Nikko日光
Nikko guide
World Heritage shrines and temples, led by Toshogu, stand among tall cedars. A bus ride up the winding Irohazaka road brings you to Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji and the Senjogahara marshland.
Things to see 10 classics
"Classics" and "Hidden gems" are this site's editorial picks, not a measured popularity ranking.
By interest
By distance
- 1
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The shrine to Tokugawa Ieyasu, famous for richly colored carvings such as the Yomeimon Gate, the Sleeping Cat and the Three Wise Monkeys.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- History & buildings
- Museums
about 1.5 hrPaid entryPartly step-free
Bus · About 20 min from Tobu-Nikko ・ World Heritage Meguri bus to Omotesando, then about 8 minutes on foot ・ 2.4km from here
- 2
Shinkyo Bridge
A vermilion bridge over the Daiya River gorge, marking the entrance to the shrines and temples. Beautiful with the autumn leaves.
- History & buildings
- Views
about 15 minPartly paid
Bus · About 10 min from Tobu-Nikko ・ Bus to Shinkyo ・ 1.8km from here
- 3
Rinnoji Temple (Sanbutsudo Hall)
The main temple of Nikko. Three large gilded Buddhist statues sit side by side in the Sanbutsudo Hall. Shoyoen Garden is next door.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- History & buildings
about 45 minPaid entryFine on a rainy day
Bus · About 15 min from Tobu-Nikko ・ World Heritage Meguri bus to Shodo-Shonin-zo-mae ・ 2.1km from here
- 4
Taiyuin Mausoleum
The mausoleum of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. Its gold and black design is more restrained, and it is quieter than Toshogu.
- History & buildings
- Temples, shrines & churches
- Museums
about 45 minPaid entryMany stairs or slopes
Bus · About 20 min from Tobu-Nikko ・ World Heritage Meguri bus to Taiyuin Futarasan-jinja-mae ・ 2.7km from here
- 5
Futarasan Shrine
An old shrine dedicated to Mt. Nantai and the other mountains of Nikko, set among cedars next to Toshogu.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- History & buildings
about 30 minFree
Bus · About 20 min from Tobu-Nikko ・ World Heritage Meguri bus to Taiyuin Futarasan-jinja-mae ・ 2.6km from here
- 6
Kegon Falls
The water of Lake Chuzenji drops about 97 meters in a single fall. An elevator goes down to a viewing platform near the basin.
- Nature
- Views
about 30 minPartly paidPartly step-free
Bus · About 55 min from Tobu-Nikko ・ Bus to Chuzenji Onsen, then about 5 minutes on foot ・ 11km from here
“Classics” and “Hidden gems” are our editors' picks, not a measured popularity ranking. Travel times are estimates. Please check prices, opening hours and operating days with the official sources before you go.
Photo and data credits
The vermilion Shinkyo Bridge over the Daiya River in autumn Joli Rumi (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Yomeimon gate of Nikko Toshogu shrine Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands (CC BY 2.0) / The vermilion Shinkyo Bridge spanning a rocky stream Saigen Jiro (CC0) / Sanbutsudo Hall of Rinnoji at the top of stone steps Zairon (CC BY-SA 4.0) / The Karamon Gate and hall of Taiyuin against cedar trees DXR (CC BY-SA 3.0) / A vermilion gate of Futarasan Shrine among tall cedars Raita Futo (CC BY 2.0) / Kegon Falls plunging down a cliff in autumn colors Jordy Meow (CC BY-SA 3.0). Cropped and resized.
Facilities & features
- Coin lockers and baggage storage
- Elevators available (the route may be longer)
- Typical transfer time: about 4 min
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