Ultimate Travel Guide to Nikkō: History, Nature & Amazing Food
Nikkō is a magical blend of history, nature, and delicious food that completely stole our hearts. After spending nearly a week here following our month in the Tohoku region (check our guide here for that adventure), we couldn’t wait to share all the amazing spots and tips we gathered. From stunning shrines and beautiful waterfalls to quirky theme parks and mouthwatering food, Nikkō has it all!
We stayed at Nikko Station Hotel II, which we wholeheartedly recommend. It’s conveniently located near public transportation and several must-see attractions, making it the perfect base for your Nikkō adventure.
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How to Get There
Getting to Nikkō is easier than resisting the urge to buy all the cute souvenirs at a Japanese train station. If you’re coming from Tokyo, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by shinkansen. The JR Line is your best bet if you have a JR Pass, making it both convenient and budget-friendly. If, like us, you’re coming from the north (Fukushima), it’ll take around 2 hours and 20 minutes. The trains are clean, efficient, and, let’s be honest, a great place to sneak in a bento box or two.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the Spacia Trains, which are not only faster but also have seats that feel like you’re traveling first-class on a budget.
Getting Around Nikkō: Transportation Tips
Navigating Nikkō is straightforward, but here are a few tips we gathered that can make your experience even smoother.
JR Pass or Not?
If you're traveling extensively in Japan, the JR Pass is possibly a good option, especially if you're coming from Tokyo or further north, since shinkansen rides are quite expensive. However, if you're only visiting Nikko, purchasing individual train tickets may be more cost-effective. You can also consider the JR East Tohoku Area Pass. Use a JR Pass calculator to decide what works best for your itinerary.
Bus System
Nikkō’s bus system is incredibly efficient and the best way to get to key attractions like Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. Consider getting a Nikkō All Area Pass, which offers unlimited bus rides and saves you quite a bit of money.
Pro Tip: The buses can get crowded, so plan to start your day early to avoid long waits.
Car Rental?
We skipped driving as Nikkō’s public transport is excellent. However, if you're planning to explore the outskirts or prefer flexible travel, renting a car can be handy. Just remember that Nikkō’s winding mountain roads can be challenging in winter. We can recommend Rakuten Travel or even Agoda for renting a car in Japan easily. Alternatively you can also book directly with Nissan or Toyota rent-a-car, which we can also recommend.
Stay Connected: Pocket Wi-Fi
As we mentioned in our Okinawa guide (check it out here), since we were spending a year in Japan, reliable internet was non-negotiable. We rented our Pocket Wi-Fi from Japan Wireless, which offers flexible plans for short and long stays. They even deliver it to your hotel or the airport.
Returning it is as simple as dropping the prepaid envelope into a mailbox at the airport (before security!) on your last day.
Gear Recommendations for Photography in Nikkō
These recommendations are based on the gear we used to capture everything about Nikko. Our Sony A6700 (cropped sensor) paired with the Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 for wide shots and vlogs, the 35mm f1.4 for portraits and street photography, the 70-200mm f2.8 for wildlife and zoom shots, and the 16mm f1.4 for night and astro photography. We used a Marumi Black Mist 1/4 filter ( this is an equivalent) for a cinematic look and the Freewell M2 kit for ND and UV filtering. Our DJI 4K Pro Mini is also a great way to get aerial shots where you have permission to fly (check our Drone flying in Japan blog post here).
Best Gear for Key Spots:
Shinkyo Bridge: Sigma 35mm f1.4 for crisp detail shots and atmospheric lighting.
Kegon Falls: Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 for stunning wide-angle waterfall captures; consider a tripod for long exposure shots.
Edo Wonderland: Sigma 35mm f1.4 for detailed costume portraits and Sigma 10-18mm for wide scenic views.
Lake Chuzenji & Akechidaira Ropeway: Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 for sweeping landscape views.
