Top Things to do in Nikko
Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Nikko, Kanto
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. En Musubi no Ki
2. Narabi Jizo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By kandilistk - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This place is a good place for nature lover to walk as there are not that many tourist who comes to this place. It’s near a botanical garden and there’s an abyss that has a row of 70 Jizo statues that are line up here. Worth the visit and to enjoy the nature
3. Kanaya Hotel History House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Approx.400 year-old house originally built for samurai warriors. After the Meiji Restoration, the house was turned into Kanaya Cottage Inn in 1873, exclusively a place for foreigners to stay during their visit to Nikko. The founder, Zenichiro Kanaya relocated the business in 1893 to open Kanaya Hotel, Japan's first western-style resort hotel. Thereafter, the house was preserved for over 140 years. In 2014 it was registered as a nationally-designated cultural property and opened to the public under the name of Kanaya Hotel History House.
4. Former Nikko City Hall Nikko General Branch
5. Okumiya
6. Futara Reisen
7. En Musubi no Sasa
8. Italian Embassy House Memorial Park
9. Senjogahara Field
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By oliverb440 - Germany, null
I have been here in Winter. Unfortunately the Typhoon a couple month ago destroyed some of the best trekking parts however it is still a great place. When you got good weather and start your trip early, your going to be almost alone.
10. Irohazaka Route
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By sohlman33 - Brookfield, United States
As a car enthusiast on this trip to Japan I convinced my wife (pretty easily) to travel up to Nikko for Irohazaka first and everything else second. We had rented an EK9 Civic Type R for a small road trip and we ended up staying at a ryokan at the top of the mountain next to Lake Chuzenji. I did this purposely to maximize the number of times we'd need to drive up and down the mountain. What an amazing road - it's an absolute work of art. Even going rather slowly you are still bound to run into traffic on the way down unless you go during off-peak hours when nothing around is open anyway. The uphill side is 2 lanes, so that was easier to travel up and almost as fun as the downhill. There are quite a few spots you can pull off safely and take pictures/take in the view. The uphill side also has a cable car to bring you up higher for views of Kegon falls, Irohazaka, and the valley below. It takes maybe 15-20 minutes to go up or down but you can do a continuous loop pretty easily! There are also some nice hiking trails, water falls, and small businesses to enjoy at the top of the mountain before heading back down for some more fun and views. Just watch out for the monkeys! We saw one at the top (awesome), then coming back up later in the day there were maybe 8-12 right at the bottom of the uphill. It made for some great extra character to the area but definitely keep an eye out for them!
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