Don’t Say “Beautiful” Until You’ve Seen Nikko: The Most Luxurious Day Trip from Tokyo
You’ve seen the temples in Kyoto. They are brown, simple, and wooden (“Zen”). But if you want to see GOLD, you have to go to Nikko.
There is a famous Japanese saying: “Don’t say ‘Kekko’ (Magnificent) until you’ve seen Nikko.”
Located 2 hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is where the most powerful Shogun (Samurai leader) in history, Tokugawa Ieyasu, is buried. Because he was rich and powerful, his shrine isn’t simple. It is the most decorated, colorful, and expensive-looking shrine in Japan.
Plus, it’s in the middle of a stunning national park. As your friend, here is how to plan the perfect mix of history and nature in Nikko.
1. The “Toshogu Shrine”: The Bling-Bling of Japan
This is the main event. Unlike other shrines that blend into nature, Toshogu Shrine screams wealth. It is covered in gold leaf, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors.
- Must-See #1: The Three Wise Monkeys Look for a small wood carving above a stable. You will see three monkeys:
- See no evil.
- Speak no evil.
- Hear no evil. This famous philosophy originated here!
- Must-See #2: The Sleeping Cat (Nemuri-Neko) It’s tiny, but famous. A carving of a sleeping cat that symbolizes peace. (Honestly? It’s very small. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it).
- Must-See #3: Yomeimon Gate Just look at it. It has over 500 carvings. It is said you can look at it until sunset and not get bored.
2. Shinkyo Bridge: The Red Snake
Before you reach the shrines, you will see a beautiful, bright red arched bridge crossing a blue river. This is Shinkyo Bridge. It is one of the best photo spots in Japan, especially in autumn when the leaves are red and yellow.
3. Kegon Falls: The Power of Nature
After the shrines, take a bus up the winding mountain road (Irohazaka) to Lake Chuzenji. Here, you will find Kegon Falls.
It is nearly 100 meters tall. You can take an elevator (yes, an elevator inside the cliff!) down to the base of the waterfall. The sound and spray are intense. It feels like Jurassic Park.
4. The Local Food: “Yuba” (Tofu Skin)
You must eat lunch. In Nikko, the specialty is Yuba.
- What is it? The skin that forms on top of boiling soy milk.
- Taste: It sounds weird, but it has a delicate, creamy soy flavor and a unique texture.
- How to eat it: Served in soba noodles (“Yuba Soba”) or fried. It’s healthy and delicious.
5. How to Get There (The “Spacia X” Train)
Don’t take the JR train (it’s complicated/expensive unless you have a JR Pass). The best way is the Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station.
- The Cool Way: Book the new “Spacia X” Limited Express. It has cockpit suites and a cafe lounge. It’s a luxury train for a reasonable price.
- The Pass: Buy the “Nikko All Area Pass.” It covers the round-trip train AND the buses in Nikko (which are expensive otherwise).
Summary: A Day of Gold and Green
Nikko is special because it balances unmatched human artistry (the shrines) with raw, powerful nature (the mountains and waterfalls).
- Morning: Get blinded by the gold at Toshogu Shrine.
- Lunch: Eat Yuba noodles.
- Afternoon: Feel the spray of Kegon Falls.
It is a long day, but it is “Kekko” (Magnificent).
Want to visit a traditional Edo Wonderland (theme park with Ninjas and Samurai) nearby, or stay overnight in a historic hotel? Our Nikko Tours can create a custom overnight plan so you can see the shrines without the crowds.
