Things to do & places to visit in Nikko National Park, Japan

The Nikko National Park is one of the first national parks in Japan that was established on December 4, 1934. The park area covers three prefectures, which are Fukushima, Tochigi and Gunma with a total area of 114,908 ha. Most of the park area is a mountainous area belonging to the Nasu volcanic belt and is spread into the following mountains: Mt. Shirane (Mt. Nikko-Shirane) with an altitude of 2,578 m which is the highest mountain in the North Kanto, Mt. Nantai with an altitude of 2,486 m which is known as a sacred mountain from the ancient times, and Mt. Chausu (Mt. Nasu) with an altitude of 1,917 m which is still an active volcano. Further, plateaus spread at the foot of these mountains, to which crater lakes, impressive waterfalls and gorges with beautiful autumn leaves add colors. Meanwhile, a perfect fusion of several historic buildings including shrines and temples registered as the World Cultural Heritage sites and the surrounding natural landscapes can be appreciated.

Nikko National Park #10 destination in Japan 2023. Timezone: Asia/Tokyo, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 21:53.

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Top things to do (18)

• Bodies of Water
• Observation Decks & Towers
• Thermal Spas
• Geologic Formations
• Boat Tours
• Religious Sites
• Mountains
• Onsen Resorts
• Scenic Walking Areas
• Hiking Trails
• Parks
• Canyons
• Ranches
• Historic Sites
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Waterfalls
• Bridges

Top places to visit (24 attractions)

1. 4.5 Shika no Yu (258 reviews)
   - Shika no Yu a blast from the past
   Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Onsen Resorts • Thermal Spas
   
   
   I'd been wanting to go here for a while as a day trip but heard it was too difficult. It's not. Just take the Shinkasen or the Shinjuku Liner and your up there in no time. So I decided to spend the night in this area...not my best choice. If your in this area Shika no Yu is excellent. Great sulfur waters, beautiful and clean. The history dates back to the 7th century and the onsen is old, rustic and charming. Nearby, there is a temple and the Valley of Jizo which you can enjoy in about 2 hours. If your an Onsen buff this is not to be missed. If your into 1st class and luxury...probably not the place to go. If you stay in the area nearby Nasu Harvest or Nasu Sanraku are very nice. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Kammangafuchi Gorge (196 reviews)
   - Tranquil
   Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations
   
   
   Kanmangafuchi Abyss was formed by an eruption of nearby Mount Nantai. This gorge near central Nikko is only a few hundred meters long and can be enjoyed from a pleasant riverside walking trail. It is also known for its row of stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who cares for the deceased. It can be reached by taking the world heritage bus to stop no. 8 and about 15 mins by foot through a quiet neighbourhood or about 10 mins from the main Tobu Nikko station. See more..
   
3. 4.5 Takinoo Shrine (119 reviews)
   - Best thing to do in Nikko
   Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites
   
   
   We did the temples, shrines and the Imperial Villa, but this was the best thing we did in Nikko. The trail starts near the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge and proceeds up the mountain past the Toshogu Shrine. The shrines were very busy, but we basically had the trail to ourselves with just an occasional group or individual walker. On the way up the trail went parallel to a rural road through cedar and bamboo forests (some of the cedar trees are enormous) and past small shrines, stones and waterfalls to the Takino'o Shrine. The trail consists of large smooth stones (which could be slippery if it was raining) and some flights of starirs. It was mistly and foggy when we were there, but was not raining. Definitely worth the time. Be sure to see the statues under the cliff at the Hotoke Iwa. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Ryuka Waterfall (81 reviews)
   - Nice Hike And Scenery.
   Waterfalls
   
   
   If you enjoy nature hikes and beautiful cascades of water then I highly reccomend adding a visit to Ryuuku Falls. Most pictures do not actually do it justice as it is much taller than it appears on film. The hike through the thick Japanese forest is also quite breathtaking and not overly difficult. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Odashirogahara Field (69 reviews)
   - Picturesque Walk
   Hiking Trails
   
   
   Visited Nikko during Oct and it was a perfect timing where it's Autumn and the leaves were turning yellow and red. We tried to avoid traffic jam, as Nikko will be crowded with tourists especially during weekends, so we departed very early in the morning. We started the morning hike from Odashirogahara field and then continued to the Senjogahara field. The walk was so picturesque and relaxing with the marshland, the trees all painted in autumn colors, and the morning breeze and sunshine made the walk a very pleasant one where we didn't even feel the tiredness. Plenty of tourists only visit Senjogahara field as it's more easy to access, but if you have the time, Odashirogahara is a hidden gem that worth for a detour. One can take a short bus ride from Akunuma Tourist info center to the hike start point of Odashirogahara Field. See more..
   
