The best things to do in Nikko in 2026 are the gilded Nikko Toshogu shrine, the red Shinkyo Bridge, Rinno-ji and Futarasan Shrine, the stone Jizo statues of Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and, up the mountain road, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. Autumn color in October and November is spectacular.
Nikko is about two hours from Tokyo on the Tobu line from Asakusa. The shrines and temples are a walk from the station; Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji are a bus ride up the winding Irohazaka road.
Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine.
Toshogu is the mausoleum shrine of Tokugawa Ieyasu, covered in gold leaf and carvings, including the three wise monkeys and the sleeping cat.
It is the heart of the Nikko UNESCO site.
Good to know: Arrive at opening to beat tour groups.
2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431
The sacred red bridge at the entrance to the shrines.
Shinkyo is a vermilion lacquered bridge over the Daiya River, the gateway to Nikko's shrines and temples.
Crossing it costs a small fee; the view from the road is free.
Good to know: Photograph it from the road bridge downstream.
Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401
Nikko's main Buddhist temple, with three giant statues.
Rinno-ji's Sanbutsudo hall houses three large gilded Buddhist statues, and the temple has a formal garden, Shoyoen.
It sits next to Toshogu.
Good to know: Combine tickets with Taiyuin.
2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431
A forest shrine dedicated to Nikko's mountains.
Futarasan Shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko's three sacred mountains, set among cedars near Toshogu.
It is calmer than its famous neighbor.
Good to know: Walk on to Taiyuin, the mausoleum of the third shogun.
2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431
A riverside path lined with stone Jizo statues.
Kanmangafuchi is a gorge with a riverside path lined by a long row of moss-covered stone Jizo statues.
It is a peaceful 20-minute walk from the shrines.
Good to know: Go in the morning for soft light.
Nikko, Tochigi 321-1415
A 97-meter waterfall from Lake Chuzenji.
Kegon Falls drops about 97 meters from Lake Chuzenji; an elevator takes you to a viewing platform at the base.
It is one of Japan's most famous waterfalls.
Good to know: Take the elevator to the lower deck.
2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661
A mountain lake with cruises and autumn color.
Lake Chuzenji sits below Mt Nantai, with sightseeing cruises, lakeside walks and old embassy villas you can visit.
Autumn color here arrives earlier than in town.
Good to know: Stay overnight at the lake to see it at dawn.
Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661
An easy boardwalk hike across a highland marsh.
Senjogahara is a high marshland with an easy boardwalk trail, surrounded by mountains and colorful in autumn.
It is reached by bus beyond Lake Chuzenji.
Good to know: Walk from Akanuma to Yumoto for a half-day hike.
Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1662
Yes, but it is a long day. Leave early from Asakusa on the Tobu limited express. Staying overnight lets you see Lake Chuzenji too.
The lavishly decorated shrine to Tokugawa Ieyasu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its carvings, including the three wise monkeys.
Mid-October to early November for autumn leaves; spring and early summer are greener and quieter.
Take the Tobu bus from Nikko Station up the Irohazaka road to Chuzenji Onsen, about 45 minutes.
Tobu sells passes covering train and local buses; check the current options on Tobu's site.