Nikko | Tochigi | Kanto | Destinations | Travel Japan

Nikko’s lovely setting and sacred mountains have been the backdrop of Shinto and Buddhist worship since a minimum of the Eighth century. Its most well-known shrines and temples, among the many most luxurious in Japan, are a UNESCO World Heritage web site. The encompassing nationwide park is a vacation spot for hikers of all ranges.

Tobu-Nikko Station is definitely accessible from Tokyo’s Asakusa and Shinjuku stations in about two hours.

Vacationers can attain Nikko from Gunma Prefecture, with buses working from Oze between mid-spring and mid-autumn.

The World Heritage web site Shrines and Temples of Nikko consists of 103 constructions unfold over three complexes. They’re all inside simple strolling distance of one another, making for an unforgettable day absorbing a few of Japan’s most gilded non secular structure.

One of the spectacular and rightfully most visited is the Toshogu Shrine complicated. Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding father of the highly effective Tokugawa Shogunate which dominated Japan from 1603 to 1867. Lavish, colourful, and intricately carved, Toshogu Shrine stands in stark distinction to lots of Japan’s extra stoic non secular constructions.

Take loads of time to soak up the element of its five-storied pagoda, colourful storehouses, and dazzling, flamboyantly carved Yomeimon Gate. Stroll as much as the Toshogu graveyard for a ravishing view over the Toshogu complicated. Don’t miss the Toshogu Treasure Museum on the strategy to Toshogu, with an animation depicting the lifetime of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Eighth-century Futarasan-jinja Shrine is devoted to the worship of Nikko’s three sacred mountains. You’ll be able to wander the spectacular fundamental grounds without cost, and take a look at the inside backyard with its historic bushes for a small payment. Futarasan-jinja Shrine has a department at close by Lake Chuzenji and hardy hikers can go to a 3rd department on the summit of Mt. Nantai within the hotter seasons.

Rinnoji Temple additionally based within the Eighth-century, homes three regal Buddha pictures stated to signify Nikko’s three sacred mountains. They’re an ideal instance of the period when components of Buddhism and Shintoism have been strongly intertwined. Its backyard is a well-liked spot for viewing colourful leaves within the autumn.

Whereas it’s not a part of the World Heritage complicated, Taiyuinbyo Temple is one other Nikko must-see. Brilliantly embellished, it options a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist components. It’s the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s grandson, the Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. In 1636, he remodeled the smaller unique Toshogu Shrine into the good World Heritage masterpiece awaiting guests immediately.

Shinkyo Bridge is part of the World Heritage Futarasan-jinja Shrine . Legend has it that when the primary priest tried to ascend sacred Mt. Nantai, the Daiya river stood in his path. He prayed for a secure crossing, and the river god spawned big snakes that shaped the bridge. For a lot of its existence, solely Futarasan-jinja Shrine parishioners and the imperial court docket might make the crossing. Now, it is generally thought to be the gateway to the main Nikko shrines and temples.

Nikko Nationwide Park is house to an historic custom of mountain worship. The three sacred peaks of Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho, and Mt. Taro, recognized collectively as Nikko Sanzan, dominate the realm, and you may get in contact with the realm’s mystical facet by trekking these mountains.

Towering over Lake Chuzenji 2,486-meter Mt. Nantai is certainly one of Nikko’s highest, in addition to most sacred, and continuously climbed peak. The steep path to the highest begins from Futarasan-jinja Shrine on the foot of the mountain. It serves as a department of the World Heritage shrine of the identical title. Climbers going to the summit are requested to pay a small payment. If you arrive on the high, absorb the view over Lake Chuzenji, and congratulate your self on reaching the Okusha, Futarasan-jinja Shrine’s most outlying construction.

Whichever trek you select, carry your boots, provisions, and a way of journey; hikes to the summits and again contain a full day on the path and are for these with a minimum of reasonable bodily health.

You will discover simpler climbing round Lake Chuzenji. There are rewarding hikes throughout Nikko that cater to each talent and health stage, so verify with the Nikko Vacationer Data Middle for a hike completely suited to you.

Do not miss the Tamozawa Imperial villa, a part of which dates again to 1632.

Lake Chuzenji and its onsen space are simply accessible by bus from town. The must-see Kegon Falls is extensively thought of certainly one of Japan’s most spectacular cascades.

In late March and early April, a 16-kilometer hall of cherry bushes blooms between Utsunomiya and Nikko on the previous Nikko Kaido Route. A bus trip between the cities will allow you to take it in on the go; lease a automobile to cease off for pictures as you please.

Whereas on the town, do not miss consuming yuba, a Nikko specialty. Yuba is a soy product that has featured in Buddhist delicacies for hundreds of years. Locals put it in nearly the whole lot, together with ramen, sushi, rice cookies, and Nikko’s famed yuba manju sweets.