6. 4.0 Kegon Falls (1.650 reviews)
   - A MUST visit if you are in Nikko
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Waterfalls
   
   
   A MUST visit if you are in Nikko. This waterfall is by far the most spectacular waterfall I visited and the best in the area. Parking is available. To enter the falls, you’ll need to take a lift. It is really a breathtaking view. Really worth the visit. There are also some food stores and gift shops at the ground level too. See more..
   
7. 4.0 Lake Chuzenji (988 reviews)
   - Amazing lake with many waterfalls nearby
   Bodies of Water
   
   
   A very beautiful lake. We stayed at the by the lake for a night and it was really peaceful. Although there’s nothing much to shop, there are a lot of waterfalls nearby lake Chuzenji. It is worth it to stay a night here and visit all the waterfalls around the area. See more..
   
8. 4.0 Shinkyo Bridge (916 reviews)
   - A very spiritual entrance to a very spiritual place
   Sunday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bridges
   
   
   I paid 300 Yen (about US$2.70) to stand on this bridge. Although the view was nice it was the fact that I'm entering an area that is a crown jewel of Japan. It was the end of nearly 8 months in the country and as a history buff and appreciator of Japan I got to stand on the path of others far greater than myself. See more..
   
9. 4.0 Nikko Futarasan Shrine (585 reviews)
   - Matchmaking shrine
   Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
   
   
   二荒山神社 Futarasan Shrine is famous for Matchmaking shrine. There are some interesting things. It’s very close from 日光東照宮 Nikko Toshogu. See more..
   
10. 4.0 Tobu World Square (583 reviews)
    - Interesting park.
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    Tobu World Square is an architectural museum with skillful reproductions of 102 world-famous buildings on the 1/25 scale, including 46 World Heritage Sites. Open TOBU WORLD SQUARE Station in front of TOBU WORLD SQUARE in next 2017.7.22 See more..
    
11. 4.0 Ryuzu Waterfall (549 reviews)
    - Beautiful in autumn, even early October although not as mindblowing as some of the pictures show
    Waterfalls
    
    
    There's two main things I want to say about Ryuzu Falls. First of all, it's very beautiful with red leaves and definitely one of the best things in Nikko if you're coming in autumn season. The second thing is unfortunately I had seen the photos online of it's peak colors, and set my expectations very high and even though it was very beautiful it wasn't as beautiful as some of the photos posted by others. To get the peak colors, you have to time your trip in a very short window between October 18th-24th. We came here on October 6th, when the autumn was on it's way but not peak. There are many stairs from the observation deck next to the coffee shop at stop 37, from where if you keep climbing you will keep getting ever-better views. At the top of the trail you will reach the bus stop 38, and you can see the fall on both sides in between foliage trickling down. Cross the road, to enjoy a thorough view of the falls. See more..
    
12. 4.0 Minamigaoka Ranch (512 reviews)
    - Wonderful day out with my son
    Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Ranches
    
    
    The highlight of the visit was trout fishing. My son was happy to see fresh water fish like Sturgeon but he got extremely excited to know that we could fish. You should not release trouts once you fish but you have to eat them. There were many more activities that are really nice for small children. Free entrance and requires fees for each activity that costs around 800 yen each. See more..
    
13. 4.0 Rinno-ji Temple (429 reviews)
    - Grand
    Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites
    
    
    Rinnoji Temple is a large Buddhist temple complex in central Nikko. Sanbutsudo Hall, the temple’s main building, is one of the largest wooden structures in Nikko, and houses eight-meter-tall gold statues. The temple also includes a treasure house with National Treasure sutras and Buddha statues, as well as the Japanese garden Shoyoen, featuring a placid pond. Outside the Sanbutsudo, the Sorinto pillar stands tall with a height of 13.2m. The pillar was made in 1643 at Shogun Tokugawa Iyemitsu’s request. Well worth the visit. See more..
    
14. 4.0 Senjogahara Field (376 reviews)
    - Awesome place to have a long walk and relax
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
    
    
    I went here on a sunny day with not many people around and loved the atmosphere and nature. Quite a long and relaxing walk. See more..
    
15. 4.0 Irohazaka Route (343 reviews)
    - Exciting driving
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    There is lots of Z shape of the route in the mountains. What exciting route. If you have a sports car then you can drive fast and race with nature. We rode the city bus between Nikko and Lake Chuzenji several times. In the beginning, my family doubts the city bus could drive on the Z shape route to get the mountain? It was, the driver let the bus fast and safe to arrive at tourists’ destinations many times every day. That looks very exciting. But don't forget to buy a Nikko pass ticket before visiting Nikko. Because of all the areas of Nikko, bus and train fares are expensive. See more..
    
