What to Do in Nikko: Temples, Onsen & Waterfalls

Nestled among forests of pine and cedar, Nikko feels like a moment of calm. The air is pure and the atmosphere peaceful, for the town sits at the foot of the mountain, 600 metres above sea level. Nikko's beauty is shared between its majestic, perfectly preserved temples and shrines and its natural wonders – waterfalls, a lake, forests and dormant volcanoes – giving rise to a delightful cultural life of hiking trails, onsen bathing and cuisine typical of the region.

In autumn, Nikko reveals its russet foliage and misty forests; in summer, the altitude brings a little cool air for hikers; and in every season you can bathe in the natural hot springs. Set within a national park, Nikko lets you switch off, escape the urban frenzy of the big cities and truly take the time to admire beauties listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And, above all, to immerse yourself in a past of profound cultural significance. So what is there to do and see in Nikko? Let us guide you to this town, which richly deserves a stop on any trip to Japan.

Nikko's sacred sites: temples, esoteric shrines & a mausoleum

Nikko is brimming with sacred sites. Some of the most illustrious figures in Japanese history lived in Nikko and held a certain reverence for its mountains – among them the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin. He was behind the construction of several temples and shrines in Nikko, drawn to the region's esoteric and spiritual aura, such as the Rinnoji Temple. After building this temple, he set out to climb the mountain and reach its summit, more than 2,400 metres high, then established two shrines as well as a temple near Lake Chuzenji: the Chuzenji Temple. A little higher up the mountain, the Futarasan Temple, or shrine of the mountains, was likewise founded by Shodo Shonin with the intention of introducing esoteric Buddhism to the local population. According to him, a Shinto deity dwells within every volcano, being an emanation of the Buddha. Futarasan Shrine honours the deity of Mount Nantai, while also offering the chance for a pilgrimage from the town centre (allow 30 minutes to an hour on foot, depending on your pace).

Another famous temple and mausoleum can be found in Nikko: that of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the three unifiers of Japan, whose dynasty reigned for 250 years. At the time, 200,000 cedars were planted around the mausoleum in his honour; today some of these trees still stand and lend Nikko so much of its charm. The Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a Shinto and Buddhist shrine, sometimes nicknamed the golden mausoleum or the pearl of shrines. It is unquestionably one of the most famous shrines in Japan. A must-see on your visit…

These shrines, hugely famous throughout Japan, form part of the UNESCO World Heritage and the mountains on which they stand are considered sacred. Wander through these places of spiritual power, built according to the cosmological principles of onmyodo, and leave a prayer there – or at the very least, a few wishes!

Lake Chuzenji: the highest in Japan

A volcanic eruption of Mount Nantai some 20,000 years ago created Lake Chuzenji at its foot, and it is the highest lake in Japan. Lake Chuzenji is also the perfect place for a lovely walk along the northern shore, where the scenery is magnificent. Lake Chuzenji is regarded as a sacred body of water. Here you'll spot the torii installed by the monk Shodo Shonin, as well as a cable car that treats you to magnificent views over the lake and the Kegon Falls, and inns with their very own onsen!

They have been described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan! The Kegon Falls are truly impressive: the largest fall drops nearly 100 metres and spans 7 metres across. Alongside the temples, the shrines and Lake Chuzenji, the highest in the country, the Kegon Falls complete this scene of spiritual aura. Blossoming in spring and frozen in winter, the falls are impressive in every season.

While Nikko is full of superlatives, it doesn't stop at these lakes, waterfalls and temples. Here you'll also find the sacred Shinkyo Bridge. This grand vermilion-lacquered wooden bridge spans the Daiya River and measures 28 metres long. In the Edo period, only the emperor was allowed to cross it. Legend has it that the monk Shodo Shonin and his disciples crossed the river on the backs of serpents that intertwined to form a bridge.

Nikko is dotted with natural hot springs, known in Japanese as onsen. These mineral-rich waters are naturally warm, thanks to the presence of the Mount Nantai volcano. To the north of the town, the Yunishigawa hot spring resort is especially well known. The atmosphere there is quite unique, nestled in a cedar forest on the banks of the Daiya River. Legend has it that samurai once took refuge here to heal their wounds. Visitors today enjoy them from a guesthouse by the river or by heading to one of the hot spring resorts during a stay in Nikko. Renowned for their healing properties, they are the perfect relief after kilometres of walking through the town and its historic monuments.

Nikko has a very distinctive local cuisine, with two ingredients at its heart in particular: soba noodles (buckwheat noodles) and yuba (tofu skin), along with some specific desserts and drinks. Soba noodles are especially famous in Nikko, as the town has high-quality buckwheat and clear mountain water. The soba noodles are so renowned that, at the end of each harvest in autumn, Nikko holds a festival dedicated to soba. Of all Nikko's specialities, yuba is the most traditional. This dish was invented by Buddhist monks who ate no meat. Yuba is made by gently lifting the skin from soy milk as it boils, and is then served like sashimi. It is eaten fried or worked into another dish. We recommend trying the yuba udon or the yuba manju!

You can also sample a local sake here, as well as desserts unique to this region such as Kakigori shaved ice. Clear, iced water from Nikko's ice houses (there are only five in Japan) is turned into shaved ice. Each shop has its own recipe and its own flavour. Among the more unusual flavours you'll find ujikintoki – matcha flavour with sugar syrup – or shaved ice with sweet azuki red bean jam, as well as better-known ones such as strawberry.

Every year, Nikko hosts the Shunki Reitaisai festival, which celebrates the samurai. This festival commemorates the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, that is, the supreme leader of the samurai, who managed to unify Japan during the Edo period. The festival is therefore held in the shogun's honour, near his mausoleum. The samurai, in their traditional battle costumes, re-enact the procession as it was when Ieyasu's tomb was moved from Mount Kunozan to Nikko. The spectacle is striking and plunges you straight into the heart of the country's traditions, an event that takes place in mid-May, and just as surprising and magical if you happen to be there at that time of year.

Fancy discovering Japan in an authentic and original way? Japaventura takes you to explore the essentials of Japan in small groups, along with its hidden gems. On our 21-day tour of Japan, you'll have the chance to opt for a day in Nikko and experience the magic of its sacred sites for yourself!