* CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE
Here’s everything you need to know when visiting Nikko.
Aside from hiking, seeing the Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples of Nikko National Park is a must. Tōshõ-gū, one of the highlights of Nikko, is the final resting place of the first Tokugawa shogun and is a complex of ornate shrines, art, and gates. Of all the gates, the Yõmei-mon, with over five hundred carvings, is the most impressive and is listed as a Japanese National Treasure.
Nikko is a fantastic area for trying local food. Vegan Buddhist temple cuisine, often served in a multi-course spread of small seasonal dishes which are expertly and naturally seasoned. Don’t miss Yuzawa-ya teahouse which has been serving since 1804 and has an exquisite selection of tea and homemade, traditional desserts. Another great spot is Gyoshintei, which features a beautiful traditional interior and views of its Japanese garden.
If you’re traveling by car, you can check out one of Nikko’s most iconic routes: the Iroha-zaka Winding Road, which features soaring views of the mountains and forty-eight hairpin turns to navigate as you take in the surrounding landscapes. The road also leads to the Ackechi-daira Plateau, giving you a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the views.
Best Hikes & Trails
Senjō-ga-har Plains: Perfect for casual hikers, this predominantly flat hike across boardwalks takes you from Ryùzu-no-taki Falls—one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls—through the marshy plains, flowers, and long grass of Nikko.
The trek ends at Yumoto Onsen hot spring town, where you can relax and soak. This is Nikko’s most popular hike and its busiest, especially during the fall season when the marshes dry into red and gold hues. It’s also the perfect hike for those taking a day trip to Nikko as it only takes around two and a half hours to complete.
Odashirogahara Plateau Nature Trail: This two-hour trail can either be done by itself or combined with the Senjō-ga-har Plains walk for a longer route. Also across boardwalks, you can enjoy mountain views and more local flora and fauna.
Nantai-san: One of three mountains in Nikko National Park and one of Japan’s one hundred most famous mountains, this trail is popular due to its incredible views of the park and Lake Chūzenji-ko from its summit.
This hike is considered intermediate as it’s steep and rocky so can easily exhaust you if you’re not used to it—make sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks to keep you going. Along the route, you’ll pass through torii gates marking your climb and also see the Okumiya shrine.
This hike takes around six and a half hours total, so it would be more suited for those who are able to stay overnight in Nikko.
Lake Chuzenji: Formed by the eruption of Mount Nantai around 20,000 years ago, this is one of Japan’s highest natural lakes and can be enjoyed either from a viewing platform via the Akechi-daira Ropeway or by hiking the trail around the lake, which takes just over five hours.
Lake Yunoko: Ideal for those who are short on time, this casual one hour hike takes you around the circumference of Lake Yunoko and features primaeval forest, seasonal flora, and native wildlife. Hot springs are plentiful in this area
Takino’o Kodoō: This relaxing half-day trail is ideal for anyone looking for a quieter, more spiritual hike through cedar trees and by the Daiya river. Translating to “Takino’o Old Path,” this hike is paved in stone, passes several small shrines and temples, and leads to the Kanama-ga-fuchi Abyss, lined with a supposedly uncountable number of Buddhist Jizō statues.
Where to Camp
If you’d like to camp in Nikko National Park then you will need to use one of the designated campsites. There are a number of auto campsites where you can park up and pitch your tent with some basic facilities available. The park’s main campsite, however, is Shobugahama.
Shobugahama Camping Site: By far the most popular and scenic of Nikko’s campsites, this site on the edge of Lake Chuzenjiko is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. Bathing and cooking facilities are available and basic snacks and drinks are sold at the shop, which also offers WiFi. Other activities available here include kayaking and fishing.
How to Get There
Most easily reached by train, the Shinkansen bullet train goes directly from Tokyo Station to Nikko Station in around an hour and a half.
It’s easy to get around the park via public transport and regular buses that run between the train station and the park. You can pick up a Nikko All Area pass from the tourist information centre, which covers all bus travel to and from and within the park.
The tourist bus will take you around the major sites, but many people also choose to rent a car. There are small car parks near most of the popular sites and car rental shops can be found near Nikko Station.
Tips for Your Visit
The shrines become very busy in the afternoon, especially Toshogu Shrine, so leave early and visit these areas first if you’d like to take pictures.
Make sure to take some cash out when you arrive at the train station to use around the park.
Rain can be sudden in Nikko, so pack a light rain jacket whatever the season.
Within a few minutes walk of the train station, you will find the Nikko Tourist Information Center which will provide you with free hiking brochures and other useful information.
