日本NipponPlan

Nikko

Day trip from Tokyo
Stays
  1. Nikko Toshogu Yomeimon Gate 2024
  2. Kegon Taki
  3. Shinkyo (Nikko) -2
  4. Nikko toshogu shrine
  5. Lake chuzenji and kegon waterfall

Mountain shrines and waterfalls north of Tokyo. Autumn leaves are the main season.

Worth a day?

Yes. Nikko is a day of old shrines, temples and forest paths in the hills north of Tokyo. It is a poor choice for people who dislike long train rides, since each way takes about 2 hours.

Pick your pace

Nikko works as a slow day or a full one. Choose the pace that fits yours and the stops that suit it come first. Nothing is removed.

楽EasyShort stops and plenty of time to sit.歩ActiveWalks, outdoor places and more ground.寺CultureTemples, museums and history, with the reason for each.食FoodStreet food, sweets and a proper meal between sights.

Not sure? Start with Easy.

A day in 3 stops

In the order that suits your pace.

  1. 2.5 hMorningNikko Toshogu shrine 金A richly decorated shrine in a cedar forest. It is a World Heritage site.
  2. 3 hMorningKegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji 滝A high waterfall and a quiet mountain lake. Autumn leaves are strong here.
  3. 1.5 hMorningShinkyo bridge and Rinno-ji 橋A red bridge over a river, and a large temple with golden statues nearby.

How to get there

From Tokyo

FastestTobu Railway, Tobu Nikko Line, Limited Express Kegon or Revaty → Tobu-Nikko

Time
120 min
Changes
None
Seat
Reservation needed
  1. Take the Ginza or Asakusa subway line to Tobu Asakusa Station.
  2. Board a Limited Express Kegon or Revaty to Tobu-Nikko with a reserved seat.
  3. At Tobu-Nikko Station, take a bus to the shrines; most buses stop at both Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko stations.
A cheaper way

Local Tobu trains cost less but take about 2.5 to 3 hours with at least one change at Minami-Kurihashi; a Tobu Nikko pass covers the round trip and Nikko buses, and the Japan Rail Pass does not cover Tobu.

Coming back. Return from Tobu-Nikko Station; one 2019 page note says the last Tobu train leaves just after 7 p.m., which is not confirmed, so check the Tobu timetable.

Typical times. Check the timetable before you go.

Stay a night

Sleep in Tokyo and come by train, because a day return is simple on a direct limited express, though the trip is about 2 hours each way.

Stay in NikkoNikko stays are mostly ryokan and inns, many with hot spring baths, in the town or in the hot spring areas of Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto. Sources recommend two days to see the town and Okunikko, so a night adds the mountain scenery and hot springs that a day trip leaves out.Find stays in Nikko
Tokyo as your baseneon and noodles The train to Nikko takes about 120 minutes.Find stays in Tokyo

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