Nikko & Kinugawa Onsen
Nikko is located a few hours north of Tokyo and is a cultural highlight jam-packed with important historical sites. Home to several UNESCO Heritage Sites, some of the most famous ones include the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine which serves as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Many of the Nikko temples are hidden deep in the forests which adds to the magic and spiritual feeling of this fascinating area.
The town is also a gateway to Oku-Nikko and Nikko National Park, a mountainous area offering excellent outdoor opportunities for nature lovers. Drive up the particularly windy Irohazaka road to see Lake Chuzenji unfold all its magnificent beauty before your eyes. With majestic Mount Nantai towering above and a network of hiking trails leading to onsen, waterfalls and marshland, there’s enough here to keep you occupied for days.
Neighbouring Kinugawa Onsen is an important onsen (hot spring) town where traditional ryokan line the Kinugawa River on both sides, all offering their own take on the relaxing onsen experience and a perfect place to wind down.
While Nikko is a must-visit for history buffs, Oku-Nikko a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and Kinugawa Onsen a haven for hot spring lovers, the area also offers exhilarating rafting and mountain biking for adrenaline junkies as well as family-friendly activities such as Edo Wonderland - there’s something for everyone here.
Toshogu Shrine
Hidden deep in the woods, Toshogu Shrine serves as the final resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu and is perhaps Japan’s most elaborately decorated shrine. The detailed wood carvings and use of gold leaf are unique to this temple complex which feature both Shinto and Buddhist elements.
Kirifuri Waterfall
Translating as “falling mist” in Japanese, this stunning two-tiered waterfall is named after the effect caused by the water crashing against the rocks at the lower waterfall. Nestled in the forests and particularly stunning in autumn, this waterfall is worth a detour.
Kegon Waterfall
Ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful falls, the Kegon Waterfall is almost 100 metres tall and can be viewed from various observation decks. The waterfall is equally beautiful in the harsh Nikko winters when it often freezes completely solid.
Tobu World Square
The Tobu World Square is a theme park featuring impressive 1:25 scale models of famous landmarks from all around the world. The attention to detail is mindblowing, with cars, trains and miniature people populating this surreal world.
Akechidaira Ropeway
In just three minutes the Akechidaira Ropeway will whisk you up to the Akechidaira Plateau from where you can take in the sweeping views of Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfall below.
Rinnoji
Founded by the monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century, Rinnoji is the town’s most important temple. The nearby traditional Japanese garden is small, but a very popular spot for viewing the fiery autumn colours of the many maple trees surrounding the pond.
Shinkyou Bridge
The iconic Shinkyou Bridge spans the Daiya River and marks the entrance to Nikko’s shrines and temples. The bridge is ranked as one of Japan’s three finest bridges and was off-limits for centuries, but today it can be crossed by visitors for a fee.
Mount Nantai
Sacred Mount Nantai is listed as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and is the object of worship of nearby Futarasan-jinja Shrine. In the summer months experienced hikers can challenge themselves by the steep mountain trail leading to the summit.
Ryoukyo Gorge
Also known as “The Valley of the Dragon King”, the Ryoukyo Gorge offers a rewarding 7-kilometer hike through beautiful scenery. A gushing river flows through the ravine, and many small waterfalls and odd-shaped boulders can be seen along the way.
Edo Wonderland
Edo Wonderland is a history theme park recreating an Edo-era town, complete with beautiful traditional architecture and townspeople dressed in period costumes. Performances and attractions such as the exciting Ninja Trick Maze are sure to keep families and anyone with an inner child entertained for hours.
Kinu-Tateiwa-Otsuribashi
This 140-meter suspension bridge for pedestrians connects the hot spring town of Kinugawa Onsen with Tateiwa which is designated as a place of special scenic beauty. From the bridge you can see the Kinugawa River 40 meters below, as well as enjoy the surrounding mountains.
Senjogahara Marsh
Excellent hiking trails lead to the Senjogahara Marsh and offer beautiful views across the plateau. In autumn the marshland’s grasses and larch trees take on red and golden hues, and the area can even be enjoyed in winter on a fun snowshoeing excursion.
Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji is the centerpiece of Oku-Nikko and is surrounded by the natural wilderness of Nikko National Park. This scenic lake in the mountains can be enjoyed from a boat, an observation deck or one of the many hiking trails criss-crossing the area.
Irohazaka
The famously windy Irohazaka is a pair of roads connecting Nikko and Oku-Nikko, consisting of no less than 48 hairpin turns. Seeing the autumn foliage along these roads is particularly spectacular.
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