Nikko Travel Tips

Nikkō (日光), a historic mountain town in Tochigi Prefecture, lies at the entrance to Nikkō National Park and offers a perfect blend of spiritual heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. At its heart is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tōshōgū Shrine, the lavishly decorated mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. With its gold leaf accents, elaborate wood carvings—including the famous “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” monkeys—and ornate architecture, Tōshōgū reflects the grandeur of the Edo period and the area's legacy as a sacred site for Shintō and Buddhist mountain worship. Beyond its cultural treasures, Nikkō is surrounded by lush forests, serene lakes like Lake Chūzenji, and dramatic waterfalls such as Kegon Falls. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails that weave through cedar-lined paths, marshlands, and alpine plateaus, offering chances to spot wild monkeys and seasonal wildlife.

Nikkō’s natural beauty reaches its peak in autumn, when the region becomes one of Japan’s most celebrated destinations for kōyō (fall foliage viewing). The vibrant colors begin to emerge in early October around Yumoto Onsen and the Oku-Nikkō Highlands, moving downward through Ryūzu Falls and Lake Chūzenji by mid to late October. By early November, the fiery hues reach central Nikkō and the temple precincts, transforming the town into a painter’s palette of crimson, gold, and amber. The winding Irohazaka Road offers scenic drives and panoramic views across the Nikkō mountains, especially breathtaking in the fall. Visitors can also unwind in local onsen baths, stay in traditional ryokan inns, or browse craft shops and cafés near the historic Shinkyo Bridge.