Nikkō Toshogu Shrine & Sourintou Pagoda: Sigma 10-18mm for impressive architectural shots; use the Marumi Black Mist filter for a dreamy touch.
Drone Tip: Flying drones is restricted near major shrines like Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine and Nikkozan Rin’nōji Temple. However, areas like Lake Chuzenji and Akechidaira Ropeway provide stunning opportunities for drone photography—just be sure to check local regulations before flying.
3-Day Nikkō Itinerary
Nikkō has quite a lot to see and plenty of activities to explore despite it being a small city! Whether you’re into history, nature, or cool attractions, there’s something for everyone. Here are our suggestions to make the most out of your Nikkō trip!
Day 1: Historic Shrines & Temples
Start your Nikkō adventure by diving into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. This day is all about opulent shrines, samurai legends, and maybe spotting a sleeping cat.
Shinkyo Bridge
One of Nikko’s most iconic landmarks, the Shinkyo Bridge (Sacred Bridge) marks the entrance to the city’s shrine area. With its vivid red hue and iconic arch, it’s easily one of Japan’s most beautiful bridges. Legend has it that a deity created the bridge using two giant snakes to help a priest cross the river!
Entry Fee: ¥300 (to walk across)
Vascos Tip: A long exposure here at night is a must!
Nikkozan Rin’nōji Temple Sanbutsudō
This ancient temple dates back to the 8th century and is one of Nikkō’s most important religious sites. Inside, you’ll find three enormous gold-leaf-covered Buddha statues representing Amida, Senju-Kannon, and Bato-Kannon. Keep in mind that inside most temples photography is not allowed, since it is a sacred place.
Entry Fee: ¥400
Sara’s Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds and soak in the tranquility before the tour groups arrive. There are a lot of them.
Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine & The Sleeping Cat Shrine
This is no ordinary shrine—it’s basically the Versailles of Japan. Built in the 17th century, it serves as the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the legendary shogun who unified Japan. Filled with intricate carvings, golden embellishments, and just an amazing place to be at.
Make sure you don’t miss the famous “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil” monkeys—you can also buy some unique goshuins and traditional souvenirs here!
Nearby, you also have the Sleeping Cat Shrine (Nemuri Neko). It might seem small, but it carries big meaning: peace and prosperity.
Entry Fee: ¥1,300 (Tōshōgū Shrine) + ¥200 (Sleeping Cat Shrine)
Nikkō Toshogu Museum & Sourintou Pagoda
The museum is a treasure trove of Tokugawa artifacts, from samurai armor to beautifully crafted swords and historical documents. If you’re a history enthusiast, this is very worth it.
Just outside, the Sourintou Pagoda is a towering five-story beauty that looks straight out of a fantasy film.
Entry Fee: ¥800 (Museum) + ¥600 (Pagoda)
Vasco’s Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the pagoda
Nikko Futarasan Shrine
Founded in 782, this shrine is dedicated to the Shinto gods of Nikkō’s mountains. It’s a quieter, more spiritual spot compared to the flashy Tōshōgū, making it perfect for a stroll.
Entry Fee: ¥200
Day 2: Nature & Scenic Views
After a day of history, we recommend to check some of Nikkō’s breathtaking landscapes. Bring your best walking shoes though (and maybe a spare camera battery) because today is all about walking! Also, if you are coming here during the winter, like we were, make sure you pack a warm jacket, cause the wind is really cold out there!
Kegon Falls
Standing at 97 meters tall, Kegon Falls is one of the most beautiful Japanese waterfalls we have seen so far. The sound of the water crashing down the cliff is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
You can even take an elevator down to the observation deck at the base for better views! Entry Fee: ¥570 (Elevator Access)
Sara’s Tip: In the winter the waterfall is partially frozen, so it was extra amazing to see!
Lake Chuzenji
Nestled at the foot of Mount Nantai, this lake was once a retreat for foreign diplomats who clearly had good taste. You can rent a boat here, take a lakeside stroll, or simply sit and let nature work its magic. This is also where you can that a picture with the “G7 Nikko” sign!
