Kanto · city guide

Nikko

Carved shrines in cedar forest, lakes above.

Nikko has two parts. Down in town, Toshogu Shrine, built for the first Tokugawa shogun, is covered in carving and color among tall cedars. Up the winding Irohazaka road, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls sit at around 1,300 meters, where it is much cooler. It works as a long day trip from Tokyo, but one night lets you see both levels without rushing.

Best time: Autumn: the high moors color from late September to mid-October, and Irohazaka and Lake Chuzenji from mid-October to early November.

Weather

-3.9°Jan
5.1°Apr
18.8°Aug
9.6°Oct

Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Okunikko (JMA), 1,292 m at Lake Chuzenji; the shrine area below is milder).

Top 5

  • Nikko ToshoguThe richly carved World Heritage shrine; go early in autumn.
  • Shinkyo BridgeThe red bridge at the entrance to the shrine area.
  • Kanmangafuchi AbyssA riverside path lined with stone Jizo statues.
  • Kegon FallsA tall waterfall below Lake Chuzenji.
  • SenjogaharaBoardwalks across a high moor, best in early autumn.

A simple day

  1. Arrive early and walk from the station to Shinkyo Bridge.
  2. Toshogu and the nearby shrines and temples.
  3. Yuba lunch in town.
  4. Bus up to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
  5. Return to town or stay the night by the lake.

Where to stay

  • Nikko townWalk to the shrines; classic old hotels and guesthouses.
  • Lake ChuzenjiLakeside hotels, quieter and cooler.
  • Kinugawa OnsenBig hot-spring hotels nearby.

Places we’ve checked

From the psst directory. Opening days and prices change — check the official site before you go.

Getting there

Asakusa → Tobu-Nikko: about 2h by Tobu limited express. Tokyo → Nikko by JR: about 1h40 via Utsunomiya. Bus from town to Lake Chuzenji: about 50 min.

psst — skip this mistake: Driving or busing up Irohazaka at midday on October weekends. Traffic can be very slow; go early.