Nikko, located in the mountains north of Tokyo, is a hidden gem of Japan and is an enchanting destination offering a unique mix of history, culture and natural beauty. Just a few hours from Tokyo, this mountain town is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines, historic temples, picturesque bridges and spectacular waterfalls.
To reach it it takes about two hours by train, for this reason, if you intend to go there and back in the same day, it is best to leave Tokyo relatively early. Furthermore, to be able to fully enjoy everything Nikko has to offer in a single day, it is essential to plan carefully and stick to tight schedules. With good organization, you can explore the main points of interest without stress, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this wonderful part of Japan.
In this article, we will guide you through a detailed itinerary for a perfect day in Nikko, optimizing the time available and ensuring that you won't miss anything important.
How to get
Nikko is connected to Tokyo by both the JR and Tobu Line. The last part of the journey is very suggestive, as the train climbs through the woods.
With the Japan Rail Pass (JPR)
For those who own the JPR there are two solutions:
- use the JR line: at Tokyo Station or from Ueno, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya. From Utsunomiya, continue on the JR Nikko Line to Nikko. This option costs around 5,000 yen, but is only affordable if you have JPR. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes in total.
- take the Limited-Express which directly connects Nikko to Shinjuku. The trip takes about two hours and costs 3,900 yen (you also need to reserve a seat). In this case only the first part of the route is covered by JPR, you will have to pay an additional 1,900 yen for the Tobu Line route.
If you have doubts about whether or not to buy the JRP, read ours Practical Travel Tips for Japan.
Without Japan Rail Pass (JPR)
Take a Tobu-Nikko Line train that connects Ikeburo to Nikko. The trip takes about two hours and costs 1,320 yen. During the day there are also expresses, Kegon, which take less time but cost 2,650 yen. This route is included in some passes to Nikko but NOT in the JPR. We made this choice, below is the detail of the route.
Tips for Trips: If you arrive in Nikko via the JR Nikko Line, you will arrive at JR Nikko Station. If you use the Tobu Line instead, you will arrive at Tobu Nikko station. These two stations are located in different parts of the city, but are still close to each other. When you need to take the train back to Tokyo, make sure you go to the right station, depending on the line you will use.
Detailed itinerary
7:19 – Departure from Higashi-Shinjuku
Take the Futukoshin Line (F12) subway towards Wakoshii and get off at the Ikebukuro stop (F09). From there, take the train to Tobu-Nikko.
9.30am – Purchase of Bus Passes and Tickets
Once out of the turnstiles, turn left and head towards the Tourist Information Center where you can purchase bus tickets and entrance tickets to the temples. If you are planning to visit the Toshogu Shrine, we advise you to purchase entrance tickets at the station rather than at the sanctuary, to avoid queues.
Tips for Trips: We suggest purchasing the Chuzenji Onsen Free Pass for 2000 JPY, which allows unlimited travel between JR Nikko Station (Stop 1) and Osaki (Stop 31). Considering that a single ride to see Kegon Falls costs 1150 JPY, this pass is already a good deal. You will also receive a map of the area.
9.30am – Shinkyo Bridge
Exit Tobu-Nikko Station and cross the street to bus stop 2B. Take the bus to stop 7, Shinkyo. The famous bridge is located opposite, in the direction of the river. The Shinkyo Bridge marks the entrance to the sanctuary complex and technically belongs to the Futarasan Shrine, which you will visit later. You can take photos from afar, but if you want to cross it you will have to pay an additional fee of 300 JPY.
10:00 – Temple Complex
Begin exploring Nikko's famous temples and shrines. Cross the road and climb the stone stairs that lead through a forest. Follow the path uphill.
Your first stop will be there Rinno-ji Treasure House. Entrance costs 300 JPY, but it's worth it. In addition to classical Japanese artworks, the Japanese-style garden, Shoyoen, is the strong point.
After the garden, head to the ticket booth next to the stairs and purchase a 400 JPY ticket to the main hall of the Rinno-ji Temple. The temple was founded in the 8th century and is the most important in Nikko. Photography is not permitted inside the temple, so take time to admire the golden statues of Amida Nyorai, Thousand-Armed Kannon, and Horse-Headed Kannon.
After leaving the main hall, you will find the Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is one of the most ornate shrine complexes in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to admire the fantastic plaster works and wooden sculptures up close, such as the “Imaginary Elephants” and the “Sleeping Cat”. The moss-covered stone lanterns are also quite beautiful. If you have good stamina, climb over 200 steps to the Inner Shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried.
Exit the Toshogu Shrine and head towards the Futarasan Shrine, dedicated to the deities of the three sacred mountains of Nikko. This shrine is less ornate, but offers a peaceful atmosphere compared to the crowds at Toshogu.
1.00pm – Lunch (suggested: Nikko Coffee)
After a morning of exploring, it's time to eat. Nikko Coffee is a great choice, with dishes like curry and omurice, as well as desserts like chocolate miso cake. To reach it from Futarasan Shrine, follow the main road until you see a Lawson's and turn left before the store.
2.30pm – Bus to Kegon Falls
After lunch, head to bus stop no. 9 in front of Lawson's and take the bus to stop 26. From there, follow the signs for Kegon Falls.
With a height of almost 100 meters, the Kegon Falls they are considered among the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan (along with Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Waterfall in Ibaraki Prefecture). Its name derives from a nearby temple belonging to Kegon Buddhism. “Kegon” comes from the Sanskrit word “avatamsa” or “flower ornament,” and the term is used as a metaphor for becoming a Buddha.
To admire the descent of the water you will have two panoramic points available: the first, with free entry, is easily accessible on foot along a path, while the other, for a fee, is located at the base of the waterfall and is accessible via a elevator.
3.30pm – Bus to Ryuzu Falls
After visiting the Kegon Falls, go back to stop 26A and take a bus to Ryuzu Falls, known for their resemblance to a dragon's head. The bus will take you around the perimeter of Lake Chuzenji. Get off at stop 37.
If you purchased the previously suggested bus pass, note that the bus ride here is not covered by the pass as it is slightly outside the geographic zone – it costs an additional JPY 320 in cash each way.
Once you get off the bus, cross the road and walk back a little, veering towards the path on the left. The waterfalls are hidden behind the wooden convenience store. On the right you will find stairs that take you to a larger staircase that runs along the entire Yukawa river, from which the waterfalls originate. Walking the stairs is an immersive experience that allows you to fully appreciate the serenity and majesty of the force of nature of this enchanting place.
4.30pm – Bus to Tobu-Nikko Station
It's time to go back to Tokyo. Take the bus from stop 37 to Tobu-Nikko Station, showing your pass and numbered ticket.
6.00pm – Train to Tokyo
Buy a ticket to Tokyo. Take the train from Nikko to Shinjuku and then the Futukoshin Line subway from Ikebukuro (F09) towards Motomachi-Chukagai and get off at the Higashi-Shinjuku (F12) stop.
Fun fact: There is a famous whiskey in Japan called Nikka. It has no connection with Nikko, but every time we find it in some restaurant or bar in Italy we take it and every sip is a dive into the memories of this unforgettable day.
Last Updated on 1 September 2024