You Need To Visit Nikko To See The Best Of Japan

Japan is home to many hidden jewels. These delightful destinations are sadly often overlooked in favor of Japan’s more well-known locations, such as Tokyo.

Yet, Japan has a plethora of other towns and cities that are filled with amazing attractions. One such example is Nikko, a city nestled in the Tochigi Prefecture. 

So why should you visit Nikko? This city offers stunning sights and a peaceful vibe that’s very different from what other cities have to offer.

Here’s everything that you need to know before visiting Nikko.

A Little Bit About Nikko

Nikko is a Japanese city with a population of approximately 80,000 people. It is a site of unique geography, such as plenty of natural springs.

There is a wide assortment of attractions in Nikko, including both natural spots of beauty and elaborate temples.

This is because the city was once a major center for the Buddhist faith, resulting in the creation of grandiose temples that are still standing today.

Thus, if you visit Nikko, you will see the best of what Japan has to offer.

Where Is Nikko?

Nikko is located in Honshu, Japan. More specifically, it is in the Tochigi Prefecture of Kanto.

It is roughly a 2-hour drive from Tokyo. Some nearby destinations include Utsunomiya, Midori, and Hinoemata.

There are many different mountains, rivers, and waterfalls in Nikko. For instance, it is home to Lake Chuzenji.

The Best Attractions In Nikko

To make the most of your trip to Nikko, you should stop by some of the city’s most popular attractions. The city has a whole host of sites to visit, including:

Futarasan Jinja Shrine

Founded in 767, the Futarasan Jinja Shrine is a truly beautiful place. It is dedicated to the Nikko Mountains. 

If you visit this shrine in mid-April, you may even be lucky enough to attend the festival.

This is known as the Yayoi Festival. During this event, colorful flowered floats are paraded throughout Nikko.

This shrine contains a vast garden. It also features the iconic Shinkyo Bridge.

This sacred bridge is one of the main reasons to visit this shrine, as it is extremely elegant.

Extremely eye-catching thanks to its vermillion color, the Shinkyo Bridge provides a crossing to the Daiya River. 

Kanmangafuchi Abyss

If you like scenic spots of natural beauty, Kanmangafuchi Abyss may be the place for you.

This gorge was created by a volcanic eruption from Mount Nantai. It’s a few hundred feet long and offers some spectacular views.

The abyss is also close to roughly 70 stone statues of Jizo. This is the name of a Bodhisattva who is tasked with protecting the souls of lost children.

These unique statues, which have been decorated with red crochet hats, are found in a botanical garden that is near the abyss.

If you wish to visit this spot, you may want to get a bus to the Tamozawa spot. From here, it will take about 10 minutes to walk to the abyss.

Rinnoji Temple

Nikko is home to an assortment of temples. Perhaps the most majestic temple is Rinnoji. This temple was created by a Buddhist monk named Shōdō Shōnin. 

The temple contains gorgeous wooden statues of notable figures in the Buddhist religion, such as Amida, Batō Kannon, and Senju Kannon.

These stunning statues have been ornately decorated with golden leaves. The astonishing architecture alone is worthy of a visit.

The temple is located next to a Shoyoen garden, which dates back to the Edo period.

This garden is a peaceful place that is home to a carp pond and a small stone pagoda.

Rinnoji Temple can be found in the mountains, meaning that it is situated far away from the Nikko Station.

Yet, one can walk there in approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can get a bus from either Tobu Nikko line which should take just 10 minutes.

Nikko Botanical Garden

This brilliant botanical garden is managed by the University of Tokyo.

Originally opened in 1902 for research purposes, this botanical garden is vast and bursting with plants. It’s ideal for a calming walk. 

The Nikko Botanical garden is very close to the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, so it is worth exploring both locations at the same time.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Alongside Futarasan Jinja and the Rinnoji Temple, Toshogu Shrine is one of the 3 shrines in the area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These unique landmarks are protected by the organization due to their cultural significance.

This is perhaps the most ornate of Nikko’s shrines. Toshogu is a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu and was built in 1617.

This shrine is renowned for its lavish decorations and the high levels of detail that went into its construction.

For instance, one can see decorated versions of the Three Wise Monkeys.

Just bear in mind that you will be charged admission to different parts of the shrine.

For instance, the general shrine has an admission fee of 1,300 yen.

So if you wish to get the whole Toshogu Shrine experience, you must be willing to pay for the visit.

Kirifuri Waterfall

If you are searching for dramatic scenery, you cannot go wrong with Nikko’s Kirifuri Waterfall.

Here, the water crashes down the mountainside next to the stunning foliage.

This looks particularly awesome during the fall. Plus, marvelous mist gathers at the base of the waterfall. 

A wooden observation deck is a perfect place to take pictures of the wonderful waterfall.

Not to mention, there are facilities, such as public bathrooms and places to eat, that are only a 10-minute walk away from this wooden observation area.

You can access this area by bus. However, you should bear in mind that this public transport service does not run between November and March.

So if you are visiting Nikko during this time, it may not be the best idea to pay a trip to this waterfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Way To Travel In Nikko?

When planning your journey, you must take into consideration how you will get around the city.

Fortunately, Nikko has a regular bus service, with vehicles showing up roughly every 15 minutes. The Tobu Bus Service can take you throughout the city.

What Should You Do In Nikko During The Winter?

We’re aware that many of these attractions are outdoor-based. As a result, the weather may be too chilly in the winter to visit them.

The Trick Art Pia has some delightful 3D art that’s worth taking a look at. 

Or if you are into history, you may want to check out the Nikko Toshogu Museum. You can also try the Watanabe Sahei Shoten Sake Brewery Tour if you love sake.

Yet, if you feel like braving the cold, there are lots of stunning destinations on Nikko. Located in the Nikko National Park, the Kegon Falls is a sight to behold in the winter.

This is because the cascading water freezes into mesmerizing ice. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide will have convinced you that paying a visit to Nikko is worthwhile. It will give you an incredible impression of Japan, namely its stunning environment and fascinating history.

So what’s stopping you from planning a visit to Nikko?!