Nikko is a good day trip from Tokyo if you like shrines, old wood carvings and nature. The main shrine area is in the town. The waterfall and the lake are higher up the mountain. It is a long day, so plan the order before you leave.
Getting there
Two kinds of train go to Nikko from Tokyo. Some run from Asakusa on a private line. Others run from Ueno or Tokyo Station on JR lines, often with a change. Both work. The private line is often the simpler choice for a day trip, but compare the two on the day.
Check first: Train times, the route and the fare. Use the operator's own timetable: the private line operator or JR East. Do not use a fare from a blog.
The shrine area
Most visitors start at the Toshogu shrine area. It has a gate with many carved details, a famous set of carvings of three monkeys, and a long line of tall cedar trees on the approach. Allow a good part of the morning. The buildings are detailed, so walk slowly.
Near the shrine, you can cross the Shinkyo bridge. It is a red wooden bridge over a river. You can look at it from the path. Crossing it can have a fee on some days, so check on the day.
Kegon Falls and the lake
The lake and the falls sit higher on the mountain road. A bus takes you there from the town. At the falls, there is a lift down to a viewing point near the water. Some visitors skip it and take the path. Both give a good view.
Lake Chuzenji is a calm lake near the falls. It is a good place for a short walk. In cold months, the mountain road can close for snow or ice. Check before you plan the lake part of the day.
Plan the day
- Morning: shrine area. The crowds are smaller before midday.
- Lunch: use Tabelog to find a place near the station or the shrine. Yuba, a soy-milk skin dish, is a local food to look for.
- Afternoon: bus to the falls and the lake, if the road is open.
- Return: keep a margin for the last train. Do not plan the last train to the minute.
Season and weather
Autumn is the most popular season, because the trees on the mountain turn colour. Winter is cold and can be snowy. Spring and early summer are green and calm. Summer can be warm, with more visitors at the falls.
Check first: Road closures to the lake and the bus times for the season. Use the Nikko tourism site and the bus operator's site. For the weather, check the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) forecast before you go.
Tips for families
Children often enjoy the carvings and the bridge. The falls path has steps, so plan for breaks. Bring water and snacks. Ask the staff at the station or the tourist office about the bus stop on the day.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is leaving Tokyo late. The shrines are the main reason to come, and they are best in the first part of the day. Start early, and you will have the calm paths to yourself.
The second mistake is dressing for Tokyo weather. Nikko is in the mountains, so it is often cooler than the city. Bring a warm layer, even in summer, because the evenings can be cool.
The third mistake is going to the lake without checking the bus. Buses to the falls and the lake run less often than trains in the town. Write the return time down before you leave the bus stop.
The last mistake is planning a tight return. The last train and bus can leave earlier than you expect. Leave a margin, and buy any tickets you need before you board.
What to do next
Nikko works as a long day from Tokyo, but some visitors stay a night to see the shrines before the crowds arrive. For a plan with Tokyo as the base, read the planner first. Then read the Tokyo page to see how Tokyo fits with the other day trips.
