If you're spending a holiday in the Kanto region, you should definitely visit Nikko, a world heritage site.  

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The world heritage site of Nikko and the scenic Oku-Nikko are attractive, with numerous temples from the Tokugawa period, Nikko Futarasan Shrine, a famous power spot, and the area around Lake Chuzenji, which is so rich in nature that a European embassy villa was built there. Full of stuff. Now, let's go to the tourist spots that represent Japan!

Nikko, a world heritage site filled with architecture, art, and history

A world heritage site consisting of three shrines and temples

    A world heritage site consisting of three shrines and temples

    In 1999, three shrines and temples in Nikko were registered as World Cultural Heritage Sites. The building is said to be a ``masterpiece by a genius artist that represents humankind's creative talent,'' and the belief system based on ancient Shinto thought is ``a religious space that is one with nature, and is still passed down to this day.'' It has been evaluated and registered as "Complete."

  • SiteNikko City Tourism Association

    • Keikyu bus

      You can directly access Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen from Yokohama Sta. to Haneda Airport while relaxing without having to transfer with heavy luggage. Please enjoy the scenery from the train window.

    • SiteKeikyu bus

      Get great tickets and explore Nikko

      The ``Limousine & Tobu Bus Nikko Free Ticket'' is available for customers taking the airport limousine bus from Yokohama Sta. to Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen via Haneda Airport. The combination of a one-way or round-trip limousine bus ticket and the 4-day Tobu Bus ``Nikko Free Pass'' that allows you to tour around the Nikko area is a great value for those who are sightseeing over several days. Normally, Tobu Bus Nikko area free passes do not cover the entire area, so this set can be called a combined free pass. This is a great ticket for people who want to visit various places in the Nikko area.

    • SiteLimousine & Tobu Bus Nikko Free Ticket

    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the first place you should visit when sightseeing in Nikko.Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the first place you should visit when sightseeing in Nikko.

      Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which is considered to be one of the most representative buildings in Japan, is the shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined and is designated as a World Heritage Site. The one that remains today was rebuilt in 1636 by Tokugawa Iemitsu.

    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the first place you should visit when sightseeing in Nikko.

      The sides of the building are decorated with a wide variety of elaborate carvings, and their beauty has been passed down through the ages. In particular, the Nemuneko at Senmon and the three monkeys (Mizaru, Iwazaru, and Kikazaru) at Kaminaya are must-sees! It is said that it was created to respect Ieyasu's will by gathering the wisdom of Onmyodo and Feng Shui, and has become a must-see spot for power spot enthusiasts.

    • SiteNikko Toshogu
      2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

    • Admire the beautiful masterpieces of early Edo period temple and shrine architectureAdmire the beautiful masterpieces of early Edo period temple and shrine architecture

      This is an old temple that is said to have been founded 1250 years ago. The entire group of buildings, including the hall and tower, is collectively called Rinnoji, and is registered as a World Heritage Site.

    • Admire the beautiful masterpieces of early Edo period temple and shrine architecture

      The carved exterior of the hall and the gate are wonderful, but the inside of the golden hall of Taiyu-in, which is located in the back, is a particularly impressive space. You will be overwhelmed by the majestic and beautiful atmosphere. Since it is built on a slope, the view is great, and it is definitely an Instagram-worthy spot.

    • SiteMt. Nikko Rinnoji Temple
      2300 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

    • A shrine known as one of Kanto's leading power spotsA shrine known as one of Kanto's leading power spots

      One of the Nikko shrines and temples registered as a World Heritage Site. Nikko Futarasan Shrine is a beautiful shrine with a large grounds lined with historical architecture and a precinct that blends in with nature such as trees.

    • A shrine known as one of Kanto's leading power spotsA shrine known as one of Kanto's leading power spots

    • It is known as a powerful power spot that represents the Kanto region, and is constantly visited by people seeking to improve their matchmaking and financial luck. Be sure to make your wishes on the votive tablets when you visit.

    • Nikko Futarasan Shrine
      2307 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

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    Have fun at two of Nikko's most unique theme parks.

