Kanto

Nikko National Park

national parks
Nikko National Park was established on December 4, 1934, and was one of the first national parks in Japan. The park area covers three prefectures, Fukushima, Tochigi, and Gunma, and has a total area of 114,908 hectares. Most of the park area is mountainous terrain belonging to the Nasu Volcanic Belt, including Mount Shirane (Nikko Shiranezan) (2,578 m above sea level), the highest mountain in the northern Kanto region, Mount Nantai (2,486 m above sea level), famous since ancient times as a mountain of faith, and Mount Chausu (Mt. Nasu) (1,917 m above sea level), which is still active as a volcano. The plateaus at the foot of these mountains are covered with lakes and marshes caused by volcanic activity, magnificent waterfalls, and valleys with beautiful autumn foliage. At the same time, there is a wonderful fusion of natural scenery with numerous historical buildings, including shrines and temples that are registered as World Heritage sites. Nikko National Park is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area by train or car, and is very popular as a place where visitors can easily become familiar with authentic nature, history, and culture. (Source: Ministry of the Environment website https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)

Activity

Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo with English and Chinese Bus Tour

 

Highlights

・Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko Toshogu Shrine ・Enjoy a scenic drive through the 48 curves of Irohazaka ・Marvel at the stunning Kegon Falls one of Japan's top three waterfalls ・Savor a traditional Japanese lunch with Kuri Okowa Aoi Gozen

 

Detail

Discover Nikko's top attractions on a full-day English and Chinese bus tour from Tokyo. Visit Toshogu Shrine, Irohazaka, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji, and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch.

 

Summary

Location Nikko

Operating Hours all day

Required time 12hours

Transportation None

Meal Lunch include

EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura 1-Day Ticket

 

Highlights

・Immerse in Edo period with samurais, ninjas, and geishas. ・Explore traditional Edo-era streets and houses. ・Enjoy live performances and cultural shows. ・Wear a traditional kimono and become an Edo citizen. ・Perfect for history enthusiasts and families.

 

Detail

Step back in time at EDO WONDERLAND! Wander through traditional streets, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in Japan's rich history. Wear a traditional kimono and try authentic Edo cuisine. Perfect for all ages!

 

Summary

Location Nikko

Operating Hours

Required time In the morning or In the aftrnoon

Transportation None

Meal None

1-Day World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Round Trip from Tobu Nikko Station

 

Highlights

・Walk around World Heritage component sites together with a Licensed English Guide. ・Learn more about Japan while listening to explanations in English about Nikko's history. ・Options for lunch are available.

 

Detail

 

Summary

A sacred place for Japan's mountain worship, Nikko is home to the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," a registered World Heritage Site. On this tour, walk around World Heritage component sites with a Licensed English Guide Interpreter.

Location Nikko

Operating Hours 4.5 hours

Required time In the noon

Transportation none

Meal none

Round-trip Limited Express from Shinjuku: Walking Tour of World Heritage Nikko

JPY 24,000~
 

Highlights

Embark on an enriching day trip to Nikko's UNESCO World Heritage sites, a revered location for Japan's mountain worship, on a walking tour accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide. This comprehensive tour allows you to explore the profound history of Japan with expert explanations. Discover the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a sacred 400-year-old site enshrining Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and admire its traditional beauty, including the famous sleeping cat and three monkey carvings. You'll also visit Kanmangafuchi Abyss, known for its mysterious row of Jizo stone statues. For your convenience, the tour offers round-trip limited express train travel from Shinjuku Station and includes various lunch options: a standard meal, a vegetarian meal, or no meal.

 

Detail

This 11.5-hour day tour operates on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Participants are required to meet at 08:40 AM at the JTB Sunrise Tours Sales Office on the 3rd floor of Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Main Tower in Shinjuku, with the tour concluding back at Shinjuku Station at 07:45 PM. Tour prices vary: USD 167.13 for adults without lunch, or USD 181.05 with standard or vegetarian lunch. Child rates are also available. The fee includes an English-speaking guide, admission to Nikko Toshogu Shrine, local bus transportation, and round-trip limited express train tickets from Shinjuku. Please note the tour involves approximately 5 km of walking on slopes and stairs; comfortable footwear and a backpack are highly recommended. In winter (December to mid-March) or inclement weather, visits to Kanmangafuchi Abyss may be substituted for safety. Bookings must be made by 12:00 noon the day prior to the tour, and confirmed bookings cannot be changed.

 

Summary

Location Nikko

Operating Hours all day

Required time 11.5 hours

Transportation None

Meal Lunch include

Dog-Friendly SUP Adventure at Itamuro Dam Lake in Nasu City

JPY 7,000
 

Highlights

Embark on a unique dog-friendly SUP adventure at Itamuro Dam Lake in Nasu City, where you and your furry companion can paddle on calm waters amidst beautiful nature. This relaxing experience is perfect for beginners, as instructors will guide you through basic paddling techniques, ensuring you feel comfortable on the board. For your pet's safety, a dog life jacket rental is included. The stable SUP board allows your dog to comfortably enjoy the lake stroll alongside you.

