Top Things to do in Nikko
What to do and see in Nikko, Kanto: The Best Things to do
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Kammangafuchi Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By kandilistk - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Decided to take a detour here today as it was too foggy to see the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, Kammangafuchi Gorge is a good place to relax and enjoy nature. Kammangafuchi Gorge is about a 20mins walk from the shrines and while enjoying the walk by the river, you’ll definitely see the main highlight of the area which are the rows of Jizo statues that are line up on one side of the gorge. Worth visiting the area after visiting the shrines.
4. Yudaki Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Reviewed By TnTOz - Sydney, Australia
We visited here in Winter and the ice and snow made it more spectacular. We also took the short circular track to Kotaki Falls which was absolutely beautiful and easy to negotiate with just hiking boots and poles. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the Sejogahara Moor trail from here because it was closed due to damage to the track further along.
5. Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
6. Kegon Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,623 reviews
Reviewed By akshaymay2981 - Raipur, India
One of the most exotic location in Japan with a beautiful waterfall , which adds the touch of joy in life . Spectacular waterfall
7. Ryuokyo Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By jk-liu - Taichung, Taiwan
We took a train to get there and spent around ten minutes from Kinugawa Park station. Because a typhoon will land tomorrow, just a few tourists visited this scenery. Amazing waterfall and valley were attractive to our sight. We got around everywhere for about ninety minutes. Though many maple leaves haven’t changed color, I deeply recommend the Ryuokyo Canyon in Kinugawa.
8. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 668 reviews
Japanese cultural theme park, showcasing traditional Edo period culture (1603 - 1868), set in the mountains of Nikko. Popular attractions include, Ninja show, Oiran parade, Samurai sword experience, Traditional archery experience, dressing as up as Edo characters such as samurai, princess, lord and more.. Many live performances, workshops, Kimono rental, Edo cuisine, fun activities, and educational exhibits for all ages. Free shuttle bus operating from Toshogu Shrine and JR Nikko station to Edo Wonderland, see following link for schedule. http://edowonderland.net/en/access/access.html#bus Tobu bus company running regular service from Kinugawa Onsen Station to Edo Wonderland. Edo Wonderland Tickets Adult (13yo and over) ¥4700 Child (6yo - 12yo) ¥2400 Children 5yo and under FREE Tickets include access to all performances, exhibits and free experiences, kimono rental, material cost experiences, and prize games charged seperately.
Reviewed By shy_wanderlust - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
To avoid rushing, you may want to consider to spend a night stay at Nikko as we stayed at Tokyo and hence 1 way train travel already taken up 2 hour (excluding shuttle bus to the Wonderland). You get to "travel back" Edo' s period & opt to rent Edo's customes. There are variety of traditional games & experiences for you to explore. Do miss trying Karakuri Ninja Maze & Kai Kai Ninja House! Last but not least, you will find yourself busy in taking photos! The scenery was amazing during Winter!
9. Ryuzu Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 541 reviews
Reviewed By 338siddharthb - Seattle, United States
There's two main things I want to say about Ryuzu Falls. First of all, it's very beautiful with red leaves and definitely one of the best things in Nikko if you're coming in autumn season. The second thing is unfortunately I had seen the photos online of it's peak colors, and set my expectations very high and even though it was very beautiful it wasn't as beautiful as some of the photos posted by others. To get the peak colors, you have to time your trip in a very short window between October 18th-24th. We came here on October 6th, when the autumn was on it's way but not peak. There are many stairs from the observation deck next to the coffee shop at stop 37, from where if you keep climbing you will keep getting ever-better views. At the top of the trail you will reach the bus stop 38, and you can see the fall on both sides in between foliage trickling down. Cross the road, to enjoy a thorough view of the falls.
10. Lake Chuzenji
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 981 reviews
Reviewed By H9938AMrichardn
Excellent tour and the transport arrangements organised by Toshi worked well so that we looked at much more than would otherwise have been possible, including cherry blossom which was a great thrill to see so late in May. Toshi was a very good guide from the time he met us, sorted out getting to the express train and private taxi as the bus timetable is limited at this time, and providing commentary on the way. We worked out what made a good tour for us and he then implemented it. Highly recommend Toshi.
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