When sightseeing in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture, a visit to Nikko is a must. Known for its beautiful natural attractions, relaxing onsens and heritage sites, this city is perfect for an exciting day trip or an extended vacation. Create a fun and educational itinerary with some or all of these top Nikko tourist attractions and experiences.
Soak & relax at Kinugawa Onsen
Onsen, or hot springs, are very popular in Japan for locals and tourists alike. These relaxing baths are supplied by mineral-rich waters that are always warm and inviting. Spend a day soaking sore muscles in Kinugawa, a beautiful hot springs resort town about 30 minutes by bus from Nikko. For daytrippers, several public baths are available for use during the day, and visitors who want to spend the night in Kinugawa will find dozens of ryokans and Japanese-style hotels along the Kinugawa River that offer private baths with river views.
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Experience Japanese history at Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tourists easily can spend a whole day sightseeing and exploring the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. This sacred space includes a total of 103 structures, shrines, and buildings, some dating to the 17th century. The most famous religious sites include a Buddhist temple and two Shinto shrines. The complex is built on mountain slopes, creating a serene atmosphere for a peaceful walking tour. The buildings, particularly the main shrines and temple, are beloved for their exquisite traditional architecture and meaningful history.
3 main sites of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko
- Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple – this Buddhist temple was built in 766 and is used today as a training facility for Tendai monks. It is known for the Three Buddha Hall, a building with golden statues depicting a trio of deities. The Rin-no-ji Treasure House features a collection of Buddhist scrolls, paintings, and other historical art and is surrounded by a classical Edo-era Japanese garden.
- Nikko Futarasan Jinja – founded in 767, this Shinto shrine gets its name from nearby Mount Nantai (also known as Futara-san). The famous vermilion Shinkyo Bridge, or Sacred Bridge, that goes over Daiya River near the entrance to the complex grounds, belongs to this shrine.
- Nikko Tosho-gu – this Shinto shrine that honors the first shogun of Japan comprises 55 structures, including historic torii gates, intricately decorated structures, worship halls, storehouses, horse stables, and a prominent five-story pagoda.
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Dine in the snow during the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival
Every winter for about a month, the small town of Yunishigawa transforms into a snowy wonderland. During the month-long Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival, residents construct hundreds of snow huts, or igloos, called kamakura, near the Yunishi River. Each of the smaller kamakuras contain candles which are lit each night to create an illuminated and magical path perfect for nighttime walks. Larger kamakuras can be reserved in advance and are popular places for families to enjoy barbecue meals together. Winter might be a popular time to visit Yunishigawa, but the area, popular for its onsens, can be enjoyed year-round. Several ryokans in the area offer public and open-air baths, and guests who book a stay at one of the accommodations will likely enjoy traditional meals prepared with local ingredients. The Heike no Sato museum, which offers a glimpse into the Japanese Heian period, is another must-visit Yunishigawa attraction.
The Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival typically begins in late January and runs into late February or early March.
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Marvel at the plunging waters of Kegon Falls
While Nikko is home to dozens of waterfalls, none are quite as impressive as Kegon Falls in Nikko National Park. The main section of Kegon Falls is almost 328 feet (100 meters) tall, and the surrounding area features several smaller chutes. Visitors can take in the lovely view from a free observation platform or pay a few hundred yen to ride the elevator down to the lower deck. The lower deck allows for a more up-close experience and even better views.
Kegon Falls is an incredible tourist destination any time of year. In the spring, the water is surrounded by lush greenery, which changes colors in the fall. Flocks of migratory birds, the Asian house martins, visit the area in the summer months. During the winter, the falls freeze and create a picture-perfect winter landscape.
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Tour Watanabe Sahei Shoten & Katayama Shuzo sake breweries
Sake lovers should definitely build time into their Nikko itineraries to visit two of the city’s most famous sake breweries. Both breweries have been owned and operated by local families for generations and offer unique behind-the-scenes views of traditionally made sake, a sweet rice wine that is the national beverage of Japan.
- Open since 1842, Watanabe Sahei Shoten has been owned and operated by seven generations of the Watanabe family. The brewery mainly produces junmai-shu, a type of pure sake that uses no brewer’s alcohol and is made by combining locally grown rice and locally sourced water. Tours typically are given by the owner himself, giving visitors the benefit of the family’s almost-180 years of experience in the industry.
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Katayama Shuzo brewery is a family-run business that was founded in 1880. The Katayama family also boasts seven generations of brewers. Their main product is Genshu, a type of undiluted sake. Katayama Shuzo is known for its rare pressing process, which uses manual strength instead of machines. Tourists should book in advance for a chance to see how this small-batch brewery is run.
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Book a Japanese kimono dressing experience
The elegant kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that’s mostly reserved for formal occasions, like weddings and funerals. Over the years, kimono rental services have become popular with tourists looking to try out these beautiful wrapped-front robes. Cocon Nikko and Utakata-Kimonorental are two great options in the city to book a kimono rental. Both shops offer garments for men, women, and children. Tourists can select a one-day rental starting at 4,000 JPY (USD), depending on the size and style, then take a walk around the city. Hairstyling services, hair accessories and photography packages are available for extra fees.
- Cocon Nikko, Ishiyamachi, 404-2, Nikko – open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday through Monday (closed Wednesday)
- Utakata-Kimonorental, Nakahatsuishimachi, 918, Nikko – open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
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Photo credit: IG@oii.oai
Try fun ningyo-yaki shaped like monkeys!
No trip to Tochigi Prefecture is complete without trying ningyo-yaki, a Japanese fried sponge cake with a sweet bean paste filling. These cakes are available in many shapes, but Nikko is especially known for ningyo-yaki shaped like the legendary “three wise monkeys,” a Japanese pictorial maxim of the phrase, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” The monkeys originated from a 17th-century carving found over a door at Nikko Tosho-gu shrine, so it just makes sense that they are a must-try treat when in Nikko. The famous (and adorable) Japanese cakes are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack any time of day and make fun and delicious Tochigi Prefecture souvenirs.
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Discover Japanese ryokans & traditional onsen resorts
Hatago Nagomi Hot Spring Hotel
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Nikko Park Lodge Tobu Station
