, scenic lake at the base of Mount Nantai, created by a volcanic eruption 20,000 years ago.
Ryūzu Falls (Dragon’s Head Falls): A spectacular waterfall that splits into two near the basin, said to resemble a dragon’s head.
Senjōgahara Marshlands: An extensive marshland and former lakebed, popular for flat hiking and bird watching.
Yudaki Falls: A powerful, wide waterfall pouring down from Lake Yunoko, accessible via a short nature trail.
Mt. Nantai: The sacred, dormant volcano that overlooks Lake Chūzenji, a hub for mountain worship and hiking.
Akechidaira Plateau: An observation point accessible by ropeway, offering panoramic views of the Irohazaka road, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chūzenji.
Nikkō Yumoto Onsen: A secluded hot spring village located high in the mountains near Lake Yunoko, perfect for a traditional onsen (hot spring bath) experience.
Kinugawa Onsen: A separate hot spring resort town known for its riverside setting and local theme parks.
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura: A historical theme park that faithfully recreates a town from the Edo period, complete with costumed performers and activities.
Tobu World Square: A unique theme park featuring 102 famous buildings from around the world recreated at 1/25th scale.
Activities & Experiences
Explore Toshogu Shrine and the World Heritage Sites: Wander through the opulent, highly-decorated grounds of Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Look for the famous Three Wise Monkeys carving (“See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil”) and the intricate Yomeimon Gate.
Contemplate Kegon Falls: Take the elevator down to the base observation deck to fully appreciate the power of Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, where the water plunges nearly 100 meters from Lake Chuzenji.
Hike the Senjōgahara Marshland: Trek across the vast, flat Senjōgahara Marshland in Oku-Nikko. This is an easy, scenic hike famous for its elevated boardwalks, rich biodiversity, and beautiful autumn colors.
Visit the Shinkyo Bridge: Admire and cross the iconic, vermilion-lacquered Shinkyo Bridge (Sacred Bridge), which marks the traditional entrance to Nikko’s sacred shrine and temple area.
Relax in an Onsen Hot Spring: End a day of sightseeing by soaking in a traditional hot spring bath (onsen) in the Oku-Nikko area, such as Yumoto Onsen, for a deeply relaxing and authentic Japanese experience.
Tour the Iemitsu Mausoleum (Taiyuin): Visit the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, located at Rinnoji Temple. It is less crowded than Toshogu but equally stunning, with a blend of Shinto and Buddhist architecture.
Learn to Make Soba Noodles: Participate in a Soba-making workshop in the Imaichi area to learn the traditional Japanese culinary art of preparing fresh buckwheat noodles.
Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Chuzenji: Enjoy a scenic ride on Lake Chuzenji, Japan’s highest natural lake, to view the majestic Mount Nantai and the surrounding foliage from the water.
Walk the Kanmangafuchi Abyss: Stroll along the Daiya River through a small gorge famous for the rows of about 70 stone Jizo statues known as the “Bake Jizo” (Ghost Jizo).
Step Back in Time at Edo Wonderland: Spend a day at the historical theme park Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edomura), a recreation of a town from the Edo Period, complete with samurai, ninja shows, and traditional costumes.
See Ryuzu Falls (Dragon’s Head Falls): Visit the unique, two-pronged waterfall named for its supposed resemblance to the head of a dragon, especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.
Local Tips & Transport
Buses are Essential: Public transportation, primarily Tobu Buses, is the primary way to get around the region. Buses run frequently from the Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko stations to the World Heritage Area and up to the Oku-Nikko area (Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Yumoto Onsen).
The World Heritage Area is Walkable: The main concentration of shrines and temples (Toshogu, Rinnoji, Futarasan) is within a comfortable 10-20 minute walk uphill from the Shinkyo Bridge/bus stop.
Navigating Oku-Nikko: To reach the higher-altitude attractions like the waterfalls, lakes, and marshlands (Oku-Nikko), you must take the bus up the winding Irohazaka Road. This road is prone to heavy traffic during peak autumn foliage season (mid-to-late October), which can add significant delays. Plan for very early starts on those days.
Purchase a Tobu Pass: For visitors staying more than a day or exploring Oku-Nikko, purchasing a Nikko Pass (World Heritage Area or All Area) from Tobu Railway at Tobu-Nikko Station is highly recommended for unlimited bus travel and discounted train travel from Tokyo.
Trains for Further Travel: Trains are mainly used for traveling to Nikko from Tokyo, or to nearby areas like the hot spring town of Kinugawa Onsen.
“Never Say Kekko Until You’ve Seen Nikkō”: The famous Japanese proverb (Nikkō wo mizu shite ‘kekkō’ to iu nakare) means “Never say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikkō.” This highlights the region’s immense cultural and natural beauty.
The Two Faces of Nikkō: The city is split into the Cultural Area (shrine and temple complex, lavish and brightly colored) and the Nature Area (Oku-Nikko, with its tranquil lakes, waterfalls, and hiking). Plan to dedicate at least one day to each for a complete experience.
