Overview
Nikko is a fantastic day-trip destination from Tokyo, located in Tochigi Prefecture.
This scenic town is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and historic sites, including the ornate Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The area boasts breathtaking landscapes of lush forests and picturesque waterfalls. It's definitely worth the effort to visit!
Itinerary and Tips
Getting to Nikko is easier than it sounds: from Tokyo or Ueno Station, take the JR Tohoku line to Utsunomiya, then switch to the JR Nikko line for a roughly 1.5-hour journey to this charming town.
Upon arrival, a short walk leads you to the iconic red bridge right at the entrance of Toshogu Shrine.
The morning fog adds a mystical touch to the visit. Inside the shrine, you'll find a dozen buildings surrounded by lush forest, with intricately carved and gilded gates like the Yomeimon Gate and the dragon of the Honjido Hall leaving you in awe.
The complex is best explored at a leisurely pace, with countless photo opportunities of gold-leaf-covered pagodas, ancient wood scents, and stern-faced guardian deities.
A quick walk takes you to Rinnoji Temple, home to three 10-meter-tall statues symbolizing Nikko's sacred mountains.
Just a short 20-minute walk from the red bridge leads to the enchanting Jizo statues, set amid nature and waterfalls. Also worth a visit is the Toshogu Museum, showcasing a collection of swords and armor!
My impressions
Arriving from bustling Tokyo, Nikko offers a serene and mystical atmosphere expected from a small Japanese town. Its statues and main streets reveal the charm of provincial Japan. I still remember the cedarwood scent of the forest, mingling with the incense from the temples.
Food
Along the path from the station to the shrines, you'll find dozens of small eateries serving delicious river fish rice, skewered fish, and yuba tofu on traditional tatami mats. It's worth stopping by these local spots for an authentic taste of the region!
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