Day Trip to World Heritage of Nikko, Japan

Nikko is located in Northern Honshu, however, it is an easy day trip from Tokyo.


Transporation: Take Tobu Line from Asakusa to Tobu-nikko, which takes around 2hours and costs 1320yen (with extra for rapid trains).

If you would like to stay more than a day, you can buy this ALL NIKKO PASS, which includes round-trip train ticket between Asakusa and Shimoimaichi + bus pass + other discounts; this pass is valid for 4 days - Adults approx. 4,400 yen , Children approx. 2,210 yen, but SPACIA Special Express fare not included.

Walk along the 1km long avenue from railway station to Tosho-gu area, which is lined with souvenirs shops, restaurants and inns. You can find nice Nikko wood cravings and wooden sandals ("geta" in japanease) there.

Shinkyo Bridge arches over the Daiya River. Just Opposite to this red wooden bridge, there is the way to World Heritage - Shrine and Temple of Tosho-gu.

Walk up the stairs, you can pass-by the 1st temple founded in Nikko, Rinno-ji Temple. There are 3wooden and glit statues of Buddha which are each 8.5m high.

When you see a Japanese-style granite gate ("torii"), there is the entrance of Tosho-gu Shrine. When you step in, a 5-story Pagoda is on your left hand side. Each story represents an element - earth, water, fire, wind and heaven.

The famous sculptures of the 3monkeys: "See no evil", "Hear no evil" and "Speak no evil" can be found in an unpainted wooden building.

Futaran-san Shrine is the main shrine. Chugushi and Okumiya are located at the side of the Lake Chuzenji and at top of Mount. Nantai respectively.

Niomon Gate is the main entrance to Taiyuin-byo Shrine. Walk up plenty of stairs and pass through few gates to reach the sanctuary.

Useful link:

Tobu railway website: http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/tobulineguide/index.html