In Spring, Nikko is lush and green. In the fall, ginkgo trees turn the shade of ochre. But no matter what time of the year you’re visiting, I highly recommend these Top 7 Things to do in Nikko and Kinugawa!
When I studied abroad in Tokyo, one of our first coordinated trips was to Nikko.
I’ll never forget the beautiful hues of red and orange that passed us by on the ride up. And I’ll certainly never forget the winding bus ride on Nikko’s thin mountain roads.
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Where is Nikko?
Nikko is about a 2.5 hour drive from Tokyo, but it’s well worth the wait. If you take a bus, pack some motion-sickness medicine!
This beautiful mountain town is situated in Tochigi Prefecture, directly north of Tokyo. It features several gorgeous natural features, like waterfalls, mountains, and lakes.
Nikko’s shrines and temples are actually a world heritage sight, so if you have a chance, you should absolutely visit.
During Spring 2023, my husband and I visited again during Golden Week, and it was just as beautiful, though much warmer, and the mountain roads were just as harrowing.
Special Fortune in Nikko
I practically owe my relationship with Ramón to Nikko. On our trip in 2017, he pulled Great Fortune (大吉 daikichi). It was the catalyst for him to ask me out.
In the days following our Nikko trip, we went on a date to Ueno Park, and fed birds. It was a really sweet ‘first’ date that I’ll never forget.
It’s been almost 8 years (and counting) since then. Nikko holds a special place in my heart for its critical role in how our relationship played out.
Now we visit almost yearly, as friends and family come to visit. Its gorgeous natural features and impressive shrines are a wonderful introduction to Japanese culture.
Best Things to do in Nikko
Nikko is a major tourist destination in Tochigi prefecture. And this includes Japanese tourists! Indeed, it’s a popular area for those on vacation during Golden Week.
My husband and I experienced the rush to get up the mountain to Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and barely eked out a parking spot.
So while it’s a gorgeous shrine, I’d recommend staying away during Golden Week if you can help it. Otherwise, have at it! There’s so much to do and see in Nikko.
1. Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine
In addition to being beautiful just about any time of year, Nikko is a historically relevant destination.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the site of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s remains, and the shrine is as close to a castle as his grandson, Iemitsu, could get to honor his grandfather’s death.
Click photos to enlarge.
The shrine features brightly painted reliefs of classical patterns and animal motifs. Gold shimmers lustrously off of the shrine’s structures in the sunlight.
Two of the most popular carvings to look out for are the “Three Monkeys” and “Sleeping Cat”. The artwork is truly beautiful.
And you can even walk up several hundred steps to see the site where Ieyasu is enshrined if you dare. I won’t lie – I was huffing and puffing by the time we got to the top.
2. Go Hiking
There are several picturesque hiking trails in Nikko.
A popular one is Lake Chuzenji which, according to Nikko’s Official Guide, was formed about 20,000 years ago during an eruption of Mt. Nantai. It’s also a stunning photo spot. I can recall the crisp fall air and breathtaking view of the mountain from the bridge.
Another beautiful spot is the Senjogahara Hiking Trail. Its tall grasses and spectacular views make you feel like you’re walking through a photo from a calendar… or like you’ve stepped into a pokemon game.
3. Eat Delicious Food
When you’re done enjoying the natural wonders Nikko has to offer, you’ll certainly be hungry. While there are numerous delicious local restaurants to try, let me introduce you to Restaurant Juraku.
We stopped here when we travelled to Nikko during Golden Week, and the quality of food and atmosphere was top notch.
It’s a small place that seems to fill up quick, and we were lucky to get one of the last spots before the lunch rush. Typically a hamburg steak restaurant, they also offer a daily pasta option.
Click photos to enlarge.
At the time we went, the set menu was approximately ¥1300 (a little less than $9). And for the price we got appetizers, a main, dessert, and even an included drink!
Seriously this is one of the best meals I’ve had in Japan, both for the taste and the cost performance. And as you can see, it’s a huge portion.
Try Yuba
Have Yuba heard of this before? Har… har. Ahem anyway, yuba is a tofu-like soymilk byproduct. When a skin is formed over boiling soymilk, it is removed and becomes yuba.
It can be eaten in a large variety of ways, and has a very subtle flavor. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, like in soups and stews, fried, or braised. It’s delicious in hotpot, too.
Yuba is a heritage cuisine of Nikko. If you like tofu, it’s very likely you’ll enjoy it. And as yuba has been historically utilized in Buddhist monk cuisine, it makes a great vegan protein.
4. Kegon Falls
About 30 minutes away by car from the Nikko Toshogu Shrine is Kegon Falls, one of the many gorgeous waterfalls in Nikko.
If you’re a fan of beautiful natural features, and you’re already near Lake Chuzenji, check it out.
The fall is 318ft (97m) tall, and the trees and foliage that surround it make it a wonderful picture spot, especially in Autumn.
Kinugawa Onsen
While we’ve been to Nikko several times, we visited Kinugawa Onsen for the first time in 2024. We visited during our road trip with his mom and stepdad.
Kinugawa Onsen is famous for its onsen, natural features, and theme park attractions. We stayed and enjoyed the Hotel Sunshine’s hot springs and buffet.
5. Enjoy Local Hotsprings
The hotels in Kinugawa are essentially local resort hotels that specialize in hot springs. We enjoyed Hotel Sunshine’s lovely onsen and delicious food.
When Japanese tourists come to hotels like this, it’s often to enjoy the facilities themselves. That means luxurious rooms, gift shops, arcades, cafes, and dining are part of the hotel. It’s really fun.
Then you get to relax in the hot springs themselves, which are often surrounded by nature. It’s relaxing and a quintessential part of staying in mountain areas like Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen.
6. Frolic at Edo Wonderland
Nikko Edomura, aka Edo Wonderland, is an Edo period recreation themepark.
You can enjoy ninja and samurai shows (チャンバラ chanbara), and shop for edo themed souvenirs.
You can also dress up in period accurate clothing and stay the whole day.
7. Cross the Kinu-Tateiwa Otsuribashi Bridge
The Kinu-Tateiwa Otsuribashi suspension bridge crosses the Kinu River, connecting Kinugawa to the nature beyond.
It’s a scenic bridge 40 meters (131ft) above the river below. Just wear a jacket because the winds over this bridge get cold!
Access
You can drive or take a bus/train up to Nikko from Tokyo. Just be aware that from Tokyo it can be a couple-hour trip, so be sure to plan accordingly.
If you get car sick, you may want to bring motion sickness medicine with you.
If you’re less inclined to drive from Tokyo, you can sign up with a tour bus company or opt for public transit.
By transit you can take the several different lines depending on your desired station.
Unless you’re planning to stay in Nikko for a few days and need to drag your luggage around, there’s no need to book a Shinkansen.
You can use a Suica card – physical or digital – or buy a ticket. I hope you find a few fun things to do in Nikko!
And if you want to visit the Mashiko Pottery Festival while in Tochigi, check out that blog. Or if you’re headed back to Tokyo, check out my Best 10 Things to do in Asakusa!