 

Detail

This 2.5-hour SUP tour at Itamuro Dam Lake is available daily, with multiple start times including 09:30, 12:30, or 13:30. Pick-up is not available; participants will meet at the Ikuyobashi Parking Lot. The tour is priced at USD 48.75 per adult (age 12 & over), with an additional ¥2,000 (or USD 13.93) fee per pet. The fee covers the guide, SUP and paddle equipment, a personal flotation device (PFD), insurance, and a dog life jacket. Participants must be junior high school students or older and under 60 years of age. Only healthy dogs that have been vaccinated against rabies and other required vaccines are eligible. The tour is conducted in simple English. While activities may be canceled on the day due to weather or dam conditions without a cancellation fee, other cancellations are subject to charges based on timing. A wetsuit rental is recommended in June and September due to low water temperatures, at an additional cost of ¥1,000 (USD 6.96). This activity is provided by Nature Planet.

 

Summary

Location Nikko / Nasu / Tochigi

Operating Hours In the morning

Required time 2.5 hours

Transportation None

Meal None

Dynamic Cultural Journey:Explore Traditional Japanese Dance/Drama

JPY1,300~
 

Highlights

This tour offers a unique and modern take on traditional Japanese performing arts, known as "Taishu-Engeki." A key highlight is the opportunity to enjoy live dance and drama performances in a classic theater setting, which are designed to be engaging for all ages and nationalities. You will witness a captivating blend of historical drama and innovative dance shows, and even have the chance to take a commemorative photo with the actors after the performance.

 

Detail

This cultural activity is available daily except on Wednesdays and is conveniently located near Nikko's World Heritage sites, making it a perfect addition to your sightseeing itinerary. The tour provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan's vibrant performing arts scene and is designed to be a memorable experience. Please note that pick-up service is not included.

 

Summary

Location Nikko

Operating Hours In the afternoon

Required time 0.5hours

Transportation Pick up not Available

Meal None

Nikko Day Trip: Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls with English/Chinese Guide

JPY11,000
 

Highlights

This day bus tour offers an incredible and efficient way to explore Nikko's top attractions. The key highlights include a guided visit to the iconic Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its intricate and beautiful carvings, and the opportunity to witness the powerful Kegon Waterfall, one of Japan's most celebrated waterfalls. You'll also get to enjoy a scenic walk around the stunning Lake Chuzenji, providing a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

 

Detail

This comprehensive day trip departs conveniently from both Shinjuku and Tokyo, making it an easy addition to your travel itinerary. The tour is led by a knowledgeable English or Chinese-speaking guide who will enrich your experience with detailed information about each site. With a well-planned itinerary that includes travel, major sightseeing, and some free time, it’s a hassle-free way to discover the wonders of Nikko in just one day.

 

Summary

Location Nikko

Operating Hours Full day

Required time 10.5hours

Transportation Pick up not Available

Meal None

Nikko Canoe and Kayak Experience for Families and Beginners

JPY 7,000
 

Highlights

Embark on a tranquil and family-friendly paddle across Lake Chuzenji, surrounded by Nikko’s majestic mountain scenery. This beginner-oriented canoe and kayak experience invites you to glide over calm waters, admire the reflection of Mount Nantai, and soak in the rich natural beauty of the Oku-Nikko region—all in a serene and accessible setting.

 

Detail

This leisurely water adventure welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels to enjoy a peaceful outing on Lake Chuzenji. Operating in a safe, guided environment, the tour uses stable kayaks and provides instruction to ensure ease and comfort. Whether you’re with family or friends, it’s a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories just outside Nikko.

 

Summary

Location Nikko

Operating Hours In the morning

Required time 2.5 hours

Transportation Pick up not Available

Meal None

Access

How to get there

Nikko National Park spans four prefectures to the northeast of Tokyo—Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata and Tochigi—and offers a wealth of wildlife and natural scenery, shrines and temples, hiking trails and hot springs. The park is about 125 kilometers from Tokyo and easy to access by car or public transport for one- and two-day outings. The town of Nikko and the Nasu-Shiobara area are the park's gateways.

From Tokyo Station

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and transfer at Utsunomiya Station for the JR Nikko Line to Nikko, which takes around 1 hour 40 minutes in total. The shinkansen also connects Tokyo Station directly to Nasu-Shiobara Station in 1 hour 15 minutes.

From Asakusa Station

Tobu Railway runs local and express trains to Nikko from Tobu Asakusa Station in Tokyo. The SPACIA Limited Express takes about two hours and may require a change at Shimo-Imaichi Station. All seats require a reservation. Local trains are cheaper but slower, taking at least two and a half hours and possibly up to three transfers.

Getting Around

Buses run from Nikko Station to the park's Senjogahara Marshland in about 1 hour 10 minutes. If you take a bus to Chuzenjiko Onsen (50 min), you can walk to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall, another of the park's most spectacular attractions. Regular buses from Tobu Nikko Station will also get you to Yumoto Onsen (1 hr 20 min).

National Park or Japan
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kinki
Chugoku and Shikoku Region
Kyushu and Okinawa