Nikko, located in the mountains north of Tokyo, is a must-see destination. Just a few hours from Tokyo, it is known for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines, historic temples, picturesque bridges and spectacular waterfalls.
To get there, it takes about two hours by train, so to visit in a day, it is advisable to leave Tokyo relatively early. Moreover, to make the most of your time and see all it has to offer in a single day, it is essential to plan carefully and follow a precise schedule. In fact, with good organisation, you can visit the main points of interest while fully enjoying the experience.
In this article, we will guide you through a detailed itinerary for a perfect day, optimising your time and ensuring that you won’t miss anything important.
How to get there
Nikko is connected to Tokyo by both the JR and the Tobu Line. The last part of the journey is very impressive as the train ascends through the woods.
With the Japan Rail Pass (JPR)
For JPR owners, 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 about 5,000 yen, but is only convenient if you have the JPR. The journey takes about 1.50 hours in total.
- Take the Limited-Express that connects Nikko directly to Shinjuku. The journey takes about two hours and costs 3,900 yen (seat reservations are also required). In this case only the first part of the journey is covered by the JPR, you will have to pay an extra 1,900 yen for the Tobu Line route.
If you are in doubt about whether or not to buy the JRP, read our Practical Travel Tips for Japan.
Without the Japan Rail Pass (JPR)
Without JPR, one can take a train on the Tobu-Nikko Line from Ikeburo to Nikko. The journey takes about two hours and costs 1,320 yen. During the day there are also express trains, Kegon, which take less time but cost 2,650 yen. This route is included in some passes but NOT in the JPR. We made this choice, below are the details of the route.
Tips for Trips: If you arrive by JR Nikko Line, you will arrive at JR Nikko Station. If you instead use the Tobu Line, you will arrive at the Tobu Nikko station. These two stations are located at different points in the city, but are still close to each other. When you have to take the train back to Tokyo, make sure you go to the right station, depending on which line you use.
Detailed itinerary
7:19am – Departure from Higashi-Shinjuku
Take the Futukoshin Line underground (F12) towards Wakoshii and get off at Ikebukuro (F09). From there, take the train to Tobu-Nikko.
9:30 – Purchase of Bus Passes and Tickets
After exiting the turnstiles, we turn left and head to the Tourist Information Centre where you can purchase bus and temple entrance tickets. If you plan to visit the Toshogu Shrine, we recommend that you buy tickets at the station rather than at the shrine to avoid queues.
Tips for Trips: We suggest you buy 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 JPY 1150, this pass is already a good deal. You will also receive a map of the area.
9:30 – Shinkyo Bridge
We leave the station and cross the street to bus stop 2B. We take the bus to stop 7, Shinkyo. Facing us in the direction of the river is the famous Shinkyo Bridge, which marks the entrance to the shrine complex and technically belongs to Futarasan Shrine. You can take photos from afar, but if you want to cross it you will have to pay an extra JPY 300.
10:00 – Temples Complex
We begin our exploration of the famous temples and shrines. We cross the road and climb the stone steps leading through a forest.
The first stop is the Rinno-ji Treasure House. Admission costs JPY 300, but it is well worth it. Besides the classical Japanese artworks, the Japanese-style garden, Shoyoen, is the highlight.
After the garden, we head to the ticket office next to the stairs and buy a ticket for the main hall of the Rinno-ji Temple. The temple was founded in the 8th century and is the most important temple. No photos are allowed inside the temple, so take your time to admire the golden statues of Amida Nyorai, Thousand-Armed Kannon and Horse-headed Kannon.
After leaving the main hall, we visit the Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is one of the most ornate shrine complexes in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The plaster works and wood carvings, such as the ‘Imaginary Elephants’ and the ‘Sleeping Cat’, are admirable. The moss-covered stone lanterns are also quite beautiful (I have developed a weakness for these lanterns!). If you have good stamina, climb over 200 steps to the Inner Shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried. We did it but didn’t get too excited.
Leaving the Toshogu Shrine, we head to the Futarasan Shrine, dedicated to the deities of the three holy mountains. This shrine is less ornate, but has a quiet atmosphere compared to the crowds at Toshogu.
13:00 – Lunch (suggested: Nikko Coffee)
After a morning of exploring, hunger sets in. We choose Nikko Coffee, with dishes like curry and omurice, as well as desserts like chocolate cake with miso. To reach it from Futarasan Shrine, just follow the main road until you see a Lawson’s and turn left before the shop.
14:30 – Bus to Kegon Falls
After lunch, we go to bus stop No 9 in front of Lawson’s and take the bus to bus stop 26. We follow the signs to Kegon Falls. Almost 100 metres high, they are considered among the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The name comes from the Buddhist temple of the same name: ‘Kegon’ in Sanskrit means ‘avatamsa’ or ‘flower ornament’.
Tips for Tips: There are two viewpoints to admire the waterfalls: the first, which is free, is easily accessible via a footpath, while the other, which is subject to a fee, is located at the base of the waterfall and is accessible via a lift.
15:30 – Bus to Ryuzu Falls
We go back to stop 26A and take a bus to Ryuzu Falls, famous for its resemblance to a dragon’s head. The bus runs along the entire length of Lake Chuzenji. We get off at stop 37.
Tips for trips: If you have bought a bus pass, be aware that the ride here is not covered as it is slightly out of the geographical area; you need to pay an additional ticket (which costs an additional JPY 320 in cash each way).
As we get off the bus, we cross the road and turn back a little, deviating to the path to the left. The waterfalls are hidden behind the wooden convenience store. Instead, on the right we find steps leading to a larger staircase that runs along the Yukawa River, from which the waterfalls originate. Walking up the stairs is an immersive experience that allows one to fully appreciate the majesty of the force of nature in this enchanting place.
16:30 – Bus to Tobu-Nikko Station
It is time to return to Tokyo. We take the bus from stop 37 to Tobu-Nikko Station, showing our pass and numbered ticket.
18:00 – Train to Tokyo
We take a ticket to Tokyo, from Nikko to Shinjuku, and then the Futukoshin Line metro from Ikebukuro (F09) towards Motomachi-Chukagai and get off at Higashi-Shinjuku (F12).
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Fun fact: there is a famous whisky 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 plunge into memories of that unforgettable day.
Last modified: 18 May 2025
