Nikko walking tour & city guide
Gilded shrines in a cedar forest, with lakes and waterfalls beyond.
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Nikko, in the mountains north of Tokyo, combines some of Japan's most lavishly decorated shrines and temples with a national park of lakes, waterfalls and forests. Its shrines and temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the old saying goes: 'Don't say kekko (magnificent) until you have seen Nikko.'
Toshogu and the shrines of Nikko
Nikko Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Unlike the restrained style of most Japanese shrines, it is covered in gold leaf, vivid colors and thousands of intricate carvings, including the famous 'three wise monkeys' who see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil, and the sleeping cat.
The complex sits among towering cedar trees, and the nearby Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple complete the World Heritage site. At the entrance to town, the red-lacquered Shinkyo Bridge arches over the rushing Daiya River.
Nature beyond the town
A short walk from the center, the Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a riverside path lined with around 70 moss-covered stone Jizo statues. Further up the mountains, the winding Irohazaka road, with its 48 hairpin bends, climbs to Lake Chuzenji and the 97-meter Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most famous waterfalls.
The Oku-Nikko area, with its marshes, hot springs and hiking trails, is especially beautiful in autumn, when the forests turn red and gold.
Visiting tips
Nikko is about two hours from Tokyo by train, making it a popular day trip, though staying overnight lets you see the lakes and waterfalls too. Visit the shrines early in the morning to avoid crowds. Autumn foliage peaks from October in the mountains to early November in town.
Top sights in Nikko
- 1
Nikko Toshogu
A lavishly decorated shrine and mausoleum of the first Tokugawa shogun.
- 2
Shinkyo Bridge
A sacred red bridge over the Daiya River.
- 3
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
A riverside path lined with stone Jizo statues.
- 4
Kegon Falls
A 97-meter waterfall near Lake Chuzenji.
- 5
Lake Chuzenji
A mountain lake at the foot of Mount Nantai.
- 6
Irohazaka
A scenic mountain road with 48 hairpin bends.
Food markets & where to eat in Nikko
Yuba restaurants on the main street
Nikko is famous for dishes made from tofu skin.
Shops near Shinkyo Bridge
Snacks, sweets and soba near the shrine entrance.
Lake Chuzenji restaurants
Lakeside dining with mountain views.
Tobu-Nikko Station area
Casual cafés and bakeries for a quick bite.
Food to try in Nikko
Yuba
Fresh tofu skin, served in soups, rolls and rice bowls.
Nikko soba
Buckwheat noodles made with mountain spring water.
Yokan
A sweet bean jelly sold in many local shops.
Age-yuba manju
Fried buns, a popular street snack.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Nikko
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in NikkoCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Nikko.
- eSIM for JapanStay online from the moment you land.
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