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.
Nikko (Central Area)
Highlights of Central Nikko
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.
Access
From Tokyo to Nikko or Tobu-Nikko stations
- 2hours by train. (To JR Nikko Station)
- 2 hours by train. (To Tobu-Nikko Station)
- 3h by bus. (from Tokyo Station)
- 2.5h drive by car
From Airports
- 3h from Narita Itn. Airport (Car)
- 3h from Narita Itn. Airport (Train)
- 3h from Haneda Int. Airport (Train)
- 3h 15min from Haneda Int. Airport (Car)
- 2h 15min from Ibaraki Airport (Car)
Main Stations
- Nikko Sta. (JR Nikko Line)
- Tobu-Nikko Sta. (Tobu Nikko Line)
- Imaichi Sta. ( JR Nikko Line)
- Tobu Shimo-Imaichi Sta. (Tobu Nikko Line)
- Tobu Kami-Imaichi Sta. (Tobu NIkko Line)
Videos of Central Nikko
Spring in Nikko (All area)
Spring in Nikko (All area)
Things to DO in Central Nikko
Temple and Shrines
Nikko is most famous for UNESCO World heritage Temple and Shrines. Most famous is Nikko Toshogu (日光東照宮), Rinouji Temple (輪王寺), Futaarasan Temple(二荒山神社).
Shinkyo Bridge
Shinkyo Bridge (神橋) is hard to miss as it is just before the temple and shrines of Nikko. Visitors usually take photos from the bridge beside it but for a small fee you can also walk over it.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Kanmangafuchi Abyss (憾満ヶ淵) is. a beautiful gorge with jizo statues 15 min walk from Shinko bridge. The gorge was formed by lava flow from Mt. Nantai. There is a walking path and has been a popular place ever since the seventeenth century.
Tamozawa Imperial Villa Park
Tamozawa Imperial Villa (田母沢御用邸, Tamozawa Goyōtei) was
built in 1899 and used by imperial family from Taisho through to Showa (1947). The architecture is interesting as it includes Edo, Meiji and Taisho period works in one location.
Shops, Cafes and Restaurants
There area many shops, cafes and restaurants on the main street (1.7km long) leading from Nikko and Tobu-Nikko stations to Toshogu shrine. We recommend walking (takes around 25min) instead of the bus .
Nikko Onsen
Nikko Onsen is a hot spring that spreads around the city of Nikko and the shrines and temples of Nikko. You can find a list of hotels that are part of the Nikko Onsen Ryokan Association here.
Nikko Woodcarving
Nikko Woodcarving (日光彫り, Nikko Bori) is a traditional Japanese carving method handed down since the Edo period.
It is original to Nikko and is a technique passed on from carpenters who helped construct Nikko Toshogu Shrine. You can find experiences at 'mekke' which is on the main street.
Sake Breweries
To experience Japan, you should visit a traditional brewery. There are two sake breweries that welcome visitors. Both are close to Imaichi station (JR Nikko Line) and Shimo-Imaichi station (Tobu Nikko Line). They are Watanabesahei Sake Brewery (offers English tours) , and Katayama Sake Brewery.
Nikko Suginamiki Kaido (Nikko Cedar Avenue)
Nikko Suginamiki Kaido (日光杉並木街道 Nikko Cedar Avenue) is a 37km long tree-lined road with 12,126 Cedar trees on both sides. It holds the Guinness World Records of being the longest tree-lined road in the world! You can see the trees leading from Toshogu shrine towards Imaichi.
Learn more about places to visit in Central Nikko
6 Places to check out on your way to Toshogu Shrine in Nikko!
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.
Sake Brewing Travelogue Part 2: Exploring Katayama Brewery in Nikko!
Visit Katayama Sake Brewery in Nikko, Tochigi and discover a traditional sake brewery only 2h drive from Tokyo!
Sake Brewing Travelogue: A Visit to Watanabesahei Sake Brewery in Nikko
Visit Watanabesahei Sake Brewery in Nikko and discover a traditional sake brewery only 2h drive from Tokyo!
Top events around Central Nikko
EATING in Central Nikko
Yuba Dishes
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.
Nijimasu Dishes
(Rainbow trout)
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 and sweets
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.
Japanese 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.
Western Food
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).
Vegan / Vegetarian
As Nikko is a popular destination there are restaurants that cater for a Vegan and Vegetarian diet as well.
COENA Cafe
A small European style restaurant with delicious homemade food prepared with local ingredients hand-picked by our chef.
Places to STAY in Central Nikko
Hotels (Western style)
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.
Onsen Ryokan
‘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.
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
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!
Holiday rental (Airbnb)
There are several Airbnbs.
Want prices?
Find the full list of airbnb’s available at aribnb here.
Hotel Sunroute Tochigi
Type: Western Style Business Hotel
Location: 4 min drive from JR Tochig Station. (located in city center)
Guest House Kuranomachi
Type: Guesthouse
Location: 4 min drive from JR Tochigi station. (located by the river in city center)
Morino Garden
Type: Holiday rental
Location: 12 min drive from Mashiko station
Day trips from Central Nikko
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
Nikko in the News
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
Learn more about places to visit in Central Nikko
Pro Tips – How to experience the Beauty of Sakura near Tokyo
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 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.
Tochigi City Travel Guide
We’ve created a special online guide about Mashiko to help overseas visitors explore Mashiko. Click the image to discover more!
Tochigi city Photo Gallery
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!
Daigo Town in the Media
