Top Things to Do in Nikko Japan During a Day Trip
Nikko Japan is located in the Tochigi Prefecture 2 hours from Tokyo by train. The area is full of shrines and temples surrounded by forest with green moss clinging to stone lanterns and red-bibbed Jizo statues lining a river-side path. Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site most famous for Toshogu Shrine and is also the gateway to Nikko National Park. You will find amazing mountain vistas, waterfalls, and hot springs in the area. Japan is packed with amazing things to see do and eat, it is difficult to decide how to spend your time. I have no regrets about taking a day trip to Nikko Japan during my stay in Tokyo!
READ One Week in Tokyo, Itinerary with Top Things to Do
How to Get to Nikko Japan from Tokyo
If you are following my Japan itinerary you already will have a JR train pass. Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen line (high-speed train) from either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station and switch to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station at Utsunomiya. Total travel time is about 1 hour 40 mins. I departed Tokyo Station at 6:04 arriving in Nikko at 7:44.
How to Get Around Nikko Japan
If you plan to follow this Nikko day trip itinerary and visit Kegon Falls the Chuzenji Onsen Free Pass bus will save money. The pass offers rides between JR Nikko Station (stop 1) and Osaki (Stop 31). They can be purchased at the Tobu station, a 5 minute walk from the JR Station. The ticket office does not open until 8:30 am. All listed stops are covered by the pass as well as a boat cruise around Lake Chuzenji.
Buses run between the train station and major tourist attractions in Nikko every 15 minutes. The bus to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls runs less frequently and is traffic dependent.
It is possible to purchase the entrance ticket to Toshogu Shrine while at the station. This will allow you to avoid the long lines at the shrine and save time later in the day. Be sure to bring cash with you to Nikko, there is an entrance fee to each temple, to walk across the Shinkyo Bridge, and to visit the lower observation deck at Kegon Falls. It is possible to use a SUICA card to pay the fees.
Day Trip Itinerary for Nikko Japan from Tokyo
Day Trip to Nikko Japan: Must-See Sights and Experiences
Akechidaira Ropeway | Kegon Waterfall | Lake Chuzenji | Kanmangafuchi Abyss | Shinkyo Bridge | Rinnō-ji Temple | Gojunoto | Yomeimon Gate | Toshogu Shrine | Nikko Futarasan Shrine | Taiyu-in Temple Hall and Tomb
How to Spend Your Day in Nikko Japan
Morning: Nikko National Park: Akechidaira Ropeway, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji.
Exit the JR Nikko Station and take the bus at Stop 1A toward Lake Chuzenji. Stop at the Akechidaira Ropeway, Stop 24 on the way to Kegon Falls. The ride is about 40 minutes and the ropeway opens at 9 AM. It only takes 3 minutes to get to the top and enjoy the view. Note that this stop is not an option on the return trip. If it is an overcast day, skip this stop.
Hop back on the bus and continue to Kegon Falls. Exit the bus at Stop 26 Chuzenji Onsen and follow the signs to the falls, it is about a 5-minute walk. Stop to see the falls from above on the free viewing deck before paying to take the elevator 320 feet down for 2 more perspectives.
After exiting Kegon Falls, walk about 10 minutes to Lake Chuzenji. Consider taking the 55-minute scenic hop-on and hop-off boat tour which travels to Shobugahama Beach, Embassy Villa Memorial Park, and Tachiki Kannon.
Eat a quick lunch before returning to Nikko from Stop 26 no later than noon, most shrines close at 3:30 PM.
If you have more time in Nikko consider purchasing the Yumoto Onsen pass and visiting Yudaki Falls, Senjogahara Marshland, and Ryuzu Falls.
Afternoon: Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Shinkyo Bridge, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple, the Rinno-ji Temple Taiyu-in Mausoleum, and the Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine. Note, the last entry to shrines is at 3:30.
Take the return bus back toward Nikko. Exit the bus at the Kanaya Hotel History Museum, Stop 10. Walk about 15 minutes to the Kanmangafuchi Abyss and stroll the river-side path lined with red-bibbed Jizo statues. Backtrack and make your way to the Shinkyo Bridge. There is a 300 yen fee to cross the bridge Note, the bridge closes at 3 PM.
Alternatively, you can return to the bus stop and ride to Stop 7 for Shinkyo Bridge.
Cross the road and make your way up the stone stairs leading into the forest and the temple area. Visit the Rinno-ji Temple and mausoleum (900 yen). If time allows, consider stopping at the garden of the Rinno-ji Treasure House (300 yen).
Walk past the Five-storied Pagoda (Gojunoto) to the Yomeimon Gate and the Toshogu Shrine (1300 yen). Don’t miss the Three Wise Monkeys wood carving and Sozonozo Elephant (imaginary elephants) wood carving.
Continue to the Nikko Futarasan Shrine (300 yen) where local Japanese pray for success and love and the Taiyu-in Temple Hall and Tomb (900 yen) as time allows.
Bonus Stop: if time, finances, and availability allow, take a taxi to Urami Falls. Ask the driver to wait and make the return trip to JR Nikko Station.
Hop back on the bus to JR Nikko Station, Stop 1. If time allows, hop off the bus at Tōbu-nikkō Station for a few sweet treats. Try Sakaeya Fried Yubamanju and Nikko Castella. Both are a 5 minute walk from the station. Yubamanju is deep fried yuba with sweet bean paste filling; castella is a honey or matcha flavored sponge cake. Try them both!
Note: Be Sure to check the Nikko Japan Board of Tourism website for upcoming festivals and special events.
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