Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is the most famous sightseeing attraction in Nikko and is popular for its many colorful buildings which are richly decorated with gorgeous carvings. The shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 – 1616), and it is also the location of his grave. Read more
The Shinkyo Bridge
Nikko’s Shinkyo Bridge is a sacred river crossing which officially belongs to nearby Futarasan Jinja Shrine. One of Nikko’s best-known sightseeing spots, the elegant arc of this bridge crosses the Daiya-gawa River and its vermilion and black lacquer contrasts beautifully with the natural scenery about it. The bridge is both a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more
Futarasan Jinja Shrine
Futarasan Jinja is a major Shinto shrine in central Nikko which was founded in 767 by the Buddhist priest Shodo Shonin. Shodo Shonin also established nearby Rinnoji Temple and Chuzenji Temple which is located on the banks of Lake Chuzenji. Read more
Rinnoji Temple
Rinnoji Temple is a large Buddhist temple complex in central Nikko. Together with the nearby Toshogu Shrine and Futarasan Jinja Shrine, this temple is one of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more
Taiyuin Temple
Taiyuin Temple is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651) who was the third shogun of the Tokugawa family. Taiyuin is also the Buddhist name given to Iemitsu after he died. Read more
Takinoo Jinja Shrine and the Shiraito Falls
Takinoo Jinja Shrine (sometimes called Takio Jinja Shrine) is an ancient Shinto shrine in Nikko which stands beside a beautiful waterfall called the Shiraito Falls. The shrine takes its name from the falls, as “Takinoo”’ means simply “waterfall”, while “Shiraito” means “white thread”. Takinoo Jinja is located in the woods to the north of the Toshogu Shrine. Read more
Lake Chuzenji & Chuzenji Onsen
Okunikko (literally “Deep Nikko”) is a wild landscape of mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls which is famous for its scenic beauty. However, the central attraction in Okunikko is Lake Chuzenji, the biggest lake in Okunikko and a popular resort area. A cluster of hot spring spa hotels are located on the lake’s eastern shore, and this makes it a good base for exploring other nearby sightseeing spots. Read more
Kirifuri Falls
Kirifuri Falls is a stunning 75-meter-high waterfall in the Nikko district that is easily reached by bus from the Nikko Station area. This waterfall is particularly beautiful during the autumn season when the rushing waters fall through the rich colours of the surrounding forest foliage. Read more
Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls is a dramatic waterfall close by Lake Chuzenji in Nikko’s Okunikko region. The waterfall is 97 meters high and the amount of water falling from the falls is believed to average 3 tons per second as it plunges down into the 4.5-meter-deep basin below. The Kegon Falls is definitely the most famous and most popular waterfall in Nikko and is also recognized as one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. Read more
Ryuzu Falls
The Ryuzu Falls are twin waterfalls in the Okunikko region of Nikko which are famous for their beauty. “Ryuzu” literally means “dragon’s head” because the base of the falls, where they are split into two by a massive rock, is said to resemble the head of a dragon. The Ryuzu Falls are about 10 meters wide and flow for a length of 210 meters over volcanic rock branching into two at their base. Read more
Chuzenji Temple
Chuzenji Temple is a major Buddhist temple on the east side of Lake Chuzenji in Nikko’s Okunikko region. The lake actually takes its name from the temple which was founded in the year 784 by the priest Shodo Shonin. Shodo Shonin was a pioneer who opened up the Nikko area and he also founded Nikko’s World Heritage Sites Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Jinja Shrine. Read more