Local Delicacy: Yuba: Nikkō is famous for yuba (tofu skin), which is a regional specialty, often considered a local delicacy. You’ll find it served in many traditional restaurants and ryokan (traditional inns).
Best Time to Visit: Autumn (mid-to-late October) is the most famous and beautiful time due to the spectacular foliage, but it is also the most crowded. Spring offers cherry blossoms, and winter provides a serene, snowy escape with the added bonus of onsen.
Shrine Etiquette: At Shinto shrines, remember to purify yourself at the water basin (temizuya) before approaching the main hall. When taking photos, be respectful, and note that photography is often strictly forbidden inside the halls of the temples and shrines.
Hidden Gems:
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park: A large, beautifully preserved villa that blends Edo, Meiji, and Taisho architectural styles, once used as a summer retreat for the Imperial Family.
- The Italian and British Embassy Villas (Lake Chuzenji): Located near the lake, these former embassy retreats offer a scenic view and a peaceful cultural stop, showcasing a different side of Nikko’s history.
- Sake Tasting: The Imaichi area, the gateway to Nikko, is home to local breweries offering tours and tastings of regional sake.
Top Restaurants
Gyoshintei [$30-$50] – Specializes in shojin ryori, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks, using fresh local vegetables, tofu, and wild mushrooms in a quiet setting with forest views near the shrines.
Sawamoto [$30-$40] – A small, unpretentious spot with a 90-year history, known for its simple, beautifully prepared charcoal-broiled unagi (eel) served on a bed of rice in a lacquered box.
Yubatei Masudaya [$20-$35] – A popular, long-established restaurant specializing in traditional yuba (tofu skin) cuisine, offering various dishes featuring the local delicacy in a serene setting.
Hippari-Dako [$10-$20] – A classic, cozy izakaya (Japanese pub) with walls covered in customer notes, serving homestyle favorites like yakisoba (fried noodles), tonkatsu (pork cutlet), and yakitori.
Ramen Bonten [$10-$20] – A local favorite near the station known for its large portions of ramen, including the popular Strong Salt Ramen and a delicious spicy miso ramen.
Asaya Resthouse [$15-$25] – Located right by the Shinkyo Bridge, this spot offers classic Nikko-style set-lunch dishes with a focus on local ingredients and specialties like yuba.
Komekichi Kouzushi [$20-$40] – A snug sushi spot famous for its fresh, top-notch seasonal seafood and old-school Edomae techniques, offering a friendly, local atmosphere despite not being near the coast.
Tsuruya Yuba [$15-$30] – Offers a wide array of dishes featuring the local delicacy yuba, from yuba curry to savory yuba hot pots and yuba custard pudding, showing the versatility of tofu skin.
Nantai [$20-$30] – Features a rustic feel with wooden tables, serving local specialties like yuba with nabe (hot pot), as well as fresh fish like trout and salmon, reminiscent of a cozy, home-style meal.
Hanamusubi Izakaya [$15-$30] – A comfortable, authentic Japanese izakaya (pub) where locals go to enjoy traditional flavors and a wide array of drinks in a relaxed setting.
Azuma [$10-$20] – A simple spot highly regarded among locals for its authentic Japanese noodles, specializing in hearty bowls of ramen and udon.
dining and cafe Yuba Komachi [$15-$25] – A culinary haven focusing on the art of yuba cuisine, perfect for travelers seeking a casual yet authentic taste of the local specialty.
Oogiya Ramen [$10-$20] – Offers a delightful journey into traditional Japanese flavors with every bowl of ramen, known for its consistency and quality.
Nikko Coffee Goyoteidori [$10-$20] – Though primarily a cafe, it’s a perfect spot for a light meal, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere near Shinkyo Bridge, famous for its excellent coffee and light meals like curry and omurice.
Fudaraku Honpo Ishiyamachiten [$5-$15] – A famous Japanese sweets shop known for its take-out specialty, the Yuba Musubi, a rice ball cooked in broth and wrapped in a thick yuba sheet.
Nikko Yubamaki Zen [$20-$40] – Located in a beautifully renovated traditional house, this restaurant offers the innovative Nikko Yubamaki, a specialty dish where local rice and premium ingredients are wrapped in yuba, with a menu designed by a chef trained in French and Japanese cuisine.
Bar de Nikko Kujira Shokudo [$15-$30] – A laid-back, pub-like setting blending Western and Japanese tastes, specializing in omurice (omelette over fried rice) with customizable options including local yuba.
Style Kitchen [$30-$50] – A modern restaurant (part of Hotel Nikko) focusing on delicate, contemporary, and creative dishes using seasonal local ingredients, offering a sophisticated but down-to-earth dining experience.
Kura [$40-$70] – Known for its creative fusion cuisine, this restaurant blends local ingredients with global influences, often featuring exquisite preparations of Tochigi Wagyu and fresh local produce in a stylish setting.
The Japanese Restaurant by The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko [$80-$150+] – Offers an elevated dining experience with kaiseki multi-course dining, honoring the precision of local craftsmanship and using the region’s bountiful natural ingredients in a sophisticated space.
