Tourists can't resist Nikko, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, historical sights, romance, and food.
While Togoshu is the most famous temple site, Rinnoji and Futarasan are also very popular as well as numerous smaller ones. Togoshu is the most extravagant of the lot. The Sacred Stable here houses a white horse as well as a carving of the famous three wise monkeys, who "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." Yakushi-do Hall, the Hall of the Medicine Buddha, is known for a dragon painting on the ceiling and a monk who strikes a block whose sharp sound mimics the cry of a dragon. The Yomei-mon Gate is gilded and incredibly ornate with over 400 carvings decorating the structure.
Rinnoji Temple is known for its three large Buddha figures and the peaceful Shoyoen Garden, while Futarasan is the oldest in Nikko and is dedicated to the spirits of Nikko's three holy mountains-Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Some of Nikko's other sites include the Shinkyo bridge, Takino-o Shrine just up-mountain with a waterfall, the Kanmangafuchi Abyss with its many protector statues, Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park built for the Emperor Taisho in 1899, and the Nikko Botanical Garden.
Nikko National Park, right next door to the little city provides great opportunities for seeing wildlife and engaging in outdoor activities. A short walk south of the center of town will get you on a strenuous but rewarding hiking trail to the summit of Mount Nakimushi inside the park. Akagane Shinsui Koen, known as Japan's Grand Canyon, is another feat for the adventurous hiker, located in the far southwestern corner of the Nikko territory. Inside the park, special low-pollution hybrid buses run from a depot at Akanuma, near the Yukawa River and the Ryuzu Falls, to the nature preserve at Senjugahama, on the western shores of Lake Chuzenji.
If you prefer your own private nature getaway, Woodsman's Village is a place in the hills of Nikko where you can rent a log cabin to stay in for however long you like. There is also an option to rent a barbecue grill as well.
Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Nikko for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.
Historical Sights:
The charming old town is a magnet for tourists. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.
Hiking:
The hiking paths in the vicinity of Nikko are superb. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.
A nice way to explore destinations in Nikko is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- World Heritage Nikko 1-Day Walking Tour from Tokyo or Nikko for $61 details
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour for $163 details
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour for $260 details