Nikko Japan Guide

Nikko, nestled among pine and cedar forests, offers a true sense of tranquillity. The air is pure and the atmosphere serene, set at the foot of the mountains and 600 metres above sea level. Nikko’s beauty lies in its perfectly preserved, majestic temples and shrines, as well as its natural wonders—waterfalls, lakes, forests, and dormant volcanoes. This unique setting provides a rich cultural life, with opportunities for scenic walks, bathing in onsen hot springs, and sampling the region’s distinctive cuisine.

In autumn, Nikko reveals its russet foliage and misty woodlands; in summer, the altitude brings a welcome coolness for walkers; and in every season, one can enjoy the natural hot springs. Located within a national park, Nikko is the ideal place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and take the time to appreciate UNESCO World Heritage treasures. Above all, it is a chance to immerse yourself in a place steeped in cultural heritage. So, what should you see and do in Nikko? Allow us to guide you to this remarkable city, which truly deserves a place on your Japanese itinerary.

Nikko is home to a wealth of sacred sites. Some of Japan’s most illustrious historical figures lived here and held a deep reverence for its mountains, such as the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin. He was responsible for the construction of several temples and shrines in Nikko, drawn by the region’s esoteric and spiritual aura. Among these is the Rinnoji Temple. After building this temple, Shodo Shonin climbed the mountain to its summit, over 2,400 metres high, and established two shrines as well as a temple near Lake Chuzenji: the Chuzenji Temple. Higher up the mountain, the Futarasan Temple—also known as the shrine of the mountains—was likewise founded by Shodo Shonin, with the aim of introducing esoteric Buddhism to the local population. According to his beliefs, a Shinto deity resides in each volcano, as an emanation of the Buddha. The Futarasan Shrine honours the deity of Mount Nantai and offers the opportunity for a pilgrimage from the town centre (allow 30 minutes to an hour on foot, depending on your pace).

Another notable temple and mausoleum in Nikko is that of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s three great unifiers, whose dynasty ruled for 250 years. At the time, 200,000 cedars were planted around the mausoleum in his honour; many of these trees still stand today, lending Nikko its distinctive charm. The Nikko Toshogu Shrine is both a Shinto and Buddhist sanctuary, sometimes referred to as the Golden Mausoleum or the jewel of shrines. It is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most celebrated sanctuaries—a true highlight of any visit.

These shrines, renowned throughout Japan, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and the mountains on which they stand are considered sacred. Stroll through these spiritually powerful sites, built according to the cosmological principles of onmyodo, and leave a prayer—or at the very least, a wish!

A volcanic eruption of Mount Nantai, some 20,000 years ago, created Lake Chuzenji at its base. It is, in fact, the highest lake in Japan. Lake Chuzenji also offers the perfect opportunity for a scenic walk along its northern shore, where the landscapes are truly stunning. Lake Chuzenji is considered a sacred body of water. You’ll spot the torii gate, placed here by the monk Shodo Shonin, as well as a cable car offering magnificent views over the lake and Kegon Falls, and inns featuring their own onsen hot springs!

It has been described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan! The Kegon Falls are truly impressive: the main waterfall plunges nearly 100 metres and spans 7 metres in width. Amidst temples, shrines, and Lake Chuzenji—the highest in the country—the Kegon Falls add to this landscape’s spiritual atmosphere. Adorned with blossoms in spring and frozen in winter, the falls are spectacular in every season.

If Nikko is a place of superlatives, its wonders extend beyond lakes, waterfalls, and temples. Here you will also find the sacred Shinkyo Bridge—a striking vermilion-lacquered wooden bridge spanning the Daiya River, measuring 28 metres in length. In the Edo period, only the emperor was permitted to cross it. According to legend, the monk Shodo Shonin and his disciples crossed the river by walking on snakes that intertwined to form a bridge.

Nikko is dotted with natural hot springs, known as onsen in Japanese. These mineral-rich waters are naturally heated by the presence of Mount Nantai’s volcano. To the north of the city, the Yunishigawa hot spring resort is particularly well known. The atmosphere here is quite unique, nestled among cedar forests and on the banks of the Daiya River. Legend has it that samurai once sought refuge here to heal their wounds. Today, visitors can enjoy the experience from a riverside guesthouse or by visiting one of the local hot spring resorts during their stay in Nikko. Renowned for their healing properties, these onsen are the perfect way to unwind after a day spent exploring the city and its historic sites.

Nikko boasts a distinctive local cuisine, with two elements at its heart: soba noodles (buckwheat noodles) and yuba (tofu skin), alongside unique regional desserts and drinks. Soba noodles are especially renowned in Nikko, thanks to the area’s high-quality buckwheat and pure mountain water. Their reputation is such that, at the end of each autumn harvest, Nikko holds a festival dedicated to soba. Among Nikko’s specialities, yuba is the most traditional. This dish was created by Buddhist monks who do not eat meat. Yuba is made by gently lifting the skin that forms on boiling soya milk, and is often served as sashimi, fried, or incorporated into other dishes. We recommend trying yuba udon or yuba manju!

You can also sample a local sake and desserts unique to this region, such as kakigori (shaved ice). Made from clear, ice-cold water from Nikko’s natural ice houses—of which there are only five in all of Japan—each shop offers its own recipe and flavour. Among the more unusual varieties, you’ll find ujikintoki (matcha flavour with sugar syrup), shaved ice with azuki red bean jam, or more familiar options like strawberry.

Each year, Nikko hosts the Shunki Reitaisai Festival, a celebration of the samurai. This festival commemorates Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, the supreme leader of the samurai who succeeded in unifying Japan during the Edo period. The festivities take place near his mausoleum, in his honour. Samurai, dressed in traditional battle attire, re-enact the procession that took place when Ieyasu’s tomb was transferred from Mount Kunousan to Nikko. The spectacle is truly impressive, immersing you in the heart of Japanese tradition—an event held in mid-May that is both surprising and magical, should you have the opportunity to visit at this time.

Would you like to discover Japan in an authentic and original way? Japaventura invites you to explore the highlights of Japan in small groups, as well as its hidden gems. On our 13-day Journey of Delight, you’ll have the chance to spend a day in Nikko and experience the magic of its sacred sites for yourself.