How to Have a Perfect Day Trip to Nikko (with our local tips)

A day trip to Nikko is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. But, if you only have one day there, how can ensure you’re visiting the most impressive sights or visiting the best places to eat?

Well, one way is to ask someone who lives in the town, which is why I’m thrilled that our guide to how to spend one day in Nikko is Jigami Yoshiyuki san.

Mr Jigami is the manager of the Kanaya Hotel, which has been welcoming guests to the city since 1873.

Although not originally from Nikko, he fell in love with the nature and history of the small town and has been living there and working at the Kanaya Hotel for 27 years.

After working as a reception staff, driver, and various other roles within the hotel, he now works as the hotel manager.

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Why Should You Take a Day Trip to Nikko?

Because if you’re looking for a Tokyo day trip, Nikko is perfect.

It’s located around 100km north of Tokyo and is easily accessed by train if you’re an independent traveler or via a number of different tours that leave Tokyo in the morning and come back late afternoon if you like someone else to do the driving.

Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its complex of three temples and shrines – two Shinto, and one Buddhist – that include 103 different religious buildings located in beautiful natural surroundings.

Some of the most popular sights include the Toshogu Shrine (one of the three mentioned above), which is known for its ornate wood carvings; Kegon Falls – named as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan (below), and Edo Wonderland – a cultural park that replicates life in the Edo period located about 20 minutes drive, or 30 minutes by bus, from the main town.

The new Tobu World Square which contains replicas of 102 of the world’s most famous buildings is also nearby.

So, of the sights, what does Mr Jigami say are the ones you absolutely shouldn’t miss? ‘My favorite sights in Nikko include the iconic Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge. These are representative of the beauty, history, and culture of this area,’ he says.

‘Lake Chuzenji is the best place to chill out and relax. It is also a great place for hiking in the nature of the Nikko National Park.’

Get Ahead of the Crowds

If you’re just on a one-day trip to Nikko, Mr. Jigami suggests that the first thing you do when you get to the city is ‘head to Nikko’s famous and iconic temple and shrines (Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan shrine, and Rinnoji Temple).’

Because they are the most popular sites in Nikko, they will also be the most crowded, but if you can get there before some of the tour buses arrive from Tokyo, you can try and beat the crowds.

The best way to do this is to stay overnight and arrive at the complex when they open at 8am and head to Toshogu Shrine first as this is the most popular.

If that’s not feasible, take the earliest train you can from Tokyo and head here first. You can then visit the other two sites, which are within walking distance. The complex is about a 30-minute walk from the Tobu Nikko station.

The crowds also disappear late afternoon, so, if you don’t want to spend too long exploring the complex – hold off visiting the shrines until after 3pm – checking the closing time of course.

Just remember that there is a lot of detail on the site to check out. There are amazing carvings, including the famous detail based on the Three Wise Monkeys, intricate detailing, carved lanterns, pagodas, and the resting place of the first shogun.

Try a Lunch With Yuba

Yuba is a specialty of Nikko. It’s often referred to as tofu skin, but it’s actually the skin that forms on the top of soy milk when it’s slowly heated.

At one point, only priests and royalty were allowed to eat yuba and they would come to Nikko specially for the privilege.

Today many Nikko restaurants still serve yuba – and some offer multi-course meals based around the local delicacy as it’s actually incredibly versatile.

So, where would Mr Jigami suggest visitors go to try it?

‘Takaiya. One of the best local recommended restaurants,’ he says. ‘The Kaiseki style restaurant gives the authentic taste of “washoku” (Japanese food) as well as yuba. It’s ideal for those who are looking for a cozy but also luxurious dinner experience in the historic town.

Also, consider Yubatei Masudaya. Reasonable prices but unforgettable experiences are offered at this restaurant, from Yuba Sashimi to Yuba simmered in stock (Nimono-style).’

Reservations are essential for Takaiya, and you can find prices and more information in English on their website.

Yubatei Masudaya seats 40 people on their ground floor but it’s still best to make a reservation- and if you want to eat in their teahouse or traditional Japanese seating room, reservations are essential. Again, they have prices and a list of the courses in their Yuba menu in English on their website.

If you can’t get a reservation or would prefer not to have a multicourse lunch, many, many restaurants in Nikko serve yuba – look for the word ゆば on the sign or menu.

You can also buy yuba to take home – Fujiya is the shop to find if you want to take some home.

Getting The Perfect Bridge Picture

Shinkyo Bridge is one of the prettiest – and most Instagrammable spots – in Nikko, so we asked Mr Jigami for his best photographic tip.

‘In the summer season, the red bridge and the background green scenery clash with each other, creating a very aesthetically pleasing scene.

Here people can write their wishes on paper planes and fly them onto the river (this is a common way to ‘grant your wishes here’) – by doing so, you will make the photo an interesting story with the paper plane flying in it.’

He also suggests photographers visit Kegon Falls ‘in Autumn, which offers a stunning view with the autumn foliage in the background. From early November, the falls are illuminated at night, giving overnight stayers in Nikko another nighttime activity in which to participate.’

Don’t Miss the Shaved Ice

There are various establishments in Nikko that sell the natural ice served as ‘kakigōri’ – this is a traditional Japanese summer favorite, and you can buy it anywhere, so why should you make sure you try it, specifically, as part of your Nikko day trip?

Because the people who make ice in Nikko use the same methods, they have used for centuries.

