Nikko

Nikko (日光) is a city nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, and is a beloved tourist destination celebrated for its abundant natural beauty, diverse hot springs, and historical shrines and temples. The city, along with its surrounding area, forms the Nikko National Park, which is home to stunning landscapes such as majestic Mount Nantai, serene Lake Chuzenji, and the expansive Senjogahara Marshland.

One of Nikko’s most iconic attractions is the Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Renowned for its opulent decorations and intricate carvings, the shrine is a masterpiece of Japanese art and architecture.

Other notable sites in Nikko include Rinno-ji Temple (輪王寺), a historic Buddhist temple with over 1,200 years of history, and Futarasan Shrine (二荒山神社), a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s mountains.

Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the awe-inspiring Kegon Falls (華厳の滝), one of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, plunging 97 meters into a deep gorge. Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖) offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and opportunities for boating and lakeside relaxation. The Irohazaka Road (いろは坂) with its 48 hairpin turns, presents a thrilling drive or motorcycle ride while showcasing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors seeking relaxation can indulge in the healing waters of several hot spring resorts, including Yumoto Onsen, Chuzenji Onsen, and the large Kinugawa Onsen area.

Each autumn, Nikko comes alive with the Nikko Toshogu Shrine Grand Autumn Festival (日光東照宮秋季例大祭), a celebration of tradition featuring processions of a thousand samurai warriors, Yabusame (horseback archery), music, and dance performances.

Accessing Nikko from Tokyo is convenient, with options like the Tobu Railway’s limited express train “Spacia” from Asakusa providing a comfortable and scenic journey.