Recommended Length: 3 Days
Experience traditional culture by tasting hand-made soba, walking the World Heritage sites in a kimono, and training like a ninja.
Traditional Culture: Handicrafts, History and Ninja
Day 1
Kami-Imaichi Station
On Foot
Short walk from Kami-Imaichi Station
Cedar Trees
Nikko Suginamiki Kaido (Nikko Cedar Avenue)
Origins of the Nikko Sugi Avenue
For centuries, pilgrims have traveled the three tree-lined roads that lead to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Today, 12,042 towering sugi cedar trees line the roads, which stretch over 35 kilometers end to end. But who planted so many trees, and why?
The creation of the Nikko Sugi Avenue, as the three roads are collectively called, began nine years after the death of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616). Ieyasu was the first of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan for over 250 years. After his death, Ieyasu was enshrined at Nikko Toshosha Shrine. Between 1617 and 1843, 19 official visits were made by the Tokugawa shoguns.
In 1625, Matsudaira Masatsuna (1576–1648), lord of Tamanawa domain, began the project of planting 50,000 trees along the roads to Nikko Toshosha, in conjunction with massive renovations to the shrine. The renovations were completed and the shrine was renamed Toshogu in 1645. Masatsuna had managed the collection and conservation of Ieyasu’s personal effects after his death and wanted to do something to memorialize Ieyasu. It took more than two decades to finish the roadworks and the planting, but the project was completed in 1648, just in time for the thirty-third anniversary of Ieyasu’s death.
Nature
On Foot
Short walk
Park
Suginamiki Koen Park
This park surrounds Nikko Suginamikimichi, the world's longest tree-lined street. In the park, there is an old-fashioned water mill once used in the production of incense sticks for which the area is well-known, and a traditional wooden farmhouse from 1830.
History & Culture
On Foot
Short walk
Cooking
Soba Workshop
Made from locally produced buckwheat flour, Nikko’s handmade soba is known throughout Japan for its taste and aroma. During this one-hour workshop, learn to make soba noodles and enjoy them with seasonal vegetable tempura.
Traditional Culture
Other
5 minutes from Kami-Imaichi Station on a train to Tobu-Nikko Station. Transfer to a bus bound for Kirifurikogen and ride 5 minutes to the Marumi bus stop.
Crafts
Nikko Woodcarving Village Craft Center
At this craft center, you can try your hand at making some of Nikko’s famous woodcarvings (Nikkobori) or geta (wooden shoes). With the guidance of experts, you’ll have your own handcrafted souvenir in 90 minutes.
Entertainment & Leisure
By bus
5 minutes from the Marumi bus stop on a bus bound for Nikko Station
Accommodation
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
End of Day 1
Day 2
Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station
On Foot
15-minute walk
Dress-Up
Kimono Stroll
Stroll around the World Heritage sites of Nikko while wearing a kimono. A kimono can be rented in a variety of materials and styles for women, men and children. Staff are available to assist in getting you dressed properly.
Traditional Culture
On Foot
10-minute walk
World Heritage Sites
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
By train
10 minutes from Tobu-Nikko Station to Shimo-Imaichi Station. Transfer to a train bound for Aizutajima and ride 20 minutes to Kinugawa-Onsen Station.
Accommodation
Kinugawa Onsen
Kinugawa Onsen is actually made up of two hot springs—Taki Onsen on the west bank of the Kinugawa River, and Fujiwara Onsen on the east. It’s known for its relaxing properties and it attracts many travelers each year. Currently Kinugawa Onsen has over 80 hotels and ryokans, ranging from traditional Japanese style to modern Western style.
HOT SPRING
End of Day 2
Day 3
Kinugawa-Onsen Station
On Foot
5-minute walk
Boat Ride
Kinugawa River Boat Tour
Experience the Kinugawa River on a motorless boat guided by a skillful boatman. During the 40-minute ride, enjoy gentle stretches, thrilling moments on rapids, views of changing seasons, and diverse rock formations.
Water Activities
By bus
20 minutes from Kinuootoro bus stop on a bus bound for Nikko Edomura
Theme Park
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Experience the culture of the Edo period (1603-1867) at Edo Wonderland. Soak in the atmosphere of centuries ago as you stroll through the realistically recreated towns and samurai residences. Enjoy family-friendly events such as a thrilling ninja show, and dress up as a samurai or princess as you interact with period role-playing staff. Edo Wonderland combines history with expansive, theme park-style amusement for an extraordinary day out with plenty of fun photo opportunities.
Entertainment & Leisure
By bus
20 minutes on buses bound for Kinugawa-Onsen Station