Nikko

Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is famous for its many shrines and temples, including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Toshogu Shrine. Nikko and the surrounding region is also known for its natural beauty, including the Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and the hot springs of Kinugawa. The intricate carvings and ornate architecture of the shrines and temples, combined with stunning natural surroundings, make Nikko one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, for both domestic and international travelers.

Nikko’s history

Nikko has a long and rich history, dating back to the 8th century when it was a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship. During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Nikko became an important cultural and religious center due to the construction of Toshogu Shrine by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 17th century. This shrine, which houses the mausoleum of Ieyasu, was built to enshrine the spirit of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and became a symbol of the shogunate’s power and influence.

In the centuries that followed, many other shrines and temples were built in the area, and Nikko became a major pilgrimage destination for both Buddhists and Shintoists. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), Nikko was opened up to the outside world and became a popular tourist destination. Despite the destruction of many of its buildings during World War II, Nikko was carefully restored and remains a major cultural and historical site in Japan to this day.

Some of the most famous temples and shrines…

Toshogu Shrine: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most famous and elaborate of all the shrines in Nikko and is dedicated to the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu. The shrine is famous for its intricate carvings, ornate architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Rinnoji Temple: This temple is one of the oldest in Nikko and is famous for its five-story pagoda, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan.

Futarasan Shrine: This shrine is dedicated to the gods of Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho and Mount Taro and is said to have been built in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the monk who first brought Buddhism to Nikko. It is known for its beautiful gardens and its traditional architecture.

Taiyuinbyo Shrine: This shrine is a smaller, but highly ornate and beautiful shrine that was built in memory of the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu.

Other things to do in and around Nikko…

Visit Kegon Falls: This stunning 97-meter tall waterfall is located near Lake Chuzenji and is a popular spot for both sightseeing and hiking.

Soak in a hot spring: Nikko is known for its hot springs, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the city’s many onsen.

Take a scenic drive or hike: The surrounding area of Nikko offers many scenic drives and hikes, including the Irohazaka winding road and the Senjogahara Marsh, both of which offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Kinugawa onsen

Kinugawa Onsen is a hot spring resort town located about 20km north of Nikko town. Here are some popular things to do in and around Kinugawa Onsen:

Visit the Edo Wonderland Theme Park: This unique theme park is designed to transport visitors back to the Edo Era (1603-1868), and showcases the culture and traditions of old Japan.

Visit the Tobu World Square theme park: This theme park features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Eiffel Tower.

Take a scenic boat ride: The Kinugawa River flows through the town and there are several companies that offer scenic boat rides that pass by the famous Kinugawa Onsen Falls.

Enjoy a hot spring: Kinugawa Onsen is known for its many hot springs, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the many onsen here.

Hike in the surrounding mountains: The surrounding mountains offer many hiking trails, including the Kinugawa Onsen hiking course, which offers panoramic views of the Kinugawa River and the surrounding landscape.

What to eat in Nikko…

• Yuba, also known as tofu skin, is a local specialty made from the thin film that forms on the surface of boiling soy milk. It is often used in soups, stews, and other dishes, and is considered a delicacy in Nikko.
• Nikko Soba is a type of buckwheat noodle that is made in the area and is considered one of Nikko’s specialties.
• Nikko is known for its pickles, which are made using local ingredients and are often served as a side dish or snack.
• Nikko Senbei is a type of rice cracker that is made locally and is a popular snack and souvenir.
• Nikko Wakame is a type of seaweed that is harvested in the nearby Pacific Ocean and is a common ingredient in local dishes.

Access

By train: Nikko is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. The quickest way to get to Nikko from Tokyo is to take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station, which takes about 2 hours.

By bus: Buses are another option for getting to Nikko from Tokyo and other nearby cities. The trip by bus from Tokyo takes about 2-3 hours.

By car: Driving to Nikko is also an option, and the drive takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and the your exact starting location.