Our most recommended things to do in Nikko

Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

1. Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

After meeting at 7:50AM, your tour leader will greet you at the ground floor of the Shinjuku Subaru Building next to the Shinjuku JR Station west exit. At 8:00AM, you will depart from Shinjuku to Tochigi prefecture, where Nikko City is located. At around 10:30AM, you will travel to the first stop on your tour, the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868, known as the Edo Period. You can appreciate the beauty of this shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whilst learning the interesting stories and legends of the buildings from your guide. After visiting the Nikko Toshogo Shrine, you will pass through the Iroha Slope. It is famous for its 48 sharp turns along its route, and is portrayed in the animation ”Initial D”. The road is very popular for its autumn leaves in the fall. At 12:30PM, you will arrive at the Kegon Waterfall. This almost 100-meter-tall waterfall is the most famous of Nikko's many beautiful waterfalls. It is even ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful falls, along with the Nachi Waterfall in the Wakayama Prefecture and the Fukuroda Waterfall in the Ibaraki Prefecture. At 2:00PM, your tour will be separated into two groups, you can choose according to your preference to either walk along Lake Chuzenji, or to experience the Nikko hot spring. Before finishing your tour, you will stop by the Onihei Edo service area, which is the most interesting service area with edo style design and traditional souvenirs. At 6:00PM, you will be dropped back at the Shinjuku Subaru Building, where your tour will end.

From Tokyo: UNESCO Shrine and Nikko Scenic Spots Bus Tour

2. From Tokyo: UNESCO Shrine and Nikko Scenic Spots Bus Tour

See the Shinto shrines of Nikko on a guided tour from Tokyo. Admire the architecture and spiritual significance of these UNESCO Heritage Sites as well as the scenic views of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, with a lunch also included. Start the tour from either Shinjuku or Shinagawa in downtown Tokyo. Relax on an air-conditioned bus and first to have about an hour for a delicious lunch in Nikko. After lunch, move on to the holy sites of the city, the UNESCO heritage Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futara-san Shrine. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of General Tokugawa Ieyasu. Be amazed by the masterpiece mixture of Japanese spirits with ancient Oriental building designs.  Learn the history of Futarasan Shrine which is dedicated to the deities of Nikko's 3 most sacred mountains, Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Admire the golden details of the main hall in the shrine, while being surrounded by stunning autumn colors. Climb up the thrilling 48 turns of the Irohazaka slope. Head to your first tour destination, the breathtaking Kegon Falls, at around 100 meters high. Follow the stream to the scenic Lake Chuzenji. During autumn, you can take pictures of the seasonal colors with the lake in the background. At the end of the tour return to Shinjuku.

Edo Wonderland Samurai and Ninja Cultural Theme Park Ticket

3. Edo Wonderland Samurai and Ninja Cultural Theme Park Ticket

Enter the renowned Edo Wonderland in the beautiful city of Nikko to learn about one of the most defining eras of Japan. After entering, feel like you have traveled back into the Edo period as you navigate the town constructed with traditional Edo architecture. Choose to wear a traditional kimono from a selection of various ranks and take the opportunity to become an Edo citizen for the day. Become a lord, samurai, princess, farmer or a different kind of citizen, making for great photo opportunities. Be immersed in the culture and experience the complex beauty of being dressed in kimono.  Enjoy a variety of live performances including the popular ninja performances, oiran cultural shows, water magic shows, and a variety of other traditional plays. Try authentic cultural experiences. Learn the basics of how to handle a samurai sword or traditional archery. Take a lesson on how to play the musical instrument Shamisen, how to apply traditional handmade beni lipstick, how to do ukiyo-e woodblock printing or aizome indigo dying.  Learn unique facets about Edo culture through various exhibits including the Edo firefighters exhibition and swordsmith exhibit. Discover fun unique amusements including a mechanical maze, a ninja house filled with secrets, and the mysterious ninja training house, where the laws of physics seem to not apply. Taste authentic seasonal Edo cuisine at various restaurants in the park. 

