Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day on a Day Trip to Nikko from Tokyo
Nikko is a beautiful mountain town in Japan, known for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines, waterfalls, and nature. It’s perfect for a day trip from Tokyo if you want to see traditional Japan, beautiful forests, and peaceful temples.
Here’s a full-day itinerary to help you enjoy Nikko to the fullest!
Take a Train to Tobu-Nikko Station
Travel Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours
Departure Options:
From Asakusa Station (Tobu Line – great for tourists)
From Tokyo or Ueno Station (JR Line – good if you have a JR Pass)
Recommended Train Options:
Tobu Limited Express SPACIA or REVALTY – Direct from Asakusa. Comfortable seats and tourist-friendly.
JR Tohoku Line to Utsunomiya → Transfer to JR Nikko Line – If using the JR Pass
Arrival Station:
Tobu-Nikko Station (Main tourist area)
JR Nikko Station (Just a few minutes’ walk from Tobu-Nikko)
Tip: Depart by 7:00–8:00 AM so you have plenty of time in Nikko!
Drop Off Your Luggage or Freshen Up
If you’re carrying a bag or suitcase, drop it off at:
Coin Lockers at Tobu-Nikko Station
Luggage Storage Services near the station
Visit Toshogu Shrine – Nikko’s Most Iconic Landmark
Travel Time: 10 minutes by bus or 25 minutes on foot
Entrance Fee: ¥1300
Toshogu Shrine is a must-see. It's beautifully decorated with gold leaf, carvings, and surrounded by forests. It’s the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
What to See:
✔ See the Yomeimon Gate, covered in detailed carvings
✔ Look for the “See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil” monkeys
✔ Climb the peaceful path to the inner shrine
✔ Walk through the tall cedar trees
Tip: Download an audio guide or join a local walking tour for deep historical context.
Explore Nearby Shrines and Temples
All are within walking distance of Toshogu Shrine:
Futarasan Shrine
Rinno-ji Temple
Shinkyo Bridge
Photo Tip: Take a photo of the bridge from the river bank below for a perfect angle.
Enjoy Lunch in the Central Nikko Area
After temple-hopping, it’s time to refuel! There are several cozy spots around the shrine area and the station.
Recommended Restaurants:
Hippari Dako – Yakitori skewers, rice bowls, and ramen with a laid-back vibe
Meiji-no-Yakata – Set in a historic Western-style building; serves omurice, hamburg steak, and desserts
Ramen Bonten – Tasty noodles with unique miso and shoyu-based broths
Vegan / Vegetarian Options:
Vegetable Café Meguri – Cozy café with veggie curries, miso soup sets, and desserts made with local produce
Tip: Eat early (between 11:30–12:00) to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Take a Scenic Bus Ride to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
Travel Time: 40–50 minutes by Tobu bus from Nikko Station
Bus Fare: Around ¥1150 one way (Use IC card or buy a Nikko Pass for savings)
This ride takes you up the famous Irohazaka Winding Road – with 48 hairpin turns through a dense forest. The view is stunning, especially during the autumn foliage.
See Kegon Falls – A Natural Wonder
Entrance Fee: Free to view from the top / ¥570 for elevator to the bottom
Kegon Falls drops almost 100 meters from Lake Chuzenji into a rocky gorge. It’s one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan.
What to Do:
✔ Take the elevator down to the base for a close-up view
✔ Enjoy panoramic views from the upper platform
✔ Listen to the roar of the water – it’s powerful and calming
Optional: Walk the lakeside trail or take a 30-min boat ride on Lake Chuzenji (seasonal, around ¥1500).
Relax at a Lake Café or Tea House
Before heading back, enjoy a break in one of the cafés near Lake Chuzenji or at the foot of the waterfall.
Recommended Cafés:
Café de Savoie – Beautiful lake views, tea, and homemade cakes
kanoco – A cosy little café with a lovely view of the lake
Head Back to Tokyo in the Evening
Recommended Return Time: Between 5:00–7:00 PM
Check the Tobu Limited Express or JR Nikko Line schedules and head back to Tokyo in time for dinner or rest.
- Visit Toshogu Shrine – Nikko’s Most Iconic Landmark2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan
- Futarasan Shrine2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan
- Rinno-ji Temple2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1494, Japan
- Shinkyo BridgeKamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401, Japan
- Take a Scenic Bus Ride to Kegon Falls and Lake ChuzenjiLake Chūzenji, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
- See Kegon Falls – A Natural Wonder2479-2 Chūgūshi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
