HomeAsiaEast AsiaJapanNikko 10 Places to Visit in Nikko + Things To Do By Marcos Detourista. Updated on February 1, 2023. Where to go in Nikko? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, things to do, best places to visit, Nikko tourist spots, attractions & more. 1. Kegon Falls Location: Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan. Save on Google Maps. As a waterfall chaser, this was the #1 reason why I wanted to visit Nikko. With a height of 97 meters, Kegon Falls is one of the tallest in Japan and the most famous of Nikko’s 48 waterfalls. Kegon Falls was indeed very beautiful and worth the trip! An elevator ride takes you down (through 100m of bedrock) to the river at the base of the waterfall. This viewing platform is perfect for photos. Nikko Pass See discounts Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo See discounts How to go: The bus to Kegon Falls from Nikko Station takes around 50 minutes. The bus fare is free for holders of the Nikko Pass (All Area Pass). Make sure to get the “All Area Pass” because the more limited “World Heritage Pass” does not include bus routes beyond the main temple area. To make your trip planning easy, I added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my Instagram feed. Feel free to use Instagram’s save feature for quick access later. Follow me on Instagram 2. Akechidaira Ropeway (Akechidaira Plateau Viewpoint) Location: Hosoomachi, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. Ride the Akechidaira Ropeway up to the observation area, which gives a nice panoramic view of the Nikko region. Looking west, you can see Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. You also see the lush mountains that surround the Akechidaira Plateau. This is a must-visit especially if you bought a “Nikko All Area Pass” as admission to the Akechidaira Ropeway is included. Akechidaira Ropeway (Akechidaira Plateau Viewpoint) in Nikko, Japan 3. Nikko Toshogu Shrine Location: 2301 Sannai, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. Nikko isn’t only rich in beautiful natural landscapes, it’s also a temple town included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Built during the 17th-century the Toshogu is Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine. This complex features colorful buildings & art, and honors the first shogun (military dictators of medieval Japan). Nikko Hotel/Hostel Reservation Check room rates and discounts on Nikko hotels, hotels & home rentals. Click below, set your minimum/maximum price, and sort by review ratings to find the best accommodations within your budget. See rates onlineCompare pricesHome rentals 4. Shinkyo Bridge Location: Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. No visit to Nikko is complete without a souvenir photo of the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. This vermillion-colored bridge built during the 1600s can be found at the entrance of Nikko’s temple complex. You can’t miss it! 5. Taiyuin (Iemitsu Mausoleum) Iemitsu Mausoleum (Taiyuin) in Nikko, Japan Location: 2300 Sannai, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. A lavish mausoleum complex dedicated to the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. Like the Toshogu, the Taiyuin or Taiyuimbyo Shrine is composed of many well-decorated buildings in the middle of the peaceful forest. It’s worth spending time to visit when in Nikko. 6. Nikkozan Rinno-ji Temple Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple in Nikko, Japan Location: 2300 Sannai, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. Nikko’s most important Buddhist temple. It was founded by the monk, Shodo Shonin, who introduced Buddhism to Nikko. Among the most famous buildings in Rinnō-ji is the Sanbutsudō (Three Buddha Hall). This building features gold-leafed statues of three deities, each a manifestations of Nikko’s three sacred mountains (Mount Nantai, Mount Nyohou, and Mount Tarou). 7. Five-Story Pagoda (Toshogu Gojunoto) Five-Story Pagoda (Toshogu Gojunoto) in Nikko, Japan Location: 2301-2 Sannai. Save on Google Maps. Located outside the entrance of the paid area of the Toshogu. The Five-Story Pagoda offers a great photo opportunity. each story of the 34.3-meter tower represents an element—earth, water, fire, wind and heaven, in ascending order. The first four stories were built in a Japanese style, and the top story in a Chinese style. 8. Nikko Futarasan Shrine (Futarasan Jinja) Nikko Futarasan Shrine in Nikko, Japan Location: 2307 Sannai, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. The Nikko Futarasan Shrine together with the Toshogu and Rinnoji forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although overshadowed by its lavish neighbors, the Nikko Futarasan Shrine is the religious heart of Nikko and is older than the Toshogu. It is in this shrine that the Shinto practice of worshipping mountain deities is preserved. 9. Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenji-ko) Cruise Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenji-ko) Cruise in Nikko, Japan Location: Chugushi, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. Lake Chuzenji is a scenic lake found at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko’s sacred volcano. We enjoyed a ride aboard the sightseeing boats that go around the lake. These boats depart from Chuzeniko Onsen, the small hot spring town, near Kegon Waterfall. The admission fee is free for Nikko All Area Pass holders. 10. Chuzenji Temple Chuzenji Temple in Nikko, Japan Location: 2578 Chugushi, Nikko. Save on Google Maps. A small ancient temple on Lake Chuzenji featuring a large statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Nikko that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts! Places to visit in Nikko Nikko tourist spots, things to do in Nikko, where to go in Nikko & more. 1. Kegon Falls 2. Akechidaira Ropeway (Akechidaira Plateau Viewpoint) 3. Nikko Toshogu Shrine 4. Shinkyo Bridge 5. Taiyuin (Iemitsu Mausoleum) 6. Nikkozan Rinno-ji Temple 7. Five-Story Pagoda (Toshogu Gojunoto) 8. Nikko Futarasan Shrine (Futarasan Jinja) 9. Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenji-ko) Cruise 10. Chuzenji Temple Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Where to Stay in Nikko Click below & search recommended Nikko hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings. AgodaAirbnbBooking.com Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons. Kyoto Essentials & Top Discounts Japan Mobile Data SIM card/Pocket WIFI Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location: Japan SIM cardPocket WIFISee all discounts Nikko Travel Pass See discounts JR Pass for Whole Japan See discounts JR East-South Hokkaido Pass (Flexible 6 Days) See discounts JR East Tohoku Area Pass (5 Days) See discounts Edo Wonderland Ticket See discounts Popular discounts and tours booked by other travelers: Nikko World Heritage Day Tour from Tokyo Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo JR East-South Hokkaido Pass (6 Days) Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up) Click below to see more on: KlookGetYourGuide Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 14 Places to Visit in North India + Things To Do for…5 Places to Visit in Laos + Things To Do for First-Timers7 Places to Visit in Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem +…5 Places to Visit in Colmar + Things To Do Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Nikko JapanEast AsiaAsia See all places Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. 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