Nikko Travel Guide

Nikko is located in Tochigi prefecture, northeast of Tokyo. There are lots of historical sites in Nikko, and two shrines and one temple are inscribed as UNESCO's World Heritage. It's a good destination to see the old Japan and to enjoy the beauty of nature. Nikko attracts many travelers throughout the year, especially in fall. It's one of the best fall foliage destinations in Japan. Also, many students visit Nikko as their school trips. 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.
It takes about two hours to get to Nikko from Tokyo area. From Asakusa, take a Tobu limited express train to Nikko. Take a JR Tohoku shinkansen train from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station. Transfer to a JR local train and go to Nikko.

Nikko Attractions:

Toshogu Shrine
Admission: Adults 1,300 yen / Children (elementary and middle school students) 450 yen
Open: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (April 1 - Oct. 31) / 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Nov. 1- March 31)

The founder of the Edo Bakufu government, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined in Nikko Toshogu 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. Most of the buildings are designated as national treasures or Important Cultural Properties. The carvings by skilled artists are colorful and beautiful. The decoration and architecture of Tosho-gu is a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist styles.

Don't Miss:

• Chinese-style, five-story pagoda.
• Omotemon gate - 82 carvings of animals and mythical creatures.
• Shinkyusha (a barn to keep sacred horses) - famous carving called San-en, which features three monkeys covering their eyes, mouth and ears.
• Yomei-mon Gate - detailed carvings of mythical creatures.

Lake Chuzenji
Access:
Take a bus for Chuzenji Onsen Yumoto from Tobu Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. It takes about 40minutes.

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.

Kegon Falls
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.)

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.

For more information about Nikko, please contact Nikko Tourist Association at (81) 288-54-2496.

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