Nikko’s World Heritage shrines, the lakes and waterfalls of Okunikko and the hot springs of Kinugawa and Nasu.
Nikko is about two hours from Tokyo by Tobu limited express. Stay a night to add Lake Chuzenji or a hot spring without rushing.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesNikko Toshogu enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu and is famous for its detailed carvings, including the three wise monkeys and the sleeping cat. Futarasan Shrine, Rinno-ji and the red Shinkyo Bridge are nearby.
Buses run from Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko stations. Arrive early on weekends and in autumn.
Read this area guide →The road climbs the Irohazaka switchbacks to Lake Chuzenji and the 97-metre Kegon Falls. Further on, Senjogahara marshland has boardwalk trails. Autumn colours start here in early October.
In peak autumn, the Irohazaka road can be jammed for hours; start early or stay overnight.
Read this area guide →Kinugawa Onsen lines a river gorge, with river rafting and the Edo Wonderland theme park nearby. Nasu, in the north, is a highland resort with hot springs, farms and the Nasu Imperial Villa woods.
Kinugawa is on the Tobu line from Tokyo; Nasu is reached via Nasushiobara Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Visit Toshogu and Futarasan Shrine early.
Yuba (tofu skin) lunch in Nikko town.
Bus up to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
Hot-spring inn at Chuzenji or Kinugawa.
Try yuba in Nikko, Utsunomiya gyoza, strawberries in winter and spring, and Nasu dairy.
Stay in Nikko town for the shrines, by Lake Chuzenji for nature, or at Kinugawa or Nasu for a hot-spring resort.
Tobu limited expresses run from Asakusa to Nikko and Kinugawa. JR trains connect via Utsunomiya. Local buses serve Lake Chuzenji.
