How about a trip to Nikko City to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Surrounded by nature, Nikko City is dotted with sightseeing spots.
It is recommended as a date course, but there are also many spots that solo travelers, women’s trips, and family trips with children can enjoy. Rather than just a day trip, we suggest planning a stay so you can take your time.
This time, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots you can visit along drive routes in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. If you are unsure which route to take, or if you’re looking for ideas for a date plan, we hope this helps.
Classic Course! Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The famous tourist spot in Tochigi, “Nikko Toshogu Shrine.” This shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the warlord who founded the Edo shogunate, is also registered as a World Heritage Site, and it is no exaggeration to say it represents Japan.
The dazzling decorations of its historically significant buildings, designated as Important Cultural Properties, are a must-see.
The Shinkyo Bridge, a World Cultural Heritage site, is also recommended. It exudes a solemn atmosphere. It’s a good idea to stop by on your way from Nikko Station to the shrine, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and views of the river.
Magnificent Autumn Foliage Spot! Lake Chuzenji
Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Landscapes, “Lake Chuzenji” is located within Nikko National Park. It is also a superb scenic spot overlooking Mt. Nantai and Senjogahara. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, and sightseeing cruises.
The power of nature! Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls is one of Japan’s three famous waterfalls, and the most famous among the 48 waterfalls in Nikko.
It is located right next to Lake Chuzenji, and you can take an elevator up to the viewing platform. The sight of the waterfall plunging straight down the cliff is overwhelming. Especially, the combination of autumn leaves and Kegon Falls, or the snowstorms of winter and Kegon Falls, are breathtakingly beautiful.
If you want a relaxed plan, Kinugawa Onsen
If you want to take a breather from your drive, Kinugawa Onsen is perfect. It is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Kanto. Even if it rains, you can take a break in the hot springs.
Kinugawa River Boat Ride is popular with tourists. The beautiful autumn foliage season is particularly recommended.
If you want to take a breather from your drive, Kinugawa Onsen is perfect. It is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Kanto. Even if it rains, you can take a break in the hot springs. Kinugawa River Boat Ride is popular with tourists. The beautiful autumn foliage season is particularly recommended.
This hot spring area is located within Nikko National Park, lined with private houses and inns. It is both a sightseeing spot and a hidden gem where you can relax. Historically, it is said that the defeated Heike warriors of the Battle of Dan-no-ura discovered these hot springs and healed their wounds here.
Nearby, you can also visit “Heike no Sato” and the “Yunishi Historical Museum” to learn more about history.
Feel the dragon!? Ryuokyo Gorge
As its name suggests, Ryuokyo Gorge is a magnificent valley that makes you feel the presence of a dragon. It is characterized by the deep green river and powerful rock formations. The current landscape was formed when volcanic rocks from submarine volcanic activity were eroded by the flow of the Kinugawa River.
Let’s go for a drive! Akechidaira Observatory
From the Akechidaira Observatory, you can gaze upon the mountains such as Irohazaka and Mt. Nantai, as well as see Nikko City, the sightseeing spots of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. You can also reach Lake Chuzenji via the walking trail from the observatory. Since the ropeway takes only about 3 minutes to the observatory, why not stop by while on a drive?
Perfect for a date course! Kinutateiwa great suspension bridge
The 140-meter-long Kinutateiwa Great Suspension Bridge is known as a matchmaking bridge. The Kinugawa River is said to represent a woman, while the Tateiwa Rock represents a man. Since it is a pedestrian suspension bridge, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the bridge.
Nearby, on the first floor of Hotel Sunshine Kinugawa, there is the “Ashiyu Café Espo,” where you can relax at the café while enjoying a footbath.
Nikko has plenty of recommended sightseeing spots!
What do you think? In addition to these, there are plenty of attractions in Tochigi Prefecture, such as Utsunomiya’s famous gyoza and the popular Nasu Highlands. Though it is deep in the mountains, the roads are well maintained, so you can enjoy your drive with peace of mind.
The air in nature-rich Nikko City is clear, making the night view shine even more beautifully, and in summer, the starry sky is especially vivid.
Let’s visit Nikko City, full of charm and enjoyable for everyone from babies to the elderly!