A Complete Guide To Visiting Nikko
- Ollie Toth
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
An expert overview to help you experience Nikko National Park
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Overview
Nikko is a town and national park in Tochigi prefecture, about 2 hours north of Tokyo. It's one of the most impressive and beautiful national parks in Japan, filled with stunning mountains, volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, and onsens. The national park covers a huge area spanning over 1100 square kilometres, and the main attractions are accessible via public transport thanks to an efficient train and bus network. The town of Nikko acts as a gateway to the park, with its own unique attractions and charm, the most notable of which is the Toshogu Shrine. Although it's possible to visit as a day trip from Tokyo, it's most common for people to spend a few nights here, as there's so much to see and do. With so much to do, planning a visit to Nikko can be a bit confusing, so we'll simplify everything in this article.
It's worth noting that we're focusing on visiting Nikko via public transport, if you have a car, then you'll have access to more areas and attractions. These additional areas still have bus options but they become too inconvenient for most people.
On a personal note, I've been here twice still plan on coming back - I'm always blown away by how beautiful this place is. Nikko is truly one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
Table of Contents
Location & Access
Main Areas
The Best Things To Do In Nikko
Visit The Famous Toshogu Shrine
See The Amazing Kegon Falls
Hike Mt. Nantai
Walk Along The Stunning Lake Chuzenji
Enjoy Views From Mt. Hangetsu
FAQ
Location & Access
Photo Source: Marcus Cook
Overview
Access to Nikko via public transport is quite easy. From Asakusa Station near central Tokyo, you can reach Nikko Station in about 2 hours for 3000 yen. There are also local trains that will take about 3 hours and save you a few thousand yen.
From the town of Nikko, there is a bus system that carries people into the park, this takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic. There are a variety of bus and train passes available which tend to be more economical than paying for things individually. If you want to cover everything mentioned in this article, then make sure the pass covers transport in the following areas:
- Nikko Town
- Lake Chuzenji
- Yumoto Onsen
The Nikko Train & Bus Pass
If you're aiming to use the fastest trains from Tokyo and spend a few days in Nikko, then the most convenient option is purchasing the Nikko All-Area Digital Pass online for 8000 yen.
It includes:
Travel between Tokyo (Asakusa) and Nikko on the Limited Express trains.
Unlimited bus rides inside the park.
Discounts at various shops around Nikko.
Valid for 4 days.
If you're taking the cheaper local trains, or driving to Nikko town, you can just buy a Nikko Bus Pass from the tourist info centre at Nikko Station, the price varies depending on the number of days and the areas covered, but it's usually better value than paying individually for each bus ride.
If you're on a budget, the most economical option is to buy the Marugoto Nikko Free Pass in person from the TOBU info center at Asakusa Station. It only costs 5000 yen and covers transport between Tokyo, Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, and Yumoto Onsen.
Weather & Seasons
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Nikko is worth visiting year-round, and looks different depending on the season. You'll find cherry blossoms in spring, colourful maple leaves in autumn, lush greenery in summer, and beautiful snow during the winter. Due to its elevation, it tends to be a bit cooler than Tokyo, which makes it the perfect escape from the summer heat.
🌸 Cherry Blossoms
Late April
🍁 Autumn Leaves
Mid-October
☀️ Summer
June - August
Average daytime temp. 29°C
Lush and green environment
Mid-June to mid-July is the rainiest time of year
❄️ Winter
December - February
Snowfall: 1-2 times per week
The Main Areas
Photo Source: tobu-bus.com
Nikko Town
The town of Nikko serves as the main entry point to the national park. This is where you'll find most of the trains and buses that provide access to the park. It's also where you'll find the largest collection of hotels, restaurants, temples, and shrines. The most notable attraction here is the Toshogu Shrine, which we elaborate on further in this article.
Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji offers many attractions such as Kegon Falls, Mt. Nantai, and the Chuzenji Onsen town. It also has a variety of hotels and ryokans, offering a more secluded experience than the accommodation in Nikko. The bus from Nikko Station reaches Lake Chuzenji in about 45-60 minutes.
Yumoto Onsen
Yumoto Onsen and Lake Yuno are like a smaller version of the Lake Chuzenji area. This humble onsen town has some lovely walking trails, offers more seclusion than Lake Chuzenji, and even has a small hotspring temple. Lake Yuno is picturesque and easy to walk around.
The Best Things To Do In Nikko
1.
Visit The Toshogu Shrine
Photo Source: JNTO
The Toshogu Shrine is the most popular attraction in the town of Nikko. Located in a peaceful forest, the shrine features a variety of buildings decorated with intricate wood carvings and gold leaf, an interesting contrast to typical Japanese shrines. The two most notable highlights are the 5-story pagoda and the lavishly decorated Yomeimon entrance gate. The shrine blends Shinto and Buddhist architecture, reflecting Japan’s religious history before their separation during the Meiji era. The shrine is dedicated to the famous shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Originally a modest mausoleum, it was transformed into a grand shrine by his grandson in the early 1600s.
