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    Nikkō
    Jpatokal / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
    City

    Japan

    Nikkō

    Located in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikkō combines two distinct aspects: In the valley lie the magnificent shrines and temples surrounding the Tōshō-gū, the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, which together form a UNESCO World…

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    9. Nikkō
    Located in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikkō combines two distinct aspects: In the valley lie the magnificent shrines and temples surrounding the Tōshō-gū, the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further up, within the National Park, are Lake Chūzenji and Kegon Waterfall.
    For visitors, Nikko consists of two parts. Approximately two kilometers above the train stations, across the red Shinkyō Bridge, lies the district of shrines and temples, including the Tōshō-gū. A winding road then leads from there up into the Okunikkō highlands, encompassing Lake Chūzenji at approximately 1,270 meters, the Kegon Waterfall, and the Senjōgahara high moor. Buses connect both areas. During the autumn foliage season in October, Nikko becomes one of the most visited destinations around Tokyo; on weekends, traffic jams can last for hours.

    Sights in Nikkō

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Tōshō-gū
    Place of Worship

    1Tōshō-gū

    The Tōshō-gū is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the most magnificent structure of the Edo period. Its halls are adorned with gilded and colorfully painted carvings; at the Yōmei-mon, the main gate, hundreds of figures of mythical creatures, sages, and children can be counted.At the stable hang the three monkeys that see nothing, hear nothing, and say nothing; above a passage sleeps the famous carved cat. Beyond it, over 200 stone steps lead through the cedar forest to Ieyasu's tomb. Plan at least two hours and come early, before the tour groups arrive.
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    Shinkyō Bridge
    Historic Landmark

    2Shinkyō Bridge

    The red-lacquered wooden bridge over the Daiya River marks the entrance to the Shrine and Temple District. It belongs to the Futarasan Shrine; legend says two snakes appeared here, clearing the path across the river for the founder of the holy sites.The bridge is accessible for a small fee, but you get the best view from the adjacent road bridge – especially during autumn foliage.
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    Kegon Waterfall
    National Park

    3Kegon Waterfall

    At the outflow of Lake Chūzenji, the water plunges 97 meters deep into a rocky gorge. The Kegon Falls is considered one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan.From an upper platform, you can view the falls from the side; a paid elevator descends to a viewing platform opposite the base of the falls. It is most impressive after the snowmelt and heavy rainfall.
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    Lake Chūzenji
    Attraction

    4Lake Chūzenji

    The mountain lake was formed when an eruption of Mount Nantai-san dammed a valley. It lies at around 1,270 meters above sea level, and in summer it is noticeably cooler here than in the valley; by the late 19th century, foreign diplomats built summer villas on its shores, some of which are accessible as museums.Excursion boats cross the lake, and hiking trails run along its shore. During the autumn foliage, which begins earlier here than in Nikkō itself, the lakeside road and winding mountain road are heavily trafficked.
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    Restaurants in Nikkō

    Food & Drink in Nikko

    Yuba

    The skin that forms when heating soy milk is the specialty of Nikkō's temple cuisine. It is served fresh with soy sauce, rolled and deep-fried, or in soups.

    Mizu-Yōkan

    Soft, cool red bean paste jelly. Several long-established patisseries in the city make it.

    Natural Ice Shaved Ice

    In winter, ice is harvested in the area from open ponds and stored in ice cellars. In summer, it is processed into very fine shaved ice with fruit syrup.

    The Tokugawa's Mausoleum

    Tōshō-gūAfter his death in 1616, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the last shogunate, was deified in Nikkō. His grandson Iemitsu had the shrine magnificently expanded in the 1630s. The buildings are covered all over with painted carvings; well-known are the three monkeys “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” and the sleeping cat.A Sacred MountainLong before the Tokugawa, Nikkō was a hub for mountain worship. A wandering monk founded the first temple here in the 8th century. The Futarasan Shrine, Rinnō-ji Temple, and the Taiyū-in Mausoleum, along with Tōshō-gū, have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1999.

    Getting In and Around

    Getting ThereTōbu Railway: Express trains run from Asakusa to Tōbu-Nikkō in about two hours.JR: Take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then connect to the JR Nikkō Line.Tōbu Railway offers combination tickets for bus and train.On-siteFrom the station, the shrines are about a ten-minute bus ride or a half-hour walk.To Lake Chūzenji, the bus takes about 45 minutes via the Irohazaka winding road.The highlands are significantly cooler than Tokyo; in winter, there is snow.

    Accommodations in Nikkō

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      • 1Tōshō-gū3 days
      • 2Shinkyō Bridge4 days
      • 3Kegon Waterfall5 days
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    Nearby

    Kanto

    The Kanto region, located in eastern Honshu, is the vibrant heart of Japan and home to the world's largest metropolitan area centered around Tokyo. Here, centuries-old traditions seamlessly blend with futuristic innovation, promising you an unforgettable travel experience. Explore a fascinating diversity, from bustling urban landscapes to picturesque national parks and coastal regions that will captivate you.
    Tokio

    Tokio

    Tokyo ist weit mehr als nur eine Stadt; es ist eine ausgedehnte Metropolregion, die futuristische Innovation mit tief verwurzelten Traditionen verbindet. Du findest hier sowohl pulsierende Stadtviertel als auch ruhige Oasen und beeindruckende Natur in der Peripherie. Lass dich von der schieren Größe und Vielfalt dieses einzigartigen Ortes verzaubern.
    Tama-Region

    Tama-Region

    Westlich der zentralen Bezirke gelegen, bietet die Tama-Region eine Mischung aus Vorstädten und unberührter Natur, ideal für Outdoor-Aktivitäten wie Wandern am Berg Takao und lokale Entdeckungen abseits des Großstadtrummels.
    Yokohama

    Yokohama

    Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, grew from a fishing village into the primary gateway for Western trade after the port opened in 1859. Today, Minato Mirai's waterfront, one of Asia's largest Chinatowns, and Yamate's old foreign quarter shape its image.
    Kamakura

    Kamakura

    Kamakura was the seat of Japan's first Shogunate at the end of the 12th century, making it the country's political center. Today, the coastal city, about an hour south of Tokyo, is known for the Great Buddha, numerous Zen temples in forested valleys, and its beaches.