Nikko – Shrines, Waterfalls & Monkey Business

Nikko is where spiritual grandeur meets mountain adventure—an enchanting escape nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. Best known for its UNESCO-listed shrines and temples, Nikko offers a captivating blend of ornate architecture, moss-covered stone paths, misty forests, and natural wonders like cascading waterfalls and serene lakes. The crown jewel is Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, adorned with intricate gold leaf, colorful carvings, and those famously wise monkeys.

Though it’s a bit further from Tokyo compared to other day trips (about two hours by express train), Nikko is absolutely doable in a day—and even better as an overnight adventure if time allows. It’s especially perfect for families and nature lovers who want to combine cultural depth with a breath of mountain air. Kids will enjoy the scenic bus rides, wandering temple grounds, and watching the powerful Kegon Falls from a glass elevator.

Getting There

From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Omiya, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to reach Nikko Station (about 2.5 hours, ¥2,700). Or take the Tobu Limited Express SPACIA from Shinjuku directly to Tobu-Nikko Station (about 2 hours, ¥2,800).

From Shibuya Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno, then hop on the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa (about 2–2.5 hours, ¥2,700).

Places to Visit

• Toshogu Shrine – This is the ornate, gold-laden resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Lavish carvings and the famous “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” monkeys await.
• Kegon Falls – One of Japan’s top three waterfalls, dropping nearly 100 meters. There’s an elevator that takes you to the base for a splashy close-up.
• Lake Chuzenji – A peaceful lake at the foot of Mount Nantai. Great for walking trails, boat rides, and lakeside lunch stops.
• Shinkyo Bridge – A vermilion bridge at the gateway to Nikko’s sacred area, offering a beautiful photo op.
• Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park – A hidden gem blending Edo, Meiji, and Taisho architectural styles, once a retreat for the imperial family.

Places to Eat

When it comes to food, Nikko has plenty of options beyond just soba and yuba (tofu skin), the local specialty.

1. Hippari Dako – A quirky noodle shop with wall-to-wall stickers from travelers around the world. Casual, fun, and great for families.
2. Meiji no Yakata – Western-style meals served in a historic building with a lovely garden. They have English menus and kids’ options.
3. Nikko Coffee Goyoteidori – Stylish café with artisan coffee, sandwiches, and cakes. Peaceful and artsy atmosphere.
4. Gyoshintei – Traditional Japanese restaurant inside a renovated samurai residence. A more tranquil, upscale experience
5. Santouka – A cozy ramen shop near Tobu-Nikko Station offering hearty bowls in a welcoming, no-fuss atmosphere.
6. Yasai Café Meguri – A charming café focused on local vegetables and seasonal set meals. It’s light, healthy, and beautifully presented.
7. Nikko Yuba ZEN – Specializing in all things yuba, this quiet restaurant offers traditional kaiseki-style yuba lunches in a peaceful tatami setting.

Sample Itinerary

9:00 AM – Arrive in Nikko and start at Shinkyo Bridge.
9:30 AM – Explore the grandeur of Toshogu Shrine.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Hippari Dako or Meiji no Yakata.
1:30 PM – Take a bus to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
3:30 PM – Optional stroll through the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa grounds.
5:00 PM – Head back to Tokyo.

Whether you're chasing temples, pirate ships, sakura-covered hills, or a steaming bowl of ramen by the sea, these day trips from Tokyo are packed with adventure, culture, and plenty of photo ops. They're all easy to access from central Tokyo—and even easier to enjoy when you have a comfy base to come home to. At Tokyo Family Stays, our spacious, fully equipped homes are perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for convenience, comfort, and local charm and are perfect home bases to take short trips to Kamakura, Kawagoe Chichibu, Yokohama or others - , there's no shortage of great escapes. Whether it’s a first-time visit or your fifteenth, Tokyo and its surroundings always have something new to discover—and we’d love to host you while you explore.