Although it tends to get busy and crowded, it's a large complex and well worth the visit, it's unlike any other shrine in Japan.
The Toshogu Shrine
Hours: 9am - 4:30pm
Cost: ¥1600
2.
See The Amazing Kegon Falls
Image Copyright: Awoisoak
The Kegon Waterfall is one of the most famous attractions in Nikko. Reaching a height of nearly 100 meters, it's surrounded by lush forest and fed by the waters of Lake Chuzenji. There are two viewing platforms to experience the falls, the first one is free and located above the falls, the second one costs 600 yen and is accessed using an elevator that takes you down to the base of the falls. The platform at the base is worth the cost as it offers a more impressive view. Either way, the falls are a must-see in Nikko and are easily accessible from the bus stop near Lake Chuzenji - one of the first stops you'll encounter upon entering the national park.
Kegon Falls
Hours: 8am - 5pm
Cost: ¥600*
*The upper deck is free
3.
Hike Mt. Nantai
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Mt. Nantai is an iconic volcano that rises up from the shores of Lake Chuzenji. The mountain is considered sacred in Shintoism and, as a result, the hiking trail is protected by a shrine that requires 1000 yen to enter, and only opens the trail from April to October. Despite this fee, the hike is amazing and hands down the best hike in Nikko. It takes about 7 hours to complete, but does not have any technical terrain so it's suitable for beginners, just make sure you bring enough water and food. The views from the top are amazing, and the environment around the trail is full of natural forest and bamboo grass, with volcanic boulders near the top.
For more information, you can check out our complete guide for hiking Mt. Nantai.
Mt Nantai
Trailhead Access: 7am - 4pm
Open Dates: 25th April - 11th November
Cost: ¥1000
4.
Walk Along Lake Chuzenji
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Lake Chuzenji is one of the most stunning areas in Nikko National Park. Although it's possible to walk the entire 25km circumference of the lake, it's more common to just spend a leisurely hour or two walking along the south-eastern side. This is where you'll find the most impressive views of the lake, along with the beautiful British and Italian Embassy Villas, plus a hiking trail that leads up to Mt. Hangetsu. The Villas are 100 years old, the British Villa featuring a lovely cafe that serves English tea and scones with views over the lake. Another great option,if you want to escape the crowds, is to bring your own lunch and find a quiet place to have a picnic on the shores of the lake.
Walking the lake is best enjoyed by catching a 10-minute bus from the Chuzenji Onsen bus terminal to the Villas, and then walking along the lake from there.
The British & Italian Embassy Villas
Cost: ¥300
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm
5.
Yumoto Onsen, Lake Yuno, & Yudaki Falls
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Yumoto Onsen is a small settlement of ryokans next to Lake Yuno. The area is like a miniature version of Lake Chuzenji, but more secluded, and with fewer people. Interestingly, it also contains a hot spring temple, which dates back over 1200 years and is said to improve your health and longevity. Walking around Lake Yuno offers stunning scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, and only takes about 1 hour. At the southern end, you'll find the Yudaki Cascade waterfalls, which are quite nice, plus a free observation deck along with a couple of small shops selling Japanese snacks.
Yudaki Falls
Shop Hours: 9am - 5pm
6.
Views From Mt. Hangetsu
The Mt. Hangetsu Observation Deck provides awesome views of Lake Chuzenji and the surrounding mountains. It's easily accessible thanks to a bus that runs from Chuzenji Onsen to a parking lot near the peak, however, information is unclear regarding which months the bus is running, so ask the Nikko tourist info centre when you arrive. It definitely does not during the winter season, from November to April. The observation deck is only a 25-minute hike from the parking lot, the parking lot is also free if you have your own car.
Alternatively, you could hike up Mt. Hangetsu from the lake, it takes under 2 hours from the Italian Embassy Villa. From the Villa, walk along the lake for about 15 minutes until you reach a trailhead that leads up the mountain. Here's an online map with more info.
The Mt. Hangetsu Parking Lot
Opening Hours: 7am - 5pm
Bus: ¥700
Cars: Free
7.
The Akechidaira Ropeway
Image source: tobu.co.jp
One of the most famous views of Nikko comes from the observation deck at the top of the Akechidaira Ropeway. It's one of the first stops on your way into the park, and the ropeway only takes about 3 minutes. The views are stunning, encompassing Kegon Falls, Chuzenji Onsen, Lake Chuzenji, Mt. Nantai, and the surrounding mountains.
The Akechidaira Ropeway
Opening Hours: 9am - 3:30pm
Cost: ¥1000
FAQ
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Is it worth getting a tour guide in Nikko?
How many days should you stay in Nikko?
Which area should you stay in?
How do you avoid the crowds?
When is the best time of year to visit?
Is it worth to drive & get a rental car?
