🏔️Nikko Day Trip
Our Take
Some of the most ornate temples in Japan, 2 hours from Tokyo
Go regardless if...
You leave early and have a full day — half a day isn't enough
More Info
About
Nikko is a city in Tochigi Prefecture approximately 140km north of Tokyo, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Tosho-gu shrine complex and surrounding temples and shrines. The Tosho-gu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, and is known for its ornate gilded carvings and forested mountain setting. The surrounding area includes waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails in Nikko National Park.
Time Needed
Full day. Leave Tokyo by 8am to have enough time at the shrines and still make it back comfortably.
Best Time To Go
Autumn in October and November for exceptional foliage around the shrine complex. Spring is also good. Avoid summer weekends when it gets crowded with domestic tourists.
Getting There
Tobu Nikko line from Asakusa to Nikko Station, approximately 2 hours. The Tobu pass covers the train and local buses and is worth buying for a day trip.
Tips
The shrine complex charges separate entry fees for different areas and the full combination ticket adds up. Decide in advance which sections matter most to you. The Rinno-ji temple and the Taiyuin mausoleum are the two most worth prioritizing alongside Tosho-gu.