Nikko Group Tours
Nikko
Yuno Lake
Nikko
Shinkyo Bridge
Travel Guide
Nikko Tips & Facts
Region
Kanto
Population
about 76,000
Dialects
Tohoku-ben
Climate
Humid continental
Prefecture
Tochigi
Nikko Travel Info
Nikko's history stretches back over a thousand years, deeply rooted in Japan’s religious and political past. It began as a sacred site for Buddhist monks who sought spiritual enlightenment in its serene mountains.
The town gained national prominence in the early 17th century when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, chose Nikko as his final resting place. The Toshogu Shrine, built in his honor, remains one of Japan’s most lavish and revered landmarks. Beyond its grand shrines, Nikko played a vital role in Japan’s pilgrimage routes. Today, these sites continue to attract visitors, not just for their religious significance but for their breathtaking architectural beauty.
Nikko’s cultural influence extends beyond temples and shrines. The region is known for traditional lacquerware, intricate wood carvings, and the art of yuba-making (tofu skin), a legacy passed down for generations. These crafts, shaped by centuries of tradition, keep Nikko’s historical spirit alive.
Best Places to Visit in Nikko
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The Toshogu Shrine is not just any temple—it’s one of Japan’s most ornate and historically significant sites. Built in the early 1600s to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, this shrine complex features over a dozen lavishly decorated structures set amidst towering cedar trees. Every detail, from the gold-leaf-covered gates to the intricate wood carvings, tells a story. The Three Wise Monkeys ("See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil") symbolize moral wisdom, while the Sleeping Cat (Nemuri-neko) represents peace and prosperity. Don’t miss the procession of over 1,000 samurai during the Toshogu Shrine Grand Festival in May and October.
Futarasan Shrine
One of Nikko’s most sacred sites, Futarasan Shrine was founded in 767 AD by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, who introduced Buddhism to the region. The shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three sacred mountains: Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho, and Mt. Taro. The grounds are filled with ancient artifacts, peaceful gardens, and a sacred "marriage tree", believed to bring good fortune to couples.
Shinkyo Bridge
The Shinkyo Bridge is the elegant, vermillion-lacquered bridge that serves as the gateway to Nikko’s sacred shrines. Spanning the Daiya River, it is said that Shodo Shonin crossed this river on the backs of two serpents, an event that led to the bridge’s construction. It is especially picturesque in autumn, when the surrounding trees burst into fiery shades of red and gold, and in winter, when snow dusts its railings.
Kegon Falls
Towering at 97 meters, Kegon Falls is the most famous of Nikko’s 48 waterfalls. It flows from Lake Chuzenji, creating a breathtaking vertical drop into a rocky canyon. The falls are spectacular year-round—lush and full in summer, ablaze with autumn leaves in fall, and partially frozen into stunning ice formations in winter. Visitors can view the falls from an upper observation deck for free or take an elevator down to a lower viewing platform for a closer look.
Lake Chuzenji
A scenic high-altitude lake formed by a volcanic eruption 20,000 years ago, Lake Chuzenji sits at the base of Mt. Nantai. Once a summer retreat for foreign diplomats, the lake remains a peaceful escape, with boat cruises, kayaking, and lakeside hiking trails. The nearby Chuzenji Onsen area is home to natural hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The lake is particularly stunning in autumn, when vibrant koyo (fall foliage) blankets the surrounding hillsides.
