Nikko — Temples, Shrines, and Mountain Trails

Nikko’s sacred forests and ornate temples make for one of Japan’s most beautiful escapes. Explore Toshogu Shrine, hike quiet mountain paths, and unwind in an onsen surrounded by nature.

If you only take one day trip north of Tokyo, make it Nikkō. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s where nature, history, and spirituality meet — and it’s absolutely stunning year-round.

Start at Tōshō-gū Shrine, a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate. Every beam, carving, and color tells a story. From there, explore Rinno-ji Temple and Futarasan Shrine, all tucked into cedar forests that smell like rain and incense.

After the temples, head deeper into the mountains — Lake Chūzenji, Kegon Falls, and the hiking trails of Senjōgahara Marshland offer some of Japan’s best alpine scenery. The trails here are calm, misty, and alive with history — old roads once walked by monks and samurai.

Nikkō feels like two worlds in one: ancient and sacred below, wild and untamed above. It’s a place that reminds you how connected Japan’s spirituality is to its natural landscape.

Getting there: 2 hours from Tokyo via Tobu or JR Line to Nikkō Station.

Recommended time: Full day (or stay overnight to see more).

Difficulty: Easy to moderate hikes, depending on the trails you choose.

Don’t miss: The cedar-lined avenue, Kegon Falls, and a bowl of local yuba (tofu skin) noodles before heading back.