Guruman’s Wagyu [$50-$120] – A premier destination for steak enthusiasts, offering melt-in-the-mouth, premium Tochigi Wagyu beef and other high-quality Japanese cuts, served sizzling on a hot plate.
Meiji-no-Yakata [$60-$100+] – Savor classic high-end Japanese–Western cuisine (Yoshoku) in an elegant 19th-century Western-style stone house, a former summer retreat for an American diplomat. Known for specialties like fresh rainbow trout and Tochigi beef steak.
Restaurant Setchu (at FUFU Nikko) [$100-$200+] – A high-end dining experience offering multi-course Kaiseki Ryori or Teppanyaki, blending Japanese and Western styles and focusing on the three major delicacies of Japan and seasonal local ingredients. Note: Prices reflect luxury resort dining.
Lakehouse (at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko) [$50-$100+] – Inspired by a lakeside boathouse, this venue serves Western-style dishes using locally harvested produce from Tochigi, offering a serene, elegant dining experience with lake views. Note: Prices reflect high-end hotel dining.
Grill & Steak Myōgetsubō [$60-$90] – Offers an exquisite Japanese steakhouse dining experience, blending culinary tradition with modern creativity, with a focus on high-quality grilled meats.
Sakaeya [$5-$15] – A sweet shop famous for the Ageyuba Manju, a local delicacy of sweet red bean paste wrapped inside yuba and fried tempura-style, then sprinkled with sea salt. A great, affordable street food snack.
Cafe Restaurant BELL [$15-$25] – A rare find in the area, specializing in vegetarian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and warm hospitality, popular for its creative plant-based dishes.
HONGŪ CAFE [$10-$20] – A cozy cafe that effortlessly blends traditional local aesthetics with modern comfort, offering amazing coffee and light food options.
Yama no Restaurant [$25-$50] – Located at a high altitude with beautiful views of Kirifuri Falls, this North American-style cafe serves generous portions of grilled dishes and course meals using local ingredients like Tochigi Wagyu beef and Nikko maitake mushrooms.
Nikko Coffee Honten [$10-$20] – The original branch of the local coffee chain, offering high-quality coffee and light meals in a rustic, inviting atmosphere, often with a focus on locally-sourced sweets and bread.
Shizen Saryo Meguri [$15-$25] – A cafe/restaurant offering a calming, hidden-gem atmosphere where you can enjoy food that “feels good,” with a focus on healthy and seasonal ingredients.
Nikko Whale Restaurant (Ebiya) [$15-$25] – Housed in a renovated traditional Japanese house, this spot offers a unique menu that includes innovative takes on classics, like Carbonara with Nikko Yuba.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton: Located in the Oku-Nikko area, close to Lake Chuzenji, this is a luxurious, high-end establishment known for its sophisticated atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, often featuring local ingredients.
Bar de nikko Kujira Shokudo: Situated in the main Nikkō town, a short distance from Tobu Nikkō Station, this spot is a cafe by day and a cozy bar by night, offering a friendly, local atmosphere and a selection of drinks.
Sake Café Lab 250: A hidden gem in Nikkō, focusing on Japanese spirits like sake and whiskey in a relaxed, café-style setting. A perfect spot to sample local brews and refined drinks.
Wine Bar BLESS (Japanese wine only): This cozy bar specializes in a curated selection of Japanese wines and is a great choice for those seeking a quiet, sophisticated evening in Nikkō town.
Shinkyo Inn Cafe Bar: Located near the famous Shinkyo Bridge, this spot offers a blend of café relaxation and evening bar ambiance, perfect for a casual drink after sightseeing.
Murmur Biiru Stand: A cozy bar with quirky decor in the Nikkō town area, offering a selection of craft beers, a more relaxed atmosphere, and a welcoming spot for travelers.
Nikko Brewing: A craft beer bar that offers unique, local Tochigi brews in a warm atmosphere, often accompanied by local snacks. A favorite for beer enthusiasts in the Nikkō area.
BAR KATZE (カッツェ): A charming, intimate bar in Nikkō, known for its cozy ambiance and a delightful selection of classic drinks.
Winebar OLIVE (ワインバー オリーブ): Located in Nikkō, this bar offers a selection of fine wines in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
あんず (Anzu): A traditional-style bar in Nikkō focusing on Japanese spirits like sake and shochu, providing an authentic local experience.
ほろ酔い処みえ (Horoyoi-dokoro Mie): A charming local bar where you can enjoy traditional Japanese bar culture and a variety of local drinks in the Nikkō area.
饅頭 Bar (Manjū Bar): A uniquely named spot in Nikkō that offers a cozy ambiance and beverages, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
ダイニングバー・ＳＯＢＡ (Dining Bar SOBA): A lively dining bar in Nikkō, perfect for enjoying both local drinks and regional delicacies.
hrát: Located in the Imaichi area of Nikkō, this local favorite is a casual, cozy bar where both locals and visitors gather over drinks.
Pub Snack Primrose (パブ スナック プリムローズ): A local Japanese pub experience in the heart of Nikkō, offering a relaxed environment for drinks and snacks.