Akechidaira Ropeway
If you want panoramic views of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, this is your golden ticket. The cable car ride is short, taking you to an observation deck for those views
Entry Fee: ¥730
Sara’s advice: It gets surprisingly chilly up there, even in summer—bring a light jacket!
Optional: Tobu World Square (if you have extra time)
Ever wanted to see the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and the Taj Mahal in one afternoon? This quirky theme park features 1:25 scale replicas of world-famous landmarks, all beautifully detailed.
If you have kids this is super worth it!
Day 3: Edo Wonderland – A Full-Day Experience
Time to step back into the Edo Period (1603-1868), where samurai roamed the streets, ninjas lurked in the shadows, and oiran perfected their art. Edo Wonderland is not your average theme park—it’s a fully immersive historical experience where you can live Japan’s past for a day. This was one of the many highlights of our trip to Nikkō!
Edo Wonderland
Dress up as a samurai, ninja, or geisha and wander through a perfectly recreated Edo-era town. The actors stay in character the entire time, so don’t be surprised if a samurai challenges you to a duel (okay, maybe just a dramatic stare-down, but it was so much fun!).
Must-see experiences:
Ninja Show – Witness epic acrobatics and sneaky combat moves.
Samurai Sword Fighting Lessons – Because who doesn’t want to learn how to wield a katana?
Traditional Boat Ride –You can float through Edo-style canals while enjoying the view.
Traditional Tea Houses & Shops – Sample Edo-period sweets and crafts.
Paint your own Daruma or Mask: Sara really loved this one, you can paint a daruma doll or a japanese mask and keep it as your souvenir! You have some examples to choose from to help you out through the process!
Entry Fee: ¥5,800, You can get your tickets here prior!
How to get there? Super easy! Next to the JR Nikko station you have a bus that takes you directly to the Edo wonderland theme park and it brings you back! Best part? It is FREE!!!
Pro Tip: Give yourself the whole day to explore—it’s easy to get caught up in the performances, games, and history.
Where to Eat in Nikko?
Nikko is famous for its yuba (tofu skin), and you absolutely have to try it. From yuba sushi to yuba soup, it’s a local delicacy that’s both healthy and delicious. Vasco was skeptical at first but ended up loving it.
Sara’s advice: Try the yuba donburi (rice bowl) for a filling and flavorful meal.
But overall, Nikko is full of amazing, but here are some absolute must-try spots, that we cannot recommend enough:
Hanamusubi Izakaya 居酒屋 花結 – Amazing izakaya, delicious yakitori skewers, and the friendliest staff you could ask for. We went twice because it was that good!
The Kichi – Cozy café with incredible scones, rich coffee, and adorable mini pizzas. Also the couple who owns the place are absolutely the nicest!
Nikko Soppo – Don’t miss their monkey-shaped taiyaki for a tasty and photo-worthy snack! Plus they are ABSOLUTELY delicous!
Aizuya Shokudo 会津屋食堂 – A cozy, family-run restaurant near Lake Chuzenji with delicious local specialties, including some of the best yuba dishes in town. Plus the owners are so nice!
ゑびすや Café – A charming café known for its traditional sweets and excellent matcha. You must try the cheesecake here! Plus they also sell some AMAZING wood souvenirs here!
So all in all, Nikko is a destination that truly has it all—history, nature, culture, and, of course, amazing food. Whether you’re a shutterbug like Vasco or an itinerary-loving explorer like Sara, you’ll find something to fall in love with here.
If you love photography, this is a playground for your camera, with endless photo opportunities around every corner. Foodies will adore the local delicacies, and history lovers can spend days uncovering fascinating stories of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to waddle your way through this magical city! Nikko is calling—and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
Don’t forget to check out our other guides for Japan and follow us on Instagram and YouTube for extra tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and more travel inspiration. See you on the next adventure!
