Overview
Nikkō lies in the mountains north of Tokyo, in Nikkō National Park. The town is best known for Tōshō-gū, the lavishly decorated shrine of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, part of a UNESCO World Heritage complex of shrines and temples among tall cedar trees.
Above the town, the Irohazaka road climbs in a series of hairpin bends to Lake Chūzenji at about 1,270 m and the 97 m Kegon Falls. Further on, Oku-Nikkō has hot springs, marshes and trails. Autumn colours here are among the earliest and most famous in Japan, so crowds are heavy in mid-October.
Highlights
- Tōshō-gū shrine and the surrounding temples
- Kegon Falls and Lake Chūzenji
- The Irohazaka road, with its hairpin bends
- Hot springs and marsh trails at Oku-Nikkō
Best time to visit
April to November is the main season. Cherry blossom comes in late April, summer is cool in the mountains, and autumn colour peaks in mid-October at Chūzenji. Winter is cold with snow, and some roads close.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Good
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Tokyo (HND), then take a limited express train from Asakusa or Shinjuku to Nikkō, about two hours. Buses connect the station with the shrines and the lake, and a discount pass can cover the area. In autumn, traffic on the Irohazaka road can be heavy.
What to expect
Easy. Most shrines and viewpoints are close to the roads, with many steps at the shrines. The mountain area is cooler than Tokyo, so take layers.
Practical tips
- Go early in the day in autumn, when buses and roads are busy.
- Allow at least a day for the shrines and another for the lake area.
- Dress for cool temperatures, especially at the lake.
- Check bus and rail passes for the best value.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Nikkō as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes, but staying overnight gives time for the shrines and the lake.
When is the best time for autumn colour?
Usually mid-October at Lake Chūzenji, and later in the lower town.
How tall is Kegon Falls?
About 97 m.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Joli Rumi (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
