![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9388_01-Tobu-Nikko-Station-1024x683.jpg\")
Your first stop in Nikko will most likely be in central Nikko, around the Tobu-Nikko Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you go though, you might want to check out the old Nikko station<\/strong> to the east which sports some mighty handsome architecture from the Meiji era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, downtown Nikko is a great place to try and buy some Nikko specialties<\/strong>, particularly some silky smooth yuba<\/em><\/strong> or tofu skin. Classic silky yuba<\/em> can be found everywhere in town, while twists like fried yuba<\/em> can be found at joints like Nikko Sakaeya<\/strong>. <\/strong>Other Nikko-must-trys are yokan jelly and pickled veggies. While you\u2019re at it, take home some wagashi desserts<\/a> like the fluffy and sweet Nikko castella cake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 50.8 hectares of heritage, centuries of history, millions of visitors \u2013 these are the numbers that make Toshogu Temple<\/strong> the star attraction of Nikko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But did you know Nikko has three major temples? Besides Toshogu Temple, Futarasan Temple<\/strong> and Rinnoji Temple<\/strong> make up a trio that are overflowing in both hard history and soft serenity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Toshogu features grand gates and halls dedicated to the glory of the Edo-establishing Tokugawa family, Futarasan brings an 8th<\/sup> century humility (yes, it\u2019s that<\/em> old). And of course, being mountain country, Rinnoji is a dedicated monument to Nikko\u2019s three sacred mountains of Mount Nantai, Nyoho and Taro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expect exquisitely decorated gates, halls rich in Buddhist and Shinto icons and world-famous carvings (hint: they\u2019re both animals<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, and don\u2019t forget the iconic red sheen of Shinkyo Bridge<\/strong> just before the entrance too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malaysia\u2019s no slouch when it comes to historical places of worship either, as our list of Malaysia\u2019s Ten Most Beautiful Churches<\/a> proves!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of a day trip, most travellers to Nikko would probably head home after exploring the town and temple areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A shame, because they\u2019re missing out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okunikko<\/strong> or Inner Nikko is the western highland region of Nikko that is famed for its gorgeous natural beauty. It\u2019s so beautiful that it was designated as one of Japan\u2019s many cool national parks<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessible only by a long and winding mountain road called Irohazaka<\/strong> (itself an attraction), the placid blue waters of Lake Chuzenji<\/strong> dominate Okunikko amid a ring of massive mountain ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the non-winter seasons, pleasure cruises<\/strong> regularly ferry sightseers around Lake Chuzenji to see its lush spring foliage and fiery autumn coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s not all, as Chuzenji Temple<\/strong> brings both a long, proud religious history and a sweet view of the lake to boot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sacred mountains around the lake also provide panoramic views of the lake\u2019s autumn colours, particularly at Hangetsuyama<\/strong> and the Akechidaira Plateau<\/strong> (the Akechidaira Ropeway is closed for renovations until Aug 2027).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re a solo or budget traveller, I highly recommend B&B KegonFalls (Mens\u2019 Rooms<\/a> | Women\u2019s Rooms<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located right at the eastern mouth of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls<\/strong> 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\u2019s considered as the number one must-see waterfall in Nikko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the best part? Like with most things in Nikko, it absolutely slays in every season! Golden autumn, green summers, white winters \u2013 it just looks stunning all-year. Well, except maybe for winter when low water levels shrink the stream!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 <\/strong>and Kirifuji Falls<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past Lake Chuzenji to the north, you\u2019ll come across a swathe of vast marshland called Senjougahara<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the highest marshlands in Japan, Senjougahara\u2019s vast forests, meandering rivers and massive marshland help support a thriving of migratory birds, deer and even bears. No wonder it\u2019s recognized as a vital wetland under the Ramsar Convention!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this hiking paradise, the main highlights are a raised walkway that floats through the marshland itself, the serene Izumiyado<\/strong> pond and a sister marshland called Odashirogahara<\/strong> that\u2019s home to a famous birch tree called Kirifujin<\/strong> (\u201cThe Lady\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Senjougahara\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nikko Town and Chuzenji have plenty of onsen opportunities, but why not go for the ultimate soak at the source right at Yumoto Onsen<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deep within Okunikko – where most Tobu bus lines end \u2013 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\u2019s even a dog-friendly onsen hotel<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, Yumoto\u2019s spring waters are rich in silica, which is apparently good for beauty besides pain and fatigue relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re done bathing, take a walk around the town\u2019s northern half, where you\u2019ll find the very lifeblood of Yumoto at the collection of sulphurous bubbling ponds called the Yunodaira Marsh<\/strong>. Make sure pay your respects at Onsenji<\/strong>, a Buddhist temple that comes with its own bath (closed in winter)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, after all that walking, you can soak some more at Anyo-no-yu<\/strong>, a free public foot bath (excluding winter)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n True onsen addicts may want to explore the Kyushu region\u2019s hot spring hells<\/a> and hot spring heavens<\/a> in Beppu!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>! If you\u2019d prefer a closer Tokyo day trip, there\u2019s also the criminally underrated Mount Nokogiri<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nikko Official Guide \u2013 Yumoto Onsen![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fried-yuba-with-filling-1024x682.jpg\")
Toshogu Temple (and More!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9177_01-Yomeimon-Toshogu-Temple-1024x674.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9377-Shinkyo-Bridge-1024x683.jpg\")
Oku-Nikko<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Akanuma-Nature-Information-Center-Winter-1024x683.jpg\")
Lake Chuzenji<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lake-Chuzenji-Winter-1024x683.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8972-Chuzenji-Temple-1024x683.jpg\")
Kegon Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kegon_Falls_51988366954-1024x682.jpg\")
Senjougahara Marshlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/senjogahara-marshland-autumn.webp\")
Yumoto Onsen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yumoto-Onsen-1024x682.jpeg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8583-odashirogahara-trail-1024x683.jpg\")
Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.visitnikko.jp\/en\/spots\/yumoto-onsen\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n