Nikkō

Nikkō (Japanese: 日光市) is a town in Tochigi Prefecture, about 140 km north of Tokyo. It has a history that goes back 1,200 years, and is today a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists to Japan. Nikkō is a city with a history going back 1,200 years. Many of its heritage buildings are today recognized as World Heritage Sites. Unlike temples elsewhere in Japan, which are known for being minimalist, those in Nikkō are often gaudily ornate, reflecting early Chinese influence.

The name Nikkō means "sunlight" in Japanese. It is where the mausoleum of the famous shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is located. Nikkō is also famous for its many onsens (hot springs) as well as waterfalls and scenic trails.

Sutra Library at Toshogu, Nikkō, Japan
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NikkōKyozo4964.jpg
Author: Fg2
photo licensing

Planning your trip to Nikkō

The most practical way to reach Nikkō is to take the train from Tokyo. The Tobu Nikkō Line links Nikkō to Tokyo's Tobu-Asakusa station. A morning service called Kegon departs Asakusa at 7:30 am in the morning and takes about 2 hours to reach Nikkō. You can buy the All Nikkō Pass (¥4400 for 4 days), the World Heritage Pass (¥3600 for 2 days) or the Kinugawa Themepark Pass (¥4000 for 2 days) which allows you a ride from Asakusa as well as other rides in Nikkō.

The All Nikkō Pass allows unlimited bus and train rides in the Nikkō and Kinugawa areas plus discount for entrance to nearby attractions, but not the entry to the shrines.

The World Heritage Pass covers the round trip to Nikkō and Kinugawa and includes entrance fees to the shrines. It also allows you to get discount for entering the Kinugawa Theme Park.

The Kinugawa Themepark Pass covers the round trip fare plus bus pass and admission to Tobu World Square.

Planning your travel within Nikkō

The Nikkō railway station is about 2 km from the shrines of Nikkō. You can get there by taking the Tobu Bus - alternatively you can walk.

World Heritage Site

Futara-san Shrine, Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple are inscribe as a World Heritage Site under the title of Shrines and Temples of Nikkō.

Rinnoji Taiyuin, Nikkō
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taiyuin_Haiden.jpg
Author: Marufish
photo licensing

Koka-mon Gate at Taiyuin, Rinnoji, Nikkō
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taiyuin-DSC3917.jpg
Author: Fg2
photo licensing

Fujin at Taiyuin Reibyo, Nikkō
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taiyuin-Fujin-Dsc3719.jpg
Author: Fg2
photo licensing

Places of Interest in Nikkō

Shinkyo Bridge
Red-lacquered wooden bridge over the Daiya River attached to the legend of Shodo Shonin.
Rinnoji Temple
The first temple founded in Nikkō.
Toshogu Shrine
Shrine by Tokugawa Iemitsu which includes the mausoleum for his grandfather Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is an ornately decorated masterpiece, the work of 15,000 artisans over two years.
Toshogu Treasure Hall and Museum of Art
Museum housing the treasures from Nikkō shrines.
Hokkedo and Jogyodo
Two halls within belonging to Rinnoji Temple that houses Buddhist relics.
Futara-san Shrine
Shrine founded by Shodo Shonin in AD 782, and dedicated to the gods of Mounts Nantai, Nyotai and Taro.
Takinoo Shrine
Rustic shrine thought to be dedicated to a female deity, patronized by women looking for love.
Taiyuinbyo Shrine
Shrine and mausoleum to Tokugawa Iemitsu, whose posthumous name is Taiyuin.
Ganman-ga-fuchi Pools
Unusual pools formed by lava flows from the eruption of Mount Nantai combining with water.
Nikkō Botanical Gardens
Garden with some 3,000 variety of flowers and plants from Japan and all over the world.
Urushi Museum
Museum showcasing the exquisite lacquer arts of Japan particularly Nikkō.
Nikkō National Park
Beautiful national park with lakes, waterfalls, marshlands and hot springs.

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Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.

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