Yuba (dried soybean curd) is one of the Nikko's special food. There are many yuba restaurants and shops in Nikko area. Try various yuba dishes, such as raw yuba and fried yuba while you are there.
Access: It takes about two hours to get to Nikko from Tokyo area. From Asakusa Station, take a Tobu limited express train to Nikko.
From Tokyo Station, take a JR Tohoku shinkansen train to Utsunomiya Station and transfer to a JR local train to Nikko.
Book a Cheap Flight to Japan (by Kayak)
Nikko Attractions:
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The founder of the Edo Bakufu government, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined in Nikko Toshogu Shrine in the 17th century. The original shrine was built in 1616 by Hidetada Tokugawa, and it was rather simple then. When Iemitsu Tokugawa completed a renovation of the shrine, it became a gorgeous shrine. Colorful carvings by skilled artists decorates the buildings, and most of the buildings are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. The decoration and architecture of Tosho-gu is a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist styles.
- Chinese-style Five-story Pagoda.
- Omotemon Gate - 82 carvings of animals and mythical creatures.
- Shinkyusha (a barn to keep sacred horses) - there is a famous carving called San-en, which features three monkeys covering their eyes, mouth and ears.
- Yomei-mon Gate - decorated with detailed carvings of mythical creatures.
Open: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (April 1 - Oct. 31) / 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Nov. 1- March 31)
Nikko Futarasan Shrine
Futarasan Jinja is located near the Toshogu Shrine. It's inscribed as UNESCO's World Heritage. Shinkyo, the sacred bridge, is located across the Daiya River and belongs to Futarasan Shrine.
Address: 2307 Sannai Nikko-city, Tochigi
Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple
Rinnoji Temple is inscribed as UNESCO's World Heritage. In the main building called Sanbutsudo, three Buddha statues are housed.
Address: 2300 Sannai Nikko-city, Tochigi
Lake Chuzenji
The roads up to and down from Lake Chuzenji are known for a number of sharp curves and are called Iroha-zaka. Lake Chuzenji's circumference is about 28 km, and there are hotels and shops around the lake. Cruise the beautiful lake by a sightseeing boat.
Access: Take a bus for Chuzenji Onsen Yumoto from Tobu Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. It takes about 40 minutes.
Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls, which is one of the three greatest water falls in Japan, is located near Lake Chuzenji. The water from Lake Chuzenji fall straight down powerfully. Visitors can go down to the base of the water fall by taking the elevator down.
Access: Take a bus for Chuzenji Onsen Yumoto from Tobu Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen bus stop.
Open: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Dec. - Feb.), 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. (March, April, and Nov.), 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (May - Sep.), 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Oct.)