    The cast and mechanism are exactly like the Edo period. Visit Nikko Edomura.

      Both the Edo people and the devices are very Edo period. Visit Nikko Edomura.

      When you visit Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, the first thing that surprises you is the behavior of Edo people. The way they carry themselves and speak makes you feel as if you have stepped into the Edo period. The architecture and garden paths have been created with an emphasis on the atmosphere of the Edo period, so no matter where you take a photo within the park, it's sure to look great on Instagram.

    • The cast and mechanism are exactly like the Edo period. Visit Nikko Edomura.The cast and mechanism are exactly like the Edo period. Visit Nikko Edomura.

    • Among them, the recommended one is ``Henshindokoro~Jikoku~''. You can change into a variety of Edo period costumes, including samurai, ninja, town girl, and daughter from a good family. Of course, for women, there is also a hair styling menu, so you are sure to become an Edo person in body and soul. As you transform and walk around the park, Edo people from the town will talk to you using Edo period gestures.

    • The cast and mechanism are exactly like the Edo period. Visit Nikko Edomura.The cast and mechanism are exactly like the Edo period. Visit Nikko Edomura.

      The cast and mechanism are exactly like the Edo period. Visit Nikko Edomura.

      In the hands-on menu, you can transform into a ninja and train, bake rice crackers, and even try on make-up from back in the day. There is no need to worry about lunch or dinner as there are many restaurants available. ``Yama Kujira'''s ``Grilled Duck Meshi'' is an exquisite combination of the sweet and spicy sauce and the umami of the duck. Please enjoy this rare Edo experience even in Japan!

    • SiteEDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
      470-2 Karakura, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

    • 102 exquisite miniature world heritage sites that will leave you in awe.102 exquisite miniature world heritage sites that will leave you in awe.

      Tobu World Square is Japan's largest miniature park, replicating ruins and buildings from Japan and the world at 1:25 scale. Works selected from 21 countries and regions around the world are on display, and you can't help but be amazed by the exquisite workmanship.

    • 102 exquisite miniature world heritage sites that will leave you in awe.

      Representative works include the pyramids of Egypt, the Forbidden City of China, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, the Parthenon of Greece, and the Arc de Triomphe of France, all of which are registered as World Heritage Sites and are places you would want to visit at least once. Some of the exhibits in Japan may be from your hometown! ?

    • 102 exquisite miniature world heritage sites that will leave you in awe.

      There are over 140,000 human miniatures in total, adding to the sense of realism. If you want to know more about the works, you can rent the audio guide system for a fee. If you insert the play card (sold separately) into the card reader in front of the work, the doll will start to move. You can't help but be captivated by the sights of successive prime ministers appearing in the National Diet and scenes of movie filming in the Forbidden City being recreated. A popular photo-taking method on social media is posing as if you were a giant. Please take a photo and upload it.

    • SiteTobu World Square
      209-1 Kinugawa Onsen Ohara, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

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    Climb up Irohazaka and head to Oku-Nikko where nature spreads out

    To the 25th largest lake in Japan at an altitude of 1269m

      To the 25th largest lake in Japan at an altitude of 1269m

      If you take a bus from Nikko city and go up Irohazaka, you will come to Lake Chuzenji, which is said to be the entrance to the Oku-Nikko area. It is a dammed lake created by the eruption of Mt. Nantai, with a maximum depth of 163m and a circumference of approximately 25km. Originally, there were no fish in the water, but they started stocking the water about 30 years ago, and now you can enjoy sport fishing for things like Japanese red trout. As far as the eye can see, the natural scenery is refreshing and the area is a treasure trove of alpine flora and fauna, so if you have time, you can enjoy trekking.

    • Lake Chuzenji

    • You will be overwhelmed by the power of Kegon Falls, one of Japan's top three waterfalls.You will be overwhelmed by the power of Kegon Falls, one of Japan's top three waterfalls.