From Tokyo: Nikko UNESCO Shrine and Nature View 1-Day Tour

4. From Tokyo: Nikko UNESCO Shrine and Nature View 1-Day Tour

Experience Tochigi Nikko, a charming town in Japan’s Tochigi prefecture with plenty of attractions where you can experience authentic Japanese culture. Visit various historical and cultural landmarks in the company of a driver/guide. Start your journey at Shinjuku or Tokyo station, depending on the option selected. Meet your driver/guide and hop into their comfortable vehicle as you head to your first location. Arrive at Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is not to be missed. This site is the memorial of Tokugawa Leyasu, who founded the Tokugawa shogunate.Peruse sculptures full of legends such as the "Three Apes", "Sleeping Cat", and the "Singing Dragon" inside the building.(ticket excluded) Continue on your journey with a visit to Shōyō-en Garden, renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage. Be amazed by the 3,200-square-meter garden within the precincts of Rinno-ji Temple, with a history spanning over 1,250-years. (From Oct.15th to Dec.10th) Stroll on the historic street of Nikko City, along the pilgrimage route where you can find restaurants and souvenir shops. Many shops here sell Nikko specialties like "Yuba" and Japanese sweets.(From Oct.15th to Dec.10th) Start from Dec.11, will go to visit Observation Deck instead of Rinno-ji Temple Shoyoen Garden.Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck is the most popular observatory in Nikko area, with views of both Chuzenji Lake and Huayan Falls. From the east side of the observatory, you can also look at the screen rock made up of continuous cliffs, and the rolling mountains in the distance. It takes only 3 minutes to reach the observation deck at 1373 meters above sea level by taking the aerial cable car from Mingping. Take a pleasant drive down Irohazaka Road, one of "Japan's Top 100 Roads." This mountainous road in Nikko is famous for its scenic driving route, with a total of 48 turns along the uphill and downhill lanes. It's particularly stunning during autumn, known for its vibrant fall foliage making it very popular. Don't miss Japan's highest-altitude natural lake-Lake, Chuzenji. Throughout the seasons, it offers breathtaking scenery, including rhododendrons in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. Admire the magnificent Kegon Falls which was formed when the Daiya River was rerouted by lava flow. Kegon Falls is also an unmissable attraction, which is one of the three major waterfalls in Japan, a large waterfall formed by the river flowing from Lake Chuzenji. Be in awe of the water pouring down from a height of 97-meters, set-off by the different scenery in different seasons next to it. Finish your day of adventure with a transfer back to the original meeting point.

Nikko World Heritage Private Tour From Tokyo By Car & Van

5. Nikko World Heritage Private Tour From Tokyo By Car & Van

Embark on an enchanting adventure with AHK Travels as we transport you to the mesmerizing realm of Nikko, Japan. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and steeped in ancient traditions, Nikko beckons with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, captivating shrines, and serene natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Toshogu Shrine, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors, and traverse the awe-inspiring Kegon Falls, where cascading waters create a symphony of tranquility. Our expert guides will lead you on a journey of discovery, unraveling the secrets of Nikko's rich cultural tapestry. Whether strolling through vibrant markets, savoring delectable local cuisine, or indulging in a rejuvenating onsen experience, every moment in Nikko is a delightful embrace of Japan's captivating heritage. Join us on this unforgettable tour, where every step reveals a new facet of Nikko's beauty and leaves an indelible mark on your heart.

From Tokyo: Private Day Trip to Nikko

6. From Tokyo: Private Day Trip to Nikko

Meet your host in Tokyo and head to your destination on the Tobu Railway Limited Express. Travel to Nikkō and enjoy the small city nestled in the foothills of gigantic, snow-capped mountains north of Tokyo. Immerse yourself in centuries of Japanese culture and see two grand mausoleums and an array of Edo relics, adding to Nikkō’s rich history. Visit the Buddhist temple of Rinnō-ji and Toshogu Shrine, a 17th-century treasure with a stunning five-story pagoda, that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You can take a trip up to the mountains, which are home to Nikkō National Park. It is one of Japan’s most spectacular protected areas, where Lake Chūzenji drains through Kegon Falls, a 97-meter natural marvel. With your host by your side, lace-up and tackle some of its mesmerizing walking trails, some of which lead to hidden waterfalls and secret Shinto shrines. Once you leave the forests, before heading back to Tokyo, quiet the tummy rumblings at a local eatery, and crunch down on some yuba, or tofu skin, a local delicacy, and wash it all down with some locally-brewed sake. Important: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

