Recommended Length: 1 Day
In early April, Nikko's World Heritage temples and shrines are awash in pink cherry blossoms. Experience the beauty of the trees and savor seasonal springtime delicacies.
Top-Notch Cherry Blossoms and Springtime Cuisine
Day 1
Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station
On Foot
Short walk
Cherry Blossoms
Sakura Hopping in Nikko
When the cherry blossom trees come into bloom in springtime, take a walking tour of Nikko’s historic core, World Heritage shrines and temples where some of the trees are over 200 years old. Several places in Nikko will also be serving special dishes which are only available during the sakura season.
Spring
By bus
5 minutes from the Shinkyo bus stop by buses bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen. Get off at the Nikko-Tamozawa-Goyotei-Kinenkoen bus stop.
Historical Site
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
Constructed as a retreat for Emperor Taisho, Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa incorporates the architectural styles of the late Edo (1603-1867), Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods. Visitors can explore the diverse buildings and beautiful gardens while getting a feel for Japanese imperial culture. The villa is a registered National Treasure.
History & Culture
On Foot
15-minute walk
Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The most noteworthy of Nikko’s religious buildings is Toshogu, where Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined after his death in 1616. Twenty years later, Ieyasu’s grandson (Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun) constructed an elaborate complex around Ieyasu's mausoleum. Its 55 buildings include eight National Treasures, notably Yomeimon, a lavish gate covered with complex wood carvings, bright paintings and gold leaf. While exploring the site, look out for a few of the quirkier carvings—a sleeping cat, angry-looking clawed elephants (the artist had never seen one), and the famous three monkeys in “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses. Just outside the complex is the modern Nikko Toshogu Museum, where you can learn more about the first shogun.
●Admission & Tickets
Nikko Toshogu Shrine Ticket (Entry only) ¥1,600
Combo Ticket (Toshogu Shrine + Museum) ¥2,400
Toshogu Museum Ticket (Museum only) ¥1,000
Nikko Toshogu Art Museum Ticket ¥800
*Cash payments only at the ticket counter.
●Online Booking
( Tobu Top Tours
/ Trip.com
/ Klook
/ GET YOUR GUIDE):
Step 1: Purchase your ticket online.
Step 2: Exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at Tobu-Nikko Station Tourist Center.
Step 3: Head to the shrine.
Please note: Vouchers cannot be exchanged at the shrine entrance.
History & Culture
On Foot
Short walk
Daytrip Onsen
Nikko Onsen
Near the World Heritage temples and shrines of Nikko is a legendary hot spring, allegedly discovered by Kobo Daishi (founder of Shingon Buddhism). Though the location of Kobo Daishi’s Muso-no-yu (hot spring of imagination) was not known for a long time, it’s thought to have been rediscovered in 1985, and is now simply called Nikko Onsen. Its clear, pure water is said to be good for the skin, and is a perfect treatment for the aches brought on by walking around all of the city’s World Heritage sites.
HOT SPRING
By bus
10 minutes from the Nishisando bus stop by buses bound for Nikko Station