      With a height of 97 meters, the average amount of water falling from the waterfall is 3 tons per second. It is considered one of Japan's top three waterfalls, along with Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture. Each season has its own beauty, but spring, when the amount of water increases due to melting snow, and autumn, when the leaves turn red, are especially recommended. The viewing platform facing the waterfall can be accessed using a paid elevator. When you go downstairs, pass through the tunnel, and see the waterfall in front of you, everyone will exclaim in amazement, "Wow! That's amazing!" Another popular spot to see Kegon Falls is Akechidaira. It can be accessed from the middle of Daini Irohazaka by the Akechidaira Ropeway. The panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji and Mt. Nantai is sure to leave a lasting memory of your trip.

    • SiteKegon Falls Elevator
      Chugu Shrine, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

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    The four seasons of Nikko are full of various charms.

    spring in nikko

      spring in nikko

      The Yayoi Festival at Nikko Futarasan Shrine, the biggest event that heralds the arrival of spring in the Nikko area, is held for five days from April 13th to 17th every year. It is held in accordance with traditional Japanese Shinto rituals, but especially on the last two days, ``Hanayatai'' (stalls decorated with flowers) from 11 towns in the shrine parishioner area appear and walk the approach to the shrine. It reaches a climax, such as running up. Both people and nature will be enveloped in the atmosphere of welcoming spring, making it an exceptional stay.

    • summer in nikkosummer in nikko

      If you visit Nikko in the summer, you should definitely try the shaved ice made with natural ice. Ice that is slowly frozen in nature in winter has a slightly sweet taste, and when you put it in your mouth, it melts gracefully, like cotton candy. Currently, there are only three icehouses where ice is made and stored. Restaurants where you can eat it are scattered throughout Nikko and Imaichi. The most recommended syrup is the one made from Tochiotome, a specialty of Tochigi Prefecture.

    • Autumn in NikkoAutumn in Nikko

      Nikko and Oku-Nikko are famous as one of Japan's leading spots for autumn leaves. The height difference in the area is about 2000m, so you can see the autumn leaves changing in order from the higher elevations. It is also attractive that there are many places to see during the long autumn period, such as Nikko, which is deep in nature, Irohazaka with its high and low elevations and many broad-leaved trees, and Nikko, which is lined with shrines and temples that are designated as world heritage sites. Usually, the season starts in early October in Oku-Nikko and from mid-to-late November in downtown Nikko.

    • winter in nikkowinter in nikko

      At Yunishigawa Onsen, located approximately 20km northwest of Kinugawa Onsen, the Kamakura Festival, which has been certified as a Japan night view heritage site, is held in winter. In addition to enjoying the beautiful illumination of over 1,000 mini kamakura made by local people, there is also an event held every year where you can enjoy BBQ inside the kamakura. It is a spot where you can enjoy hot springs, food, and sightseeing.

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    columnLocally produced gourmet food from Oku-Nikko that satisfies both the heart and the stomach.

    Locally produced gourmet food from Oku-Nikko that satisfies both the heart and the stomach.

    The culinary appeal of Nikko goes beyond the yuba and soba noodles introduced in guidebooks. Tochigi beef is one of the area's most representative ingredients. Let's try the hand-kneaded Tochigi beef hamburger at Maple Restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji. The combination of juicy meat and aromatic sauce creates a perfect harmony. In addition to regular size, 300g big size is also available.

    The content of the article is as of the time of publication.

    information

    time table

    There are two round trips a day from Haneda Airport/Yokohama to Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen.
    Timetable from Haneda Airport/Yokohama/Kinugawa Onsen Station, Tobu Nikko Station, Shimo-Imaichi Station

    fare

    Kinugawa Onsen Station, Tobu Nikko Station, Shimo-Imaichi Station Adults 3,300 yen (Children 1,650 yen)

    inquiry
    Keikyu Bus Transportation Department Sales Division TEL: 03-3280-9177 (Weekdays only 9:30-18:00)
    This article was published in June 2018.The content of the article is correct at the time of publication.
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    Guide

    Guide profile

    Natsumi Shiiyama
    Natsumi Shiiyama, an actress and talent who is active on stage and at events, gave us a report on many recommended sightseeing spots.

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