Nikko National Park

PARKHighlights

Nikko National Park, located two hours from Tokyo, spans over three prefectures: Tochigi, Gunma, and Fukushima. Nikko National Park is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikko complex that compasses 103 structures including Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine and Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple. The elaborated details and sophisticated design in Nikko Toshogu Shrine makes it an architectural must-see. Relax in numerous hot springs to choose from including the peaceful onsen town of Oku-Nikko Yumoto, the ever-popular Kinugawa and Nasu or Shiobara, located on the slopes of Nasu Mountains. For centuries, Nikko has remained a premium resort loved by the Imperial Family and foreign government officials. Blessed with plenty of river forges, valleys and canyons, majestic waterfalls, vast wetlands in Okunikko, and spectacular autumn colors — you can enjoy a range of activities that allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of Nikko. Paddle along the pristine waters of Lake Chuzenji, admire the serene beauty of Itamuro Reservoir and gaze over the stunning Nasu mountain range. Mount Nantai is situated in the park, a sacred mountain listed as one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan.

Getting There

From Tobu Asakusa Station, take the 110-minute Limited Express SPACIA Kegon to Tobu-Nikko Station. Alternatively, from Tokyo Station, take the 120-minute Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station and transfer to the JR Nikko Line to JR Nikko Station.

RecommendedSpots in this Park

Shrines and Temples Fused with Nature

Nikko and Kinugawa

Venture into the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site composing of 103 stunning structures. Marvel at the lavish decorations and rich details of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Connect with nature at the scenic Lake Chuzenji and be captivated by its crystal clear waters. Visit Kegonnotaki Falls where the mood changes every season. From its frozen falls during winter to the accompanying leaves during the autumn foliage. Marvel at the sight of Mount Nantai and Mount Nikko Shirane and watch as the water flows along Kinugawa River. View the Moor landscape from a high elevation at Senjogahara and dip in the hot spring at Oku-Nikko Yumoto Onsen and Yunishigawa Onsen.

Cornucopia of Breathtaking Views

Nasu and Shiobara

Located at the end of Tochigi Prefecture, explore the natural wonders of Nasu and Shiobara. Walk through Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest and admire the wide variety of flora and fauna and other rare species in the 560 hectares forest. Hike up one of the many impressive trails of Mount Chausu and enjoy a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain. Prepare to be amazed at the majestic views of the five volcano peaks also known as Nasu Five Peaks. Step into the Shiobara Gorge and its nature trail before stopping by Ryuka Falls where you can gaze at the 130-meter picturesque waterfall. Visit the other astounding waterfalls on the way including Fukyo Falls and Mikaeri Falls which you can see from the Momiji Gorge Suspension Bridge.

A Place of Mountain Worship and Historic Villas

Futarasan Shrine, Rinno-ji and Foreign Diplomats' Villas

Around the Nikko area, a large concentration of historical buildings are intertwined with the natural characteristics of the park. Futarasan Shrine is the representative shrine in the area considered a ujigamisama (guardian of the place). It has been the center of Shugendo (mountain worship) since ancient times, honoring Mt. Nantai. Similarly, Rinno-ji is also dedicated to Mt. Nantai. The main temple, Sanbutsudo Hall is home to many Buddhist statues that symbolize the original Buddhist divinity of the three holy mountains in Nikko. Nikko’s mountain lakes have long been a getaway from the summer heat. During the late 19th to early 20th century, many diplomats turn to Lake Chuzenji, the highest altitude lake in Japan to cool off. Soon after, foreign diplomat villas were constructed in the area, some of which still stand today.

Activitiesaround the Park

Canoe Tour Along Itamuro Reservoir in Nikko National Park

From5,400 JPY

Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, Oku-Nikko, Imaichi 3h

Snow Cycling in Mount Nasu

From9,375 JPY

Nasu, Itamuro, Kuroiso 2h

Sukkansawa and Mount Takahara Family Canyoning in Nikko

From4,000 JPY

Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, Oku-Nikko, Imaichi 2h

Senjogahara Walking Tour in Nikko

From3,850 JPY

Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, Oku-Nikko, Imaichi 3h

Take a one day trip to Nikko's World Heritage Shrines

From6,563 JPY

Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, Oku-Nikko, Imaichi 8h

Canyoning at Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture

From10,625 JPY

Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, Oku-Nikko, Imaichi 3h30m

Nikko 11-hour Tour by Private Car, To/From Tokyo

From13,300 JPY

Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, Oku-Nikko, Imaichi 11h

RECOMMENDEDItineraries

2 DAY TRIP / 1st day

7:30Shinkansen & bus to Tobu Nikko StationLeave Tokyo Station on the 7:32 Shinkansen, arrive at Nikko Station via Utsunomiya at 09:23. Move on to Tobu Nikko Station by bus.

10:30Shugendo Waterfall MeditationHike the picturesque Kirifuri Highland, and try 'takigyo' waterfall meditation — a sacred practice of the Shugendo folk religion.

15:00Visit Nikko Toshogu ShrineWalk to Toshogu, the lavish mausoleum of famous samurai warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, and part of the Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.

18:00Stay overnight at a RyokanRelax in hot spring waters, and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Nikko's traditional ryokan accommodations.

2 DAY TRIP / 2nd day

9:00Check outHead to Tobu Nikko Station for another day exploring Nikko.

9:30Nature and World Heritage Cycling TourAfter pick-up at Tobu Nikko Station, take a bike tour that combines World Heritage sites with Nikko's precious nature.

13:30Lunch at Tobu Nikko StationTake a lunch break near Tobu Nikko Station between tours, before hopping on a bus to Yumoto Onsen.

16:30Try 'Shakyo' Buddhist Sutra ScribingCopy 16 characters from the Yakushi Nyorai-sutra in Nikkozan Onsenji Temple, in the hot-spring town of Yumoto Onsen.