Nikko Travel Guide
A complete guide to Nikko, covering the UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, the scenic landscapes of Oku-Nikko, and the Kinugawa Onsen hot-spring resort. Introduces highlights in detail, including the Two Shrines and One Temple, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji.
Access from Major Stations
Asakusa Station
About 1 hr 50 min
Tobu Railway limited express (Spacia, etc.)
Shinjuku Station
About 2 hours
JR/Tobu through limited express "Nikko"
Ikebukuro Station
About 2 hours
JR/Tobu through limited express "Nikko"
Tokyo Station
About 2 hours
Tohoku Shinkansen (transfer at Utsunomiya) + JR Nikko Line
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Nikko Toshogu Shrine
日光東照宮
A shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo shogunate, and the core of the UNESCO World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." Famous structures include the ornately decorated Yomeimon Gate, the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" three wise monkeys, and the sleeping cat carving.
🚶 20 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station
Rinnoji Temple (Sanbutsudo Hall)
日光山輪王寺（三仏堂）
The main hall of Rinnoji Temple, one of Nikko's "Two Shrines and One Temple," and the largest wooden building in Nikko. It's known for its principal images: three large gilded seated Buddha statues, each 7.5 meters tall, of the Tendai sect.
🚶 20 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station
Taiyuin Mausoleum (Rinnoji)
大猷院（輪王寺）
The mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, standing adjacent to Nikko Futarasan Shrine. Built with the philosophy of "never surpassing Toshogu Shrine," it nonetheless features gorgeous decoration of its own, including the Yashamon Gate.
🚶 5 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station
Nikko Futarasan Shrine
日光二荒山神社
An ancient shrine considered the origin of Nikko's mountain worship, with Mount Nantai as its sacred body. Said to have been founded in 782, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" along with Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple. Known for blessings of matchmaking, its sacred garden features a 700-year-old sacred tree.
🚶 3 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station
Shinkyo Bridge
神橋
A vermilion-lacquered wooden bridge spanning the Daiya River, counted among "Japan's Three Strange Bridges." As a structure belonging to Futarasan Shrine, it is registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" and serves as the symbolic gateway to Nikko sightseeing.
🚶 10 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
憾満ヶ淵（化け地蔵）
A gorge spreading along the Daiya River, a striking formation created by erosion of lava from an eruption of Mount Nantai. Along the river stands a row of about 70 jizo statues known as the "Bake Jizo" ("ghost jizo"), famous for the mysterious tradition that the count never matches no matter how many times you count them — a hidden gem a short detour from Nikko Sannai.
🚶 5 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station