16. 4.0 Yunoko Lake (285 reviews)
    - One of best lakes i have seen so far - Pure Nature absolute Serene
    Bodies of Water
    
    
    I usually give 5/5 if it has touched my heart and this place has truly touched it. Best thing about this place is - It is less touristy as compared to chuzenji and many people dont know much about this place and so it is an untouched beauty. Very quite lake, mountains all around - greenery and nice road side connectivity. You can sit relax, have a coffee and go for a boating. I would recommend this as a must go place if you are in nikko. Buses are well connected both ways towards Yumoto and towards nikko city. No need for hike/walking trail. I had traveled with my 6mo little one and had no problems . See my photos to get the feeling :) See more..
    
17. 4.0 Mount Nasudake (240 reviews)
    - Beautiful, short hike
    Mountains
    
    
    We just went for a beautiful, short hike up to the Mine no Chaya shelter. Rather than taking the cable car, from the parking lot we went left, and although it is a little steep in some spots, it is quite an easy 40-50 minute hike up to the shelter, and maybe about 30 minutes down. From the shelter you can go left up to the crater, or right and continue on to Mt. Asahi and then Mt. Sanbon-yari, with the full return trip taking about 5 hrs. See more..
    
18. 4.0 Ryuokyo Canyon (237 reviews)
    - A beautiful hiking trail
    Canyons
    
    
    Good exercise along a beautiful canyon. About a 2km trek if you want to go on both bridges and back again, many good viewing points and waterfalls. Highly recommend for a couple's exercise date. See more..
    
19. 4.0 Akechidaira Observation Area (188 reviews)
    - Nice to stop by
    Sunday: 8:40 AM - 3:30 PM Observation Decks & Towers
    
    
    We went there on a foggy and rainy day and the management did put out a sign that said visibility is extremely low due to the fog. That's why we didn't get on the ropeway. And we appreciate how the Japanese make things transparent. But still we waited a little outside the ropeway station and managed to see the fog clears up momentarily, revealing Houtou falls and Irohazaka Route... quite magical. See more..
    
20. 4.0 Italian Embassy House Memorial Park (159 reviews)
    - Quite and nice place
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
    
    
    I thought it would be monumental park, but it is a small quite villa just next door with another small villa (the British Embassy villa) See more..
    
21. 4.0 Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi (Suspension bridge) (147 reviews)
    - Suspension bridge above Kinugawa river
    Spent < 1 hour Bridges
    
    
    This 140-meter-long pedestrian only suspension bridge connects the Kinugawa onsen to a giant monolith rock known as Tateiwa. Walkers can enjoy a wonderful view of the Kinugawa rapids 40 metres below and changing scenery of the surrounding mountain slopes and cliffs. The bridge sways gently from side to side on stronger winds - fun for the adrenaline adventurers and fortunately, not too unpleasant for the faint hearted or those with a fear of heights. Once on the other side of the river, an ogre statue stands greeting, where you can print a commemorative stamp to celebrate your crossing. There are 2 trails in opposite directions. Trail on the right through the tunnel leads to a viewpoint and another ogre. Climb the stairs for a helicopter city view and chance to toll the bell for good luck. The left-hand trail brings you to a stream and waterfall. This free and fun site makes a great first stop while staying at the Kinugawa Park Hotel, 8 minutes walk away. See more..
    
22. 4.0 Kinugawa River Boat (122 reviews)
    - Nice ride
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM Boat Tours
    
    
    The scenary of the river is breath taking. The boat rider is very enthustic although we don't know what he is talking. We have 5 boats on the day even during weekdays. It is the peak season for red leaves. I recommend to do a reservation online before going. We also tried the sea salt fish at the arrival point. It is really delicious. The boat ride is a must do thing in Kinugawa. See more..
    
23. 4.0 Nikko Futarasan Jinja Chugushi Shrine (106 reviews)
    - Amazing, worth the drive.
    Historic Sites • Religious Sites
    
    
    Just got back from Japan and I was lucky enough to go to the Nikko Jinja. This is a large shrine built in the 1600's in honor of the Shogun. It is a sprawling structure with incredible details every where you look. Walk the entire area and bring your camera for some great pics. The main gate is incredible to see. Unfortunately for me it was getting refurbished so I could not see it in its total splendor. You will not be disappointed. Give yourself a half day for the shrine and then drive down to the waterfall which is in the same region. I wouldn't waste your money on the elevator ride down to the base of the waterfall because you get pretty good views from the top. If you want some additional pics then maybe the extra Yen is worth it to you. Also, make sure you stop in town to get some pics of the red bridge, beautiful! See more..
    
24. 4.0 Mt. Nantai (99 reviews)
    - Hard!!
    Mountains
    
    
    As the reviews state, nantai is no joke. Unrelenting steepness from bottom to top. It took 6 of us 2 hours to summit and was definitely one of the harder climbs I've done. Views are all worth it when you finally finish. See more..