
Nearby Tokyo Meets Central Nikko – an area of UNESCO registered temples and more
Nearby Tokyo talks to ‘Nikko Kamen’ a mascot of Nikko city, to find out about central Nikko’s UNESCO-registered shrines and interesting and educational activities.
Central Nikko is a historical nature resort in the north of Tochigi prefecture about 2 hours from Tokyo. Its is quite easy to get to with direct express trains via Tobu line and good connections via Utsunomiya on JR lines.
It is famous for the UNESCO world heritage registered temple and shrines. Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮), Rinnoji Temple (輪王寺), Futaarasan Shrine (二荒山神社), but it also has many other popular places to visit. You could visit Kanmangafuchi Abyss (憾満ヶ淵), eat Yuba, visit breweries such as Watanabesahei Sake Brewery (渡邊佐平商店)and so much more.
Nikko is quite large so we will be showcasing different parts such as Oku-Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen, Yunishigawa, and Ashio in different pages.
The best seasons to visit central Nikko is spring summer, and Autumn. For more information about this interesting destination please see below.
From Tokyo to Nikko or Tobu-Nikko stations
From Airports
Main Stations
Nearby Tokyo talks to ‘Nikko Kamen’ a mascot of Nikko city, to find out about central Nikko’s UNESCO-registered shrines and interesting and educational activities.
Read about the 6 places I recommend visiting in central Nikko. Walk from JR and Tobu Nikko train stations and experience these hidden gems before arriving at the famous Toshogu Shrine.
Visit Katayama Sake Brewery in Nikko, Tochigi and discover a traditional sake brewery only 2h drive from Tokyo!
Visit Watanabesahei Sake Brewery in Nikko and discover a traditional sake brewery only 2h drive from Tokyo!
Nikko is famous for Yuba (tofu skin). You can find many Japanese restaurants between the station and the shrines that offer special Yuba dishes for lunch and dinner.
Rainbow trout was brought in from the USA in late 19th century. It has been a popular dish in Nikko ever since. Several restaurants are famous for this dish.
Yokan is a soft sweet dessert made from Anko (red bean paste). It is famous in Nikko as travelers and Yamabushi (mountain monks) would take it on trips as energy food.
Apart from Yuba (although there are many variations of Yuba dishes to try in Nikko), there are also many Japanese restaurants in Nikko. The easiest place to find one is around the main street between the two stations and Nikko shrines.
Nikko has a very wide range of restaurants catering even for westerners. There is a very nice Italian restaurant near the stations as well as steak houses and Family restaurants (budget restaurants).
As Nikko is a popular destination there are restaurants that cater for a Vegan and Vegetarian diet as well.
A small European style restaurant with delicious homemade food prepared with local ingredients hand-picked by our chef.
Nikko is a popular tourist destination and has many western hotels to choose from. Most notably, it is home to Nikko Kanaya Hotel which was the first western style resort hotel to open in Japan.
‘Nikko Onsen (日光温泉)’ is an onsen source pumped up from around the UNESCO registered temple and shrines. Many of the hotels in central Nikko have this onsen water.
Experience history and luxury at Japan’s oldest hotel! Immerse yourself in 150 years of hospitality amidst Nikko’s majestic landscapes and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stay and create timeless memories!
There are several Airbnbs.
Find the full list of airbnb’s available at aribnb here.
Type: Western Style Business Hotel
Location: 4 min drive from JR Tochig Station. (located in city center)
Type: Guesthouse
Location: 4 min drive from JR Tochigi station. (located by the river in city center)
Type: Holiday rental
Location: 12 min drive from Mashiko station
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
Travel+ Leisure
This Lesser-known Destination in Japan has…
18 of Asia’s most underrated places
Commemorating 20 years of UNESCO status
Luxury Travel Magazine
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko Opens Its Doors Amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan
Popular hanami spots in Japan include Ueno Park, Inokashira Park, and Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. However, these locations can get very crowded. So if you wanted to go somewhere less crowded, why not visit places nearby Tokyo? Find some ideas here.
Nearby Tokyo talks to ‘Nikko Kamen’ a mascot of Nikko city, to find out about central Nikko’s UNESCO-registered shrines and interesting and educational activities.
We’ve created a special online guide about Mashiko to help overseas visitors explore Mashiko. Click the image to discover more!
We’ve created a Mashiko Photo gallery to help overseas visitors and travel companies see what Mashiko has to offer. Click the image to discover more!
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