Panoramica
The 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko' UNESCO site includes Toshogu (mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu), Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji. Higher up, Oku-Nikko around Lake Chuzenji offers Kegon Falls, marshland trails and onsen at Yumoto.
Day trips from Tokyo are possible, but staying overnight lets you explore the higher national park area without rushing.
Cosa Vedere e Fare
- Nikko Toshogu: Intricately carved and gilded shrine buildings, including the Yomeimon gate and the 'three wise monkeys' carving.
- Shinkyo Bridge: Vermilion bridge over the Daiya River marking the entrance to the shrine area.
- Kegon Falls: Nearly 100-metre waterfall; an elevator takes you to a viewing platform at the base.
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss: Riverside path lined with dozens of stone Jizo statues.
- Senjogahara Marshland: Boardwalk hiking across a high plateau — brilliant in autumn.
- Edo Wonderland: Edo-period theme park near Kinugawa, popular with families.
Cucina Locale e Specialità
- Yuba: Tofu skin — Nikko's signature, served fresh, in soup, or rolled and simmered.
- Nikko soba: Buckwheat noodles from the surrounding highlands.
- Yokan: Sweet bean jelly, a traditional local souvenir.
Come Arrivare e Muoversi
Tobu Railway limited express trains run from Asakusa (around 2 hours). JR travellers take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then the JR Nikko Line (total around 1.5–2 hours). Tobu sells Nikko-area passes covering trains and local buses — compare against your plans.
Tobu buses connect the stations, shrines, Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto. In autumn, traffic on the Irohazaka road can cause long delays — start early.
Dove Dormire
- Economico: Guesthouses near the stations.
- Fascia media: Onsen hotels at Lake Chuzenji or Kinugawa.
- Lusso e Ryokan: Historic hotels such as the long-established Western-style lodgings around Nikko, and upscale lake-view resorts.