Nikko

Nikko, a two-hour train ride from Tokyo, is both a wonder of natural beauty and an important site of Japan’s architectural masterpieces. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The Toshogu Shrine, completed in 1636 and dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, is the convergence point of the city. Most of the shrine buildings, as well as numerous items, have been listed as National Treasures or valuable cultural heritage.

The Shinkyo Bridge or “Sacred Bridge” stands gracefully over the Daiya River. Lake Chuzenji shines especially in early May, with the blooming of the colorful cherry blossoms and in October, when the leaves put on their autumnal finery. A 5-minute walk from the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop is the Kogen waterfall, one of the most famous in Japan. It is possible to approach it thanks to an elevator. Another 15-minute walk will take you to the Chuzenji Temple, which houses the famous statue of the Goddess with a thousand arms.

Near Toshogu Shrine

Shinkyo Bridge

The sacred Bridge, completely lacquered in red, forms a graceful arch over the Daiya River. Its refinement contrasts with the wild nature of the throat. Legend has it that the hermit who gave rise to Nikko crossed the river on the back of two snakes, represented today by the bridge. In feudal times, only the emperor had the right to cross the bridge. It leads to a park of 16,000 cedars located near Toshogu.

• 4 minutes by bus from Nikko station (Shinkyo stop).

Yomeimon Gate

This monumental gate is lavishly decorated and marks the main access to the Toshogu shrine. It is considered a national treasure.

Toshogu Shrine

Built in 1636 in memory of Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, this shrine is Nikko’s main attraction. Unlike other sanctuaries, characterized by a refined architecture that blends with the surrounding landscape, this sanctuary has an exuberance of colors, gold leaf details and sculptures of all kinds. In it is the famous sculpture of the Three monkeys of wisdom (“I do not hear what should not be heard”, “I do not say what should not be said”, “I do not see what should not be seen”), thus like the sleeping cat. Most of the buildings are considered National Treasures of the country or classified as cultural assets.

• 20 minute walk from Shinkyo Bridge, 4-6 minute bus ride from Nikko Station (Shinkyo or Nishi-Sando stop).

Futarasan Shrine

Founded in 767, it is the oldest religious complex in the area. It includes 23 buildings classified as important cultural assets.

• Between Toshogu Shrine and Taiyuin Mausoleum.

Taiyuinbyo

The Taiyuin or Taiyuinbyo mausoleum, dedicated to Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun, always showed great respect for Ieyasu. For this reason the mausoleum was built near the Toshogu shrine, paying homage to the latter’s architecture.

• 7 minute walk from Toshogu shrine.

Rinnoji Temple

Founded in 766 by the Buddhist monk responsible for Nikko, this temple is a haven of peace in the heart of the mountains. It is famous for its Three Buddhas, statues covered in gold leaf, and its beautiful Japanese meditation garden.

• On the way between Shinkyo Bridge and Toshogu Shrine.

Near Lake Chuzenji

Chuzenji Lake

Lake Chuzenji is particularly splendid in early May with its cherry blossoms and in October, surrounded by trees with resplendent foliage. A boat connects the Fune-no-eki jetty (5 minute walk from Chuzenji Onsen bus stop) to Shobugahama in 20 minutes. This service is not insured from December to March.

Chuzenji Onsen

In this spa there are many restaurants, souvenir shops, hotels and traditional inns. In many hotels you can take baths with volcanic hot springs.

Kegon Falls

Japan’s most famous waterfalls are a 5-minute walk from Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. An elevator allows access to the top of the waterfalls (530 yen).

Futarasan Chugushi Shrine

Several buildings of this sanctuary founded at the end of the 8th century are classified as cultural assets. A path, open from May 5 to October 25, allows access to the top of Mount Nantai in 3 or 4 hours (2,486 meters of altitude).

• A 15-minute walk from Chuzenji Onsen bus stop.

Chuzenji Temple

The Chuzenji temple or Tachiki Kannon, houses a famous statue of the goddess Kannon, bodhisattva of compassion with the 1,000 arms.

• 15-20 minute walk to Chuzenji Onsen bus stop.

Akechidaira

From this lookout, there is a beautiful view of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai.

• 45 minutes by bus from Nikko station and then 3 minutes by cable car.

Oku-Nikko

Yumoto Onsen

One of Japan’s most famous hot springs is 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Nikko Bus Station (or 30-40 minutes by bus from Chuzenji Onsen). This town is surrounded by mountains, except for the southern part that opens onto Lake Yunoko. It has several high standard traditional style hotels.

Yunoko Lake

Lake Yunoko is a pleasant place for fishing, sailing, or hiking. The Yudaki Falls, south of the lake, are a pleasant site for hiking.

Senjogahara Plateau

Entre el lago Chuzenji y el lago Yunoko se extiende la meseta pantanosa de Senjogahara, que ofrece hermosas rutas de senderismo.

Other options

Nikko Botanical Garden

It offers a diverse variety of plants, including the alpine flora of Nikko.
Tel.: 0288-54-0206

Tobu World Square

Contains 1/25 scale replicas of historic architecture from around the world.
Tel.: 0288-77-105

Nikko Edomura Village

Amusement park that reproduces the daily life and culture of the Edo period.
Tel.: 0288-77-1777

Excursions

JTB Sunrise Tours

http://www.jtb-sunrisetours.jp/JTB.SunriseTours/frontend/default.aspx

Address: 2-3-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo
Tel: 03-5796-5454 for reservations

• Nikko-World Heritage Site