Nikko National Park

The basics

Particularly popular among hikers, nature lovers, and those who appreciate Japanese architecture, Nikko National Park is easily accessible from Tokyo on a day trip. Most travelers visit as part of an organized tour so as to reap the benefits of a local tour guide and the convenience of round-trip transportation from the city.

However, for a fully immersive journey into the history of Japanese culture, a trip to the national park can be combined with a visit to Edo Wonderland, a colorful theme park of ancient villages featuring geishas, samurais, and ninjas.

Things to know before you go

• Nikko is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure travelers.

• Choose a standard entrance ticket or a World Heritage Pass that includes entrance to the park's shrines and temples.

• Day trips from Tokyo often include hotel pickup and drop-off and can last upwards of 12 hours.

• Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

• Bring a jacket; it's cooler in Nikko than in Tokyo.

How to get there

While a guided tour is the most stress-free way to visit the park, there are several ways to arrive independently. The Spacia bus departs regularly from Tobu's Asakusa Station and takes just under two hours. Those who prefer the train can take the Tobu rapid train from Asakusa (just over two hours) or the JR train from Shinjuku (roughly two hours). Be sure to board the correct car, as the trains split up along the way.

When to get there

In autumn, the foliage of the surrounding mountains—particularly around Lake Chuzenji—turns spectacular shades of red and yellow, making it an ideal time to visit. Other times of year are less crowded. Expect cold temperatures and snow in winter and mild, wet weather in summer.

The temples and shrines of Nikko National Park

While many come to the national park for the nature, its cultural attractions are also worth exploring. The 8th-century Rinnoji Temple houses three 28-foot (8.4-meter) gold-leaf wooden Buddha statues, as well as a lovely landscaped Edo-era garden. More than 2.4 million sheets of gold-leaf were used in the construction of the Toshogu Shrine, the most famous structure in the Nikko area. The Futarasan Shrine, the oldest structure in the area, dates back to 1617.

What are the must-see attractions in Nikko National Park?

Spread across three prefectures, the must-see attractions in Nikko National Park are Lake Chūzenji, framed by hundreds of trees; the shrines and temples of Nikko, which are UNESCO listed; Kegon Falls, a waterfall that completely freezes in winter; and Mt. Nantai, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It’s also home to Yumoto Onsen, a hot spring resort.

How do you get to Nikko National Park from Tokyo?

To get to Nikko National Park from Tokyo, you can board a 2-hour train from Shinjuku Station to Tobu Nikko Station. For a slightly faster journey, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and transfer at Utsunomiya Station to the JR Nikko line.

Are there any guided tours available for Nikko National Park?

Yes, there are plenty of guided tours of Nikko National Park. Most tours depart from Tokyo and last 1-2 days. Tours typically cover multiple highlights, such as Lake Chūzenji, Kegon Falls, and the Akechidaira Ropeway, a cable car that offers stunning views of the park.

What are the best hiking trails in Nikko National Park?

There are a variety of hiking trails in Nikko National Park for different abilities and interests. Trails in the Senjogahara Marshlands are ideal for beginners, as they’re flat and easy to navigate. Visit Okinikko to hike through the famous forests, or head to the Ryuo Valley, where you can follow the Kinugawa River as it flows over multicolored rocks. Those looking for a more challenging hike can consider climbing Mt. Nantai, which is 8,156-foot (2,486-meter) high.

Are there any accommodations available within Nikko National Park?

You’ll find accommodation options on the outskirts of Nikko, ranging from high-end hotels to hostels. More traditional accommodation types are in Okukinu, including ryokan inns, famous for their service and hospitality, and budget-friendly minshuku.

What is the best time of year to visit Nikko National Park?

The best time of year to visit Nikko National Park is during the spring (March-May), when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in fall (September-October), when brightly colored foliage brightens the park. These are also the busiest times, so you’ll need to book ahead.

Ways to explore

The town of Nikko sits at the entrance to the national park, and you can experience some of its beautiful scenery within the town, particularly the red-lacquered, 17th-century Shinkyo Bridge over the Daiya River. Venture deeper into the mountains to see Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and more. Many travelers visit Nikko as part of an organized tour to reap the benefits of a local tour guide and the convenience of round-trip transportation from Tokyo. Visit independently and stay for longer to explore the hiking trails.

Accessibility

Some parts of the national park are accessible to wheelchair users, with boardwalks, paved paths, and wheelchair rental from some visitor centers. However, many parts are not.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking poles

What to wear

Comfortable shoes (boots for hiking), layers, jacket

Not allowed

Picking flowers or plants, feeding wild animals, hunting or fishing, smoking while walking

Amenities

Visitor centers, some with multipurpose restrooms

Address

Nikko town is about 93 miles (150 kilometers) north of central Tokyo, in Tochigi Prefecture. Get there from the capital on a tour or by car or train.

Driving

If you want to drive, taking a train to Nikko and renting a car from there for local exploration is ideal. If driving all the way from Tokyo, the most complicated part of the journey will be getting out of the city: Head north, toward Kawaguchi in Saitama Prefecture and follow the E4 highway to Nikko. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.

Public transportation

There are several ways to get to Nikko by train. The quickest is to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo or Ueno stations to Utsunomiya (about 50 minutes), then take the JR Nikko line the rest of the way to Nikko (about 70 minutes). From Nikko, take local buses into the national park; for instance, a bus to Lake Chuzenji (no. 56) departs from Tobu-Nikko station.

Best times to visit

Many parts of the national park are especially beautiful in the early morning, when there are typically fewer visitors.

Best days to visit

Weekends and public holidays are busy, so visit on weekdays if possible.

Best months to visit

Visit in the summer months of May to September for the most comfortable conditions to explore outdoors. Winters are very cold in the mountains, and even in lower-elevation Nikko.

Special events

Nikko hosts several festivals throughout the year. Highlights include the spring (May) and fall (October) festivals at Toshogu Shrine.