Nikko, small as it may be, is one of Japan’s most mystical cities. You’ll find it up in the mountains, just 2 hours north of Tokyo, in Tochigi Prefecture. Nikko makes a great day trip destination for tourists looking for cedar groves, natural hot springs, waterfalls, historical shrines, and impressive natural landscapes. Don’t know where to start? In this Nikko guide, we’ve compiled a list of the top 4 stunning places of interest that you can’t miss.
First of all, yes, it’s possible to explore Nikko in one day and cover all the attractions on this list. However, we recommend staying a night or two to fully experience the beauty of Nikko. If anything, it’s your chance to properly escape the high-octane madness of Tokyo and get your trusty hiking boots on. Why else did you pack them?
Right, on with our list of the 4 most stunning locations you must see in Nikko before you leave!
Nikko Shinkyo Bridge (神橋, Shinkyō, “sacred bridge”)
If you are going to explore Nikko in one day, your first stop should really be the iconic vermilion red bridge. Nikko’s beautiful Shinkyo Bridge is perched over the fast-flowing Daiya River, surrounded by forested hills. On clear days, the river exudes a glorious sparkling blue colour.
While the bridge technically belongs to the Futarasan Shrine, it stands as a kind of gateway to many of the other major sacred shrines and temples in Nikko. You can walk on the Shinkyo Bridge if you pay the token fee of 300 yen, but it looks quite nice from afar, too.
Directions: How to get to Nikko Shinkyo Bridge
Bus from the train station: Take the bus from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station and get off at Shinkyo. The bus journey only takes around 5 minutes.
Walk from the train station: You can also walk to Shinkyo Bridge from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes.
Daiya River
Since you’re already at the Shinkyo Bridge, why not take a quick walk along the Daiya River? It’s a gushing, majestic, snaking thing that looks pretty from sunrise to sunset. If you walk west from Shinkyo Bridge and follow the river for about 20 minutes, you’ll come to the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a gorge that was created by a volcanic event around 7,000 years ago. The Kanmangafuchi Abyss is perhaps one of Nikko’s best-kept secrets as not many visitors know about it.
Akechidaira Ropeway & Kegon Waterfall
Kegon Waterfall, standing at an impressive 97 metres tall, is considered the most famous waterfall in Nikko. This is possibly due to its scenic location and easy viewing access via Akechidaira Plateau. By taking the Akechidaira Ropeway up to the viewing platform, you reward yourself with stunning panoramic views of rolling hills and forest-covered mountains even before you reach the top. And what a view you get from the top! The Akechidaira observatory station sits at an altitude of 1,373 metres. This gives you the perfect view of Kegon Waterfall nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Chuzenji.
Directions: How to get to Akechidaira Ropeway
To see Nikko’s famous Kegon Waterfall via the Akechidaira Ropeway, you need to get to the rest house at Akechidaira Plateau. The lower station of the Akechidaira Ropeway is located at this rest house, which also serves as a souvenir shop and food stop. You can refuel with the likes of mitarashi dango, yakitori skewers, and other typical Japanese snacks here.
From the train station: Take the bus from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station (bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen) and get off at Akechidaira. The bus journey should take around 35 minutes. During peak season, there could be massive traffic delays, but don’t worry about missing your stop. The buses announce stops in English.
It’s important to note that buses heading back in the opposite direction do not stop at Akechidaira. Just get on the same bus and continue towards Lake Chuzenjiko. Get off at Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal, use the opportunity to explore the beautiful lake, then take the bus back in the opposite direction.
Akechidaira Ropeway Opening Times
- April to November: 8:40 – 16:00
- December to March: 9:00 – 15:00
Timings may change depending on the season. Check the official website for details.
Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖, Chūzenjiko)
Part of Nikko National Park, Lake Chuzenji is Japan’s highest natural lake, located 1,269 metres above sea level. It lies at the foot of Mount Nantai, a sacred volcano that erupted about 20,000 years ago and blocked the valley below, forming Lake Chuzenji. Scenic hiking trails run around the entire 25-kilometre circumference of the lake.
Aside from the small hot spring town of Chuzenji Onsen, the shores of Lake Chuzenji are mostly untouched and covered in natural forest. To get an idea of how beautiful the lake is, we highly recommend getting on the hour-long sightseeing cruise. Boats run from mid-April to November. It’s a very good way to admire the calm crystal waters, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Arguably, the best time to visit Lake Chuzenji is in October, when the autumn colours are at their best.
Directions: How to get to Lake Chuzenji
Stop at Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal if you’re taking the bus. You’ll pass both the Shinkyo Bridge along the Daiya River, as well as Akechidaira if you take the bus from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station. As such, if you are thinking of seeing these locations, you can do them in the following order:
JR Nikko Station / Tobu Nikko Station → Shinkyo Bridge & Daiya River → Akechidaira Ropeway & Kegon Waterfall → Lake Chuzenji
That’s it! You’ve covered Nikko in one day
Set off early and you’ll be able to visit all the above iconic attractions in Nikko in one day. You might even find some time to spare to explore additional sites such as the Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮) Shinto shrine and the Rinnō–ji (輪王寺) Tendai Buddhist temple.
Nikko Travel Tip: Check out the benefits of the Tobu Railway discount pass
If you plan to stay in Nikko for more than just a day, you can purchase an official Tobu Railway discount pass that includes unlimited train and bus rides in designated areas over a period of 4 days. You can access plenty of Nikko attractions, including the Shinkyo Bridge, Akechidaira Ropeway, and even hop on the Lake Chuzenji sightseeing cruise by showing your NIKKO PASS all area to drivers, conductors, and ticket counter staff.
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