Things to Do in Nikko

Things to Do in Nikko, Japan - Nikko Attractions

Things to Do in Nikko


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nikko.


Top Attractions in Nikko

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.



*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • 32Morten
    Finland459 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    During our visit to Nikko Tosho-gu, I was truly captivated by its beauty and the unique features that set it apart from many other Japanese shrines. Nestled in the heart of nature, it felt as if the shrine was not just surrounded by nature, but growing together with it, creating a harmonious blend of man-made and natural beauty. The intricate details and the serene atmosphere of the shrine provided a one-of-a-kind experience that I believe every visitor to Japan should witness.

    Hint: be prepared for a bit of a journey to reach the top of the shrine. The route involves climbing a significant number of stairs, which, while offering a rewarding experience, may be challenging for some. This physical demand might be a consideration for those with mobility issues.
    Written March 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wireless_in_CA
    United States4,994 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was significantly less crowded than the Toshogu shrine. I also read that the design for Iemitsu’s was a bit understated in deference to his grandfather’s. Nonetheless the grounds and buildings were beautiful.

    There were multiple sets of stairs that had to be climbed in order to progress through the grounds before finally reaching the shrine itself. Each set of stairs ended at the top with a gate. Each looked fancier than the last as we got closer to the mausoleum and also were decorated with large sculptures of flowers or kings and deities. They were quite intricately painted and worth a closeup view.

    We also passed the Drum and Bell Towers with their large Taiko Drum and hanging bell.

    The shrine was split into two areas. The Haiden was available for worshipping but the Honden could only be viewed from the outside.

    One nice touch was the very detailed bilingual signage that provided a wealth of details about the different buildings in Taiyuin.

    While it was a short walk from the Toshogu shrine there were a couple other temples to explore next to Taiyuin if one has the time.
    Written November 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NCAndBeyond
    Nevada City41 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The falls themselves are incredible - multiple levels, roaring rapids, water coming out of the sides of the hill flowing into the falls. Definitely take the elevator down nearer the base of the falls. Highly recommended.
    BUT, it is quite crowded and if you come up and down on the bus - it can be a long line and very crowded on the bus....
    Written November 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Momashi
    Montpellier, France38 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice historical theme park. We arrived at 2pm and things were already slowing down. Best to go earlier when you can participate in more of the hands-on activities (block painting, arrow shooing, Geisha makeup, mask painting). We enjoyed the Ninja show and activity.
    Written October 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wireless_in_CA
    United States4,994 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We strolled along the lake after our visit to Kegon Falls.

    Fall colors were visible and the day was clear allowing some nice photos of the lake and the G7 Nikko sign. However every now and then a cold wind kicked up and chilled us. It got much windier once we walked out onto one of the piers jutting into the lake.

    Most of the lake activities were closed except for the cruise. We walked by lots of the swan shaped paddle boats pulled up along the shoreline.

    Overall not much to do but worth a short stop for the views in the fall.
    Written November 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Resistist
    237 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was raining when I went, but it was still nice. Its spread out maybe more than you would expect, but as long as you have the time its nice to walk.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alohatripper
    Honolulu, HI1,484 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After a good yuba lunch, our guide Ikuko brought us to the former imperial village in Nikko. Initially, it looked relatively simplistic for its status, but I now understand how it was used and in balance with its surroundings. It is remarkable for not only its many rooms, but also for the quality of the craftsmanship. I don't think metal nails were used in the joinery. After many centuries, the structure looks sound even with hundreds of visitors each day. We were served matcha tea and a sweet. The hostess kindly offered us a chair since we didn't want to sit on the tatami floor.
    Written November 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kim S
    Toronto, Canada149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went in November, and started our hike at Lake Yunoko in the morning. It was quiet when we got to Yudaki falls and we were the only ones there, so it was really peaceful. We could have stayed for a long time, but had to get going to finish our hike down by Ryuzu falls (took about 2.5 hours).

    We purchased a small bell (to make noise while we walked, so we wouldn't surprise any bears) at the information centre near Lake Yunoko.

    Highly recommend this! Some places were a bit muddy, but overall it's a very easy hike, with lots of scenic places to relax. If you have to choose between this and Kegon falls (or Lake Chuzenji), this is a far more relaxing and quiet way to spend the day.
    Written December 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jjunnn
    Tokyo, Japan477 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    2,800 yen for adults. Quite a big park to walk about and admire the mini sized architectures. There’s is winter illumination after sunset during autumn and winter. If you look close enough you will find special characters in different “sites”. However, some sites are lacking a bit of maintenance as you could see the paints and conditions of the “sites/sights” are deteriorating.
    Written January 15, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kim buay p
    Singapore, Singapore11,325 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My first visit to Yomeimon Gate was in December 2002 and it was snowing quite heavily on that day. I remembered being mesmerised by the intricate beauty of this gate. I visited again in October 2023 but somehow cannot enjoy the beauty of this gate due to the crowd and the long queue to buy the tickets of 1300 yen each.
    My friend and I bought the Nikko Pass All area online and we activated it on the day of use. This saved us the hassle of buying it at the office at Asakusa. It is valid for four days and includes other rides beside the train to and back from Nikko to Asakusa.
    As our JR pass was still valid on the day of use, we took the shinkansen to Nikko. The pass covered all our bus rides in Nikko. We stayed a night at Lake Chuzenji so that we could walk many trails in Okunikko. The next day we paid extra 1550 yen each so that we could take the limited express train in 2 hours back to Asakusa. This pass is really value for money and it is very convenient to use. I would highly recommend this pass if a visit to Nikko includes Okunikko.
    Written November 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • minimino
    Singapore, Singapore36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The entrance to the canyon is a small path in between a ramen and souvenir shop across the train station. We would have missed it if not for the lady from the ramen shop who spontaneously gave us a map of the hiking trail and ushered us onto the small path.
    The hiking trail was good as it brought us to see very beautiful views of the canyon and serene waterfalls. It was a little challenging for my 4 year old but she managed to do the boardwalks, climb some steep steps and rocky grounds. Do wear a good pair of shoes as there would be some balancing to do occasionally. Overall, its worth a visit to immerse oneself in nature.
    Written May 26, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kim buay p
    Singapore, Singapore11,325 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We alighted at bus stop 37 for this Falls. There were lots of autumn foliage to be seen here. There are also a number of food stalls here. We walked up the stairs for an even better view of the Falls. At the top, one can cross the road to continue the trail to Senjogahara marshlands( highly recommended) or take a bus from bus stop 38 to either Yunoko Lake ( bus stop 45), Yudaki Falls ( bus stop 44) or Chuzenji Lake ( bus stop 29, 28, 27 or 26). There are many shops and restaurants at Chuzenji Lake.
    Written October 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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