During the peak of winter, they collect the frozen high-quality spring water that flows from the Nikko mountain range and store it for use in the summertime.

With a history dating back hundreds of years, traditional kakigōri is shaved so thin and fluffy that it is like freshly fallen snow and is completed with flavored syrups and other toppings.

Although this dessert can be found nationwide, not many places offer kakigōri made with natural ice as Nikko does.

Hidden Gems in Nikko

As we said, Nikko’s main temples are famous worldwide, but what less-visited local sights does Mr Jigami think you should also try and add to your day?

His first answer is Kanmangafuchi Abyss, his favorite and one of Nikko’s ‘best’ hidden gems.

This gorge is about a 30-minute walk from the Toshogu Shrine and it’s not just a beautiful river view; the walkway is also lined by 70 stone statues.

‘The 70 stone statues of Jizo statue produce a spiritual atmosphere and would be the perfect way to experience Japan off the beaten path.

You can feel the Japanese “Zen” feelings while walking this path.

The Jizo statues here represent Buddhist deities that protect children, women, and travelers, and their alignment gives off a unique atmosphere.’

Another place not every tourist visits is Senjogahara, where he says you can immerse yourself in the nature of the 114,908-hectare Nikko National Park while hiking. This place is also a great place to enjoy star-gazing.

Is One Day in Nikko Enough?

I’m going to answer for Mr Jigami here. You can see the main sights quickly in one day, but…

If you want to explore the town as well as the main sights (and maybe pick up some of the many Three Wise Monkeys souvenirs you’ll find in the shops) and take in some other fun sights like Edo Wonderland and Tobu World Square that are a bit further out of town, then it might be better to spend at least one night in the town.

This also gives you the benefit of being able to get to the busy sights before the crowds.

If you want to go hiking in the National Park, you’ll definitely need more than one night.

Where to Stay Overnight

While most people take a day trip to Nikko from Tokyo and so leave in the evening, if you want to explore the town for longer to beat the temple crowds, soak in one of the many natural springs – or try the beautiful stargazing, you need more time so where should you stay?

‘Of course I recommend the Kanaya Hotel the most!,’ says Yoshiyuki san. ‘This is the oldest hotel in Japan and has been open since 1873. The hotel is located near Nikko’s main attractions, making it the best place to base yourself while exploring the area.

The building architecture is a unique mix of Japanese and European designs, making it a pleasure to stay in.’

As well as staying in the hotel, Mr Jigami recommends visitors to Nikko visit the hotel to try their curry rice that follows a 100-year-old recipe.

If you want to see more about the hotel, visit their website

If you’re interested in room rates and availability, then click here.

How to Get To Nikko from Tokyo

Via JR Lines

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you will want to travel by the JR lines to Nikko, as this will be included in the pass. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya from Tokyo station or Ueno, then change onto the JR Nikko line to Nikko station. This takes a little under 2 hours.

The Whole Japan Rail Pass is unlikely to pay for itself anymore, but the JR Tokyo Wide Pass is a 3-Day Pass that covers both Nikko and Mount Fuji. If you are hoping to cover both of these sights – and can do it within three days – it will save you some money.

Check prices for the JR Tokyo Wide Pass here.

With a Japan Rail Pass

If you don’t have a Rail Pass or don’t want to use it yet in your journey (see how to work out how long a pass you need or whether the Japan Rail Pass is right for your trip here), then you can take the Tobu Railway from Tobu Asakusa or Tokyo Skytree stations.

From here, the fastest option is to take the Tobu Railway Limited Express, which will take you directly to Nikko in just under 2 hours.

If you want to get to Nikko before the crowds though, you’ll want to take the slightly slower Revarty Kegon Limited Express, which leaves Tokyo at 6.30am and gets you to Nikko at 8.23.

This train also divides during its journey at Shimo-imaichi – make sure you’re in the right half of the train. According to the timetable, the back three carriages go to Nikko (but double-check this on the day).

Don’t panic if you realize you’re in the wrong half on the way there; the train waits for four minutes at Shimo-imaichi so you will have time to swap.

If your hotel is closer to Shinjuku, then use the Spacia Nikko, which departs once a day directly from Shinjuku station.

Timetables in English for both options are here.

Buying Tickets from Tokyo to Nikko

The JR Pass is not accepted on Tobu Railway, so you’ll need to buy tickets at the ticket office.

Whatever train you’re getting, you need to buy a standard fare ticket to Nikko – but, when travelling on trains called the Limited Express in Japan (as you are here), you also need to buy a Limited Express ticket to get yourself a seat. Think of it as kind of like adding a supplement for a faster service.

If you buy your ticket from one of the Tobu service centers at Asakusa station, they will be used to tourists and help you through all of this. If you prefer to use the machine, pick the reserved seat option so you know where you’re sitting on the train

If you are going to Nikko for a couple of days or, want to cram in a lot of sightseeing on your day trip, you might also want to buy one of the Nikko passes from Tobu Railways, which cover trains and buses in the region plus offer discounts on some attractions in the area. Find more information here.

So, there you have it, our guide to the perfect Tokyo to Nikko day trip – or even a longer stay.

Thanks to Satsuki Hosokawa at The Doq agency, Sydney, for conducting and translating the interview with Mr Jigami. Images of Kenyon Falls, Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Yuba dinner, and Lake Chuzenji used with permission of Doq.

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