Nikko
日光市
Things to Do in and Around Nikko
Nikko is located in the northwestern part of Tochigi Prefecture and is a tourist destination where history and nature harmonize, featuring the World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." It includes the three shrines and temples of Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji, as well as rich natural landscapes such as Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
Nikko National Park, which showcases different expressions with each season, is perfect for hiking and autumn leaf viewing. With good access, being about a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, it is also possible to enjoy a day trip. The city also has hot spring areas, making it a tourist destination with diverse attractions where you can enjoy historical exploration, nature experiences, and hot springs all at once.
Where is Nikko?
Nikko is located in the northwestern part of Tochigi Prefecture, extending to the northern edge of the Kanto region. It is about 150 kilometers from central Tokyo, approximately a 2-hour train ride away. To the north, it borders Fukushima Prefecture, and to the west, it is adjacent to Gunma Prefecture. The western part of the city includes a portion of Nikko National Park, which features a mountainous area with famous peaks such as Mount Nantai and Mount Shirane.
Nikko was newly formed in 2006 through the merger of the former Nikko, Imaichi City, Ashio Town, Kuriyama Village, and Fujiwara Town, boasting an area of about 1,450 square kilometers, the largest in Tochigi Prefecture. Rivers such as the Daiya River and the Kinugawa River flow through the city, creating a rich natural environment.
The climate is inland, characterized by relatively cool summers and harsh winters. In particular, the mountainous areas experience significant snowfall, with distinct seasonal changes.
Getting Around
Access from Tokyo is convenient by using the Tohoku Shinkansen. It takes about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station, and then about 40 minutes to Nikko Station by transferring to the JR Nikko Line. Alternatively, if using Tobu Railway, you can take the "Liberty" limited express directly from Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko Station in about 2 hours.
The main stations in Nikko City are JR Nikko Station and Tobu Nikko Station, which are located about a 10-minute walk apart. From these stations, Tobu buses and JR buses operate to the World Heritage area, arriving in about 10 minutes.
For moving around the city, the "Kinugawa" and "Suigetsu" sightseeing buses are convenient for efficiently touring major tourist spots. Rental bicycles are also a popular means of transportation, especially from spring to autumn, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing while feeling the nature. In winter, due to the possibility of snow, it is recommended to use public transportation.
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About Nikko
History and Culture of Nikko
Nikko is known as a sacred place of the Tokugawa family since the Edo period. Since the establishment of the Toshogu Shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1617, it has occupied an important position in Japanese history. In 1999, the buildings of Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji were registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites as "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," making it a cultural spot visited by many tourists from home and abroad.
Nikko as a Treasure Trove of Nature
Nikko City is a region attractive for its natural beauty throughout the four seasons. Especially, Nikko National Park has diverse natural landscapes such as Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Senjogahara. It is nationally famous for its autumn leaves, attracting many tourists from October to November each year. Additionally, in winter, facilities like Oku-Nikko Ski Resort offer opportunities to enjoy winter sports.
Traditional Crafts of Nikko
Nikko carving is a traditional craft representing Nikko City. It is said to have developed about 400 years ago by craftsmen involved in the architectural decoration of Toshogu Shrine, characterized by its unique relief technique and lacquer coating. The traditional techniques are still inherited in many workshops, and experience classes for tourists are also held.
Gourmet City Nikko
Nikko City is also attractive for its food culture that takes advantage of its rich natural environment. "Nikko Yuba" is a specialty product made by processing yuba, which is born in the tofu manufacturing process, in a unique way. The pure water and cool climate produce high-quality yuba. Also, "Nikko Natural Ice" is natural ice made by a traditional method continuing from the Meiji era, served as "shaved ice" in summer, praised for its transparency and pure taste.
Festivals in Nikko
Various traditional events are held throughout the year in Nikko City. Especially, the "Nikko Toshogu Spring Grand Festival (Nikko Reitaisai Procession)" held in May is a grand festival where about 1,000 warriors dressed in Edo period costumes parade through the city, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the country. In August, the "Nikko Summer Festival" is held, where the city is adorned with lanterns and fireworks, bustling with many tourists.
Nikko
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