Ever searched for a day trip out of Tokyo?
No shame in admitting it. Although the ordered chaos of Japan’s jam-packed capital is charming, a daytrip balm of nature and spiritual serenity can be the perfect side dish to go with your Japan trip.
This brings me to Nikko.
Considered a classic day trip by locals and shockingly overlooked by tourists, Nikko is a resort town-slash-national park that offers all-season beauty, rich history and crowd-favourite onsen – all two hours away from Tokyo.
Here’s are six highlights to expect should you visit Nikko:
Nikko Town
Your first stop in Nikko will most likely be in central Nikko, around the Tobu-Nikko Station.
It connects directly to an outside plaza with a bus stop and a decommissioned Tobu rail car. From here, you have easy access to most of Nikko. If you want to know more about how to get into and around Nikko, check out my 2D1N Nikko adventure.
Before you go though, you might want to check out the old Nikko station to the east which sports some mighty handsome architecture from the Meiji era.
Also, downtown Nikko is a great place to try and buy some Nikko specialties, particularly some silky smooth yuba or tofu skin. Classic silky yuba can be found everywhere in town, while twists like fried yuba can be found at joints like Nikko Sakaeya. Other Nikko-must-trys are yokan jelly and pickled veggies. While you’re at it, take home some wagashi desserts like the fluffy and sweet Nikko castella cake!
Toshogu Temple (and More!)
50.8 hectares of heritage, centuries of history, millions of visitors – these are the numbers that make Toshogu Temple the star attraction of Nikko.
But did you know Nikko has three major temples? Besides Toshogu Temple, Futarasan Temple and Rinnoji Temple make up a trio that are overflowing in both hard history and soft serenity.
While Toshogu features grand gates and halls dedicated to the glory of the Edo-establishing Tokugawa family, Futarasan brings an 8th century humility (yes, it’s that old). And of course, being mountain country, Rinnoji is a dedicated monument to Nikko’s three sacred mountains of Mount Nantai, Nyoho and Taro.
Expect exquisitely decorated gates, halls rich in Buddhist and Shinto icons and world-famous carvings (hint: they’re both animals).
Oh, and don’t forget the iconic red sheen of Shinkyo Bridge just before the entrance too!
Malaysia’s no slouch when it comes to historical places of worship either, as our list of Malaysia’s Ten Most Beautiful Churches proves!
Oku-Nikko
As part of a day trip, most travellers to Nikko would probably head home after exploring the town and temple areas.
A shame, because they’re missing out!
Okunikko or Inner Nikko is the western highland region of Nikko that is famed for its gorgeous natural beauty. It’s so beautiful that it was designated as one of Japan’s many cool national parks!
Lake Chuzenji
Accessible only by a long and winding mountain road called Irohazaka (itself an attraction), the placid blue waters of Lake Chuzenji dominate Okunikko amid a ring of massive mountain ranges.
During the non-winter seasons, pleasure cruises regularly ferry sightseers around Lake Chuzenji to see its lush spring foliage and fiery autumn coat.
If you want an idea of how beautiful the area is, just look at the TWO French and British summer retreats here, the latter of which is open to visitors outside winter. And that’s not all, as Chuzenji Temple brings both a long, proud religious history and a sweet view of the lake to boot!
The sacred mountains around the lake also provide panoramic views of the lake’s autumn colours, particularly at Hangetsuyama and the Akechidaira Plateau (the Akechidaira Ropeway is closed for renovations until Aug 2027).
A small onsen town of the same name also hugs the eastern part of the lake, with a cozy but limited selection of ryokan inns or B&Bs. If you’re a solo or budget traveller, I highly recommend B&B KegonFalls (Mens’ Rooms | Women’s Rooms).
Kegon Falls
Located right at the eastern mouth of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls is a 100m behemoth of a fall that roars down a treacherously craggy cliff face. Its long, sleek, needle-like trail is so iconic that it’s considered as the number one must-see waterfall in Nikko.
And the best part? Like with most things in Nikko, it absolutely slays in every season! Golden autumn, green summers, white winters – it just looks stunning all-year. Well, except maybe for winter when low water levels shrink the stream!
Kegon Falls can also be admired via a paid platform near its base that brings you a straight view or a free, but slightly angled view up top. Make sure to check the water flow before buying a ticket!
Remember the part about Kegon being number one? Well, Nikko actually has three other falls that are also well worth a visit: Yudaki Falls, Ryuzu Falls and Kirifuji Falls.
Senjougahara Marshlands
Past Lake Chuzenji to the north, you’ll come across a swathe of vast marshland called Senjougahara.
One of the highest marshlands in Japan, Senjougahara’s vast forests, meandering rivers and massive marshland help support a thriving of migratory birds, deer and even bears. No wonder it’s recognized as a vital wetland under the Ramsar Convention!
In this hiking paradise, the main highlights are a raised walkway that floats through the marshland itself, the serene Izumiyado pond and a sister marshland called Odashirogahara that’s home to a famous birch tree called Kirifujin (“The Lady”).
Senjougahara’s also swaps its palette effortlessly depending on the seasons. In winter, snow-packed trails lead to blinding snowfields. In summer and spring, emerald marshlands are accented with flowers. As for autumn, the grasslands are bathed in an alluring golden glow.
Yumoto Onsen
Nikko Town and Chuzenji have plenty of onsen opportunities, but why not go for the ultimate soak at the source right at Yumoto Onsen?
Deep within Okunikko – where most Tobu bus lines end – is the onsen town of Yumoto Onsen. Here, atop an active hot spring source, dozens of onsen offer for a chance to soak your worries away in seclusion. There’s even a dog-friendly onsen hotel!
In fact, Yumoto’s spring waters are rich in silica, which is apparently good for beauty besides pain and fatigue relief.
Once you’re done bathing, take a walk around the town’s northern half, where you’ll find the very lifeblood of Yumoto at the collection of sulphurous bubbling ponds called the Yunodaira Marsh. Make sure pay your respects at Onsenji, a Buddhist temple that comes with its own bath (closed in winter)!
Finally, after all that walking, you can soak some more at Anyo-no-yu, a free public foot bath (excluding winter)!
True onsen addicts may want to explore the Kyushu region’s hot spring hells and hot spring heavens in Beppu!
With so many things to do in Nikko, a standard day trip almost feels like a waste! Which is why I recommend staying overnight, like I did during my 2D1N trip to Nikko! If you’d prefer a closer Tokyo day trip, there’s also the criminally underrated Mount Nokogiri.
Links
Nikko Official Guide – Yumoto Onsen
https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/spots/yumoto-onsen/
Japan-Guide.com – Yumoto Onsen
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3807.html
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