From Tokyo: Private Cultural Day Trip to Nikko UNESCO Sites

7. From Tokyo: Private Cultural Day Trip to Nikko UNESCO Sites

Experience the wonders of Nikko on a trip from Tokyo with a private driver. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this enchanting destination, from Kegon Falls to Lake Chuzenji. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the city's perfect blend of nature, tradition, and modern comforts. Depart from Tokyo and head to Nikko. When you arrive, visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ornate architecture and intricate carvings. Follow with a short ride to Kegon Falls, one of the three famous waterfalls in Nikko.  Marvel at a 97-meter-tall waterfall and take a unique elevator ride down to its base. Afterward, enjoy time for lunch in the nearby Lake Chuzenji area, where you can taste local cuisine while taking in the stunning views of the lake (costs not included).  After lunch, spend more time exploring the natural surroundings of Lake Chuzenji, such as the Chuzenji Temple and the winding road of Irohazaka. Before heading back to Tokyo for drop-off, visit the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a scenic gorge lined with hundreds of Jizo statues.

From Tokyo:Nikko Full Day Tour w/Hotel Pickup by Private Car

8. From Tokyo:Nikko Full Day Tour w/Hotel Pickup by Private Car

Nikko is famous not only for its Hot Springs, but also for its beautiful nature, as well as the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, bearing the title of UNESCO World Heritage. This shrine has been dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of Edo Period. The history of the area, and beauty of its nature will be shown in this one-day tour. This is an experience that should not be missed out on. Itinerary Akechidaira Observation Area Shinkyo Bridge Chuzen-ji Temple Edo Wonderland Kegon Falls Nikko Tosho-gu

From Tokyo: Nikko Private Day Tour

9. From Tokyo: Nikko Private Day Tour

In this tour we are going to visit world heritage site "Nikko" with our experienced Guide. Our first stop Toshugu Shrine complex (Japan's most levish Shrine) You can see Buddhism and Shinto together at Toshugu shrine. Shinkyo Bridge (Red Bridge) Shinkyo bridge rank as third Finest bridge in Japan. Kegone Falls Ranked as one of three beautiful waterfalls in Japan. Chuzenji Lake Let's have a drive at Japan Romantic Road. This Trip is Private Charter, you can Customize the trip at your choice. We are open for your suggestions and recommendations. You will have Nikko Style Lunch. Our English Speaking guide will guide you for your all tour.

Nikko: Local Japanese Performing Arts "Taishu-Engeki"

10. Nikko: Local Japanese Performing Arts "Taishu-Engeki"

Taishu-Engeki is one of the Japanese traditional entertainment, which is a cousin of Kabuki. In contrast to Kabuki, popular theater is more casual and easy-going. The troupe in this theater comes to Nikko from somewhere in Japan, and departs from Nikko after a few months of performances. They spend most of the year in theaters all over Japan. The theater means a small theater for popular plays called "Shibai-goya'',and "Nikko Momiji-za" is one of them. Performers often come off stage to shake hands with fans. This kind of casualness is one of its charms. In the dance show, dancers wearing kimono perform not only traditional Japanese songs but also world hits, and the program changes each time. In historical dramas, you can get a glimpse of how Japanese people lived in the era of samurai, geishas, and ninjas. It is possible to take photos of the dance show. You can also shake hands and take photos with the dancers at the end of the show.

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What people are saying about Nikko

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 117 reviews

The tour was perfect, the Spanish-speaking guide Gabriel took us to the best places in Nikko, picking us up at the hotel, and guiding us to see the best places, since we wanted to take advantage of the day because we will be in Japan for a few days. He customized the tour based on what we wanted, contacting us before and also during the tour. 100% recommendable!!!

This was a very good tour, well organized and the tour guide (I think Vicky?) was very good. She gave ample information and made sure all our questions were answered. This was a small group of about 12 people, we traveled in a comfortable mini bus and our driver was excellent.

The waterfall was beautiful, and the Shrine was very extensive and well worth visiting. Our guide was helpful as well. The onsen we visited was quite small and in need of an overhaul.

I enjoyed this immensely! Takes all the thinking out of travelling to some key tourist spots in Nikko. Waterfall was extremely beautiful.