Top Things to do in Nikko
10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Nikko That You Shouldn't Miss
The shrines and temples of Nikko have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here, you can visit the Toshogu Shrine, which dates from the 17th century and is a monument to (and the mausoleum of) Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of a shogunate that ruled Japan for 250 years. Travelers day-tripping from Tokyo generally focus on the sacred sites, but if you have extra time, explore the area’s beautiful waterfalls and lakes.
Restaurants in Nikko
1. Nikko Futarasan-Jinja Nantaisan Okumiya
2. Taiyuimbyo Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By Dioc - Athens, United States
A UNESCO World Heritage Site - Lemitsu Taiyuin's Temple and burial site. He was the third Shogun in the Toshogu line and the one who built his grandfather Leyasu's Shrine. His Shrine was completed in 1653. It is a beautiful as his Grandfather's Shrine but not as many visitors. The stone lanterns and the landscaping around the site were amazing. The Japanese Cypress trees in the Shrine areas are amazing.
3. Nikko Tosho-gu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,325 reviews
Reviewed By Andre_BAZ
This world heritage site is worth day trip to Nikko if visiting Tokyo. Straight forward to get here from Tobu Asakusa station and then a taxi or bus from Nikko station. The shrine was built for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that would govern Japan from 1603 until the Meiji restoration in 1867 and is a very elaborate set of different builds made out of wood with very complex and beautiful carvings and vivid colors. One of the greatest human architectural achievements.
4. Takinoo Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By OZS_ATW - Budapest, Hungary
It is an excellent place to get away from the crowded touristic attractions. Wear proper shoes for the walk. There is also a small waterfall you can enjoy. The shrine is a kind of magical. It is an absolute must to see! :-)
5. Yakushido
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By GLSI - Varese, Italy
"Yakushido" is very peculiar in its acoustics, as the monk will demonstrate when you are in the main hall and he'll strike two sticks in various places, but only when being exactly under the dragon's head, you'll ear a peculiar vibration as the dragon is roaring.
6. Okumiya
7. Rinno-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By OZS_ATW - Budapest, Hungary
I visited this temple in late October. It is a big complex and you could walk a lot. All of the shrines are part of teh USESCO World Heritage site. It is worth visiting!
8. Chuzenji Temple
9. Nikko Futarasan Jinja Chugushi Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By WarnerL_12 - Pasadena, United States
A large shrine within the Futarasan Complex and is a must since you are there, this whole mountain is covered with temple and shrines everywhere, this has a very impressive gate.
10. Nikko Futarasan Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 574 reviews
Reviewed By RodgerManila
This place is very nice. I can vouch for it to be the #1 must place to visit in nikko. Solemn and peaceful. Try to give respect to the deities.
