2-Day Trip

Experience the road to Nikko

Follow the footsteps of ancient Samurai

Suggested by

Angus Miyaji

Your Journey

STOP.1

Hachinojo Restaurant

STOP.2

Wakayama Bamboo Farm

STOP.3

Watanabesahei Sake Brewery

STOP.4

Nikko Kanaya Hotel

STOP.5

UNESCO World Heritage Shrines & Temples

STOP.6

Kitrip's Nikko Tours

STOP.7

NAOC's Nikko Bike Tours

Start

JR Utsunomiya Station

Stop

Lunch at Hachinojo Restaurant

Culture, Food & Drink, Luxury

Start your trip from Utsunomiya and indulge in slow, healthy dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and delicate seasonings. The special ‘WATER course’ showcases the pristine, natural water of Tochigi’s underground springs.
Each of the ten courses is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the unique flavors imparted by this renowned water. (Limited to 1-8 people per group).
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Info

[Address] 1785-17 Yanase-cho, Utsunomiya-city, Tochigi-prefecture
[Tel] 028-638-9235
[Business hours] Lunch 11:30-15:00 (LO 14:00)
Dinner 18:00-23:00 (LO 22:00)
[Closed Days] Mondays
[Fee] 4,000-15,000 yen (Lunch)

Why did I choose here?

Stop

Explore Wakayama Bamboo Farm

Outdoors, Culture

From Utsunomiya to Nikko, travel the Nikko-Kaido Road, an ancient path that was created to connect Edo (Tokyo) and Nikko.

Your first stop is Wakayama Bamboo Farm, Japan’s largest bamboo forest. It is very popular with overseas visitors because of its atmosphere, which is like Arashiyama in Kyoto (but much larger). Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences, like drinking matcha tea in bamboo cups and strolling through its magical forest illuminations in the winter. The bamboo forest has also been featured in films and commercials, making it a unique and memorable stop for travelers.

Info

[Address] 2018 Takaragihoncho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
[Tel] +81 28 665 1417
[Business hours] Weekdays: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
*The last admission is 30 minutes before closing
*During the summer months (June to August), closing time on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays is extended to 9:00 pm
[Closed Days] Usually open every day.
[Fee] Adults: ¥750 Elementary and Middle School Students: ¥500 Preschoolers (3-5 years old): ¥250
*Admission fees are valid throughout the day (re-entry allowed).
*Additional fees apply during illumination times.

Why did I choose here?

Stop

Learn about Sake Making (Brewery Tour)

Culture, Tradition, Food & Drink

Just as you enter Nikko (via the Nikko Kaido), at the foot of the Nikko mountains and close to UNESCO World Heritage sites, you will find a family-run sake brewery called Watanabesahei Sake Brewery.
This traditional Japanese sake brewery was founded in 1842 and has been preserving the tradition of making sake ever since. The owner speaks very good English and offers two popular afternoon tours with sake tasting in English.

Info

[Address] 450 Imaichi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi-ken
[Tel] +81 0288-21-0007
[Business hours] 9:00 am-4:00 pm *Shop is open, but please make reservations for brewery tours.
[Closed Days] Usually open every day.
[Fee] 1,000-5,000 yen pp

Why did I choose here?

Stop

Enjoy a stay at the historic Kanaya Hotel (Stay the night )

Historical, Culture, Unique

As you arrive in Nikko, just above Shinkyo (the red bridge) is Nikko Kanaya Hotel.

Blending Western amenities with Japanese architecture, Nikko Kanaya Hotel has been a popular destination for dignitaries since its opening in 1873. Located only a few minutes walk from the World Heritage sites, it provides an opportunity for guests to experience Japanese history and culture.

Info

[Address] 栃木県日光市上鉢石町1300
[Tel] 0288-54-0001
[Fee] Middle to High range

Why did I choose here?

Stop

Explore the Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Culture, History, UNESCO

After enjoying a stay in Nikko, it’s time to visit the the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, which were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The complex consists of 103 buildings and structures, including surrounding ruins and relics from the Shinto shrines (Nikko Toshogu and Nikko Futarasan-jinja) and the Buddhist temple Rinnoji. The Shogunate honored and cared for the site during the Edo period after Tokugawa Ieyasu was buried in Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Visitors can see the carvings on the buildings, which showcase traditional craftsmanship.

Info

[Open hours]
■Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine
Apr. – Oct: 9:00 –17:00 / Nov. – Mar: 9:00 –16:00
■Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple　
Apr. – Oct: 8:00 –17:00 / Nov. – Mar: 8:00 –16:00
■Nikko Futarasan Jinja
Apr. – Oct: 8:00 –17:00 / Nov. – Mar: 9:00 –16:00
[Fee]
■Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine
Adult (High school students and above) 1,600 yen
Elementary/middle school students: 450 yen
■Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple (Hall of Three Buddhas)
Adult: 400 yen
Elementary/middle school students: 200 yen
■Nikko Futarasan Jinja:
Shrine Gardens entrance fee 300 yen

Why did I choose here?

Stop

Unique Culture Tour with Kitrip

Culture, Local, Unique, Special

After learning about Nikko’s culture, it’s time to discover Nikko’s untold stories with Kitrip tours.

Kitrip’s tours are produced by Rieko Kito, a Nikko native and experienced tour and event producer. She emphasizes interaction with locals and cultural experiences, believing that “regional experiences are the best way to learn!”. One of her tours includes experiencing hunting in the mountains of Nikko and learning about the cycle of life. Another tour focuses on the hidden area of Okukinu to experience the local culture and delicacy of Japanese Giant Salamander. Kitrip also offers a tour of natural ice creation, which includes a visit to the icehouse, learning about the food culture and water cycle related to ice, and breaking ice with a professional.

Info

[Tours Location] Various places in Nikko
[Fee] Around 20,000-50,000 yen

Why did I choose here?

Stop

Bike Tour of Nikko National Park with NAOC

Culture, Local, History, Outdoors

Lastly, join a cycling tour with NAOC (Nature Adventure Outdoor Club) to finish your trip to Nikko.

NAOC offers several cycling tours highlighting the area’s natural environment, traditional culture, and the life of the people in Nikko. Electric mountain bikes are also available, so there is no need to worry if you aren’t a regular cyclist.