⛩️ Tochigi, Japan
Things to do in Nikkō
Lavish shrines and waterfalls in the mountains north of Tokyo
Nikkō is a mountain town of extravagantly decorated shrines and temples set among cedar forests, waterfalls and lakes — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most rewarding day trips from Tokyo. The Tōshō-gū shrine, mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is its dazzling centrepiece.
Time needed
A day trip
Best time
Mid-to-late November for spectacular autumn foliage (the highlight), and spring/summer for green mountains and waterfalls
Region
Tochigi, Japan
Don’t miss
Tōshō-gū shrine complex
Explore the gilded, intricately carved Tōshō-gū — home to the famous “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys and the sleeping cat — set among towering cedars. Beyond town, Lake Chūzenji and the 97m Kegon Falls are spectacular, especially in autumn.
Check availability on GetYourGuideTop things to do in Nikkō
- The ornate Tōshō-gū shrine and its carvings.Find tours
- Kegon Falls plunging 97 metres.
- Lake Chūzenji and the Irohazaka switchback road (stunning in autumn).
- The red Shinkyō sacred bridge over the river.
- A guided day trip from Tokyo covering the highlights.Find tours
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How to get to Nikkō
Nikkō is about 2 hours from Tokyo by train (the Tobu line from Asakusa, or the shinkansen plus a local connection). It’s very doable as a day trip; guided tours handle the logistics if you’d rather not navigate the transfers.
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Best time to visit
Mid-to-late November for spectacular autumn foliage (the highlight), and spring/summer for green mountains and waterfalls. Winter is cold and snowy with some mountain roads limited.
Nikkō tips
- Autumn (November) is magical but crowded — start early and consider a weekday.
- A combined train-and-bus pass covers Nikkō and the Chūzenji/Kegon Falls area.
- Allow time for the mountain section (lake and falls), not just the shrines in town.
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