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Featured Destinations Nikko / Kinugawa
Nikko / Kinugawa
With over 1,250 years of rich history, Nikko is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most sacred places. In addition to Toshogu Shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, Rinno-ji Temple and Futarasan Jinja Shrine were selected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999. Other picturesque locations such as Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai draw visitors year after year. Looking down from the summit of Mount Maruyama, Kinugawa River Valley is a moving view no matter the season of your visit. Easily accessible by the Nikko and Kinugawa limited express trains from Shinjuku, this area makes for a conveniently located vacation spot.
Recommended Sights
The Sunlight Gate (Yomei-mon) at Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
This World Heritage designated shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu who founded the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867). The finest techniques available at the time were put to use in the carving and coloration of the shrine's architectural ornamentation. The Sunlight Gate (Yomei-mon) is also known as the Twilight Gate because its beauty is so great that visitors can gaze upon it all day and not grow tired of the sight. The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of monkeys to protect its inhabitants. These three monkeys who hear, speak, and see no evil are famous worldwide.
(30 minutes on foot from Nikko Station)
The Sacred Bridge Shinkyo
Nikko Futarasan Shrine
A site of worship for many centuries as the center of Nikko's sangaku shinko mountain faith this shrine is now a designated World Heritage Site. Over 70% of Japan is mountainous, a fact that no doubt gave rise to this tradition of beliefs and religious practices which focus on those very mountains. A graceful red lacquered bridge known as the Sacred Bridge, or Shinkyo, serves as the entrance to Nikko's holy ground and was once closed to commoners. Now, it is open to the public and anyone can take in Nikko's natural splendor from atop the bridge. The Sacred Bridge is the oldest bridge in Japan built in a gorge-spanning drawbridge style and is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful bridges.
(20 minutes on foot from Nikko Station)
One of Japan's Three Great Waterfalls: Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls
Of the 48 waterfalls in Nikko, this one is the most famous. The water from Lake Chuzenji falls 97 meters and the naturally created beauty of its surroundings make for a stirring sight earning it a spot among Japan's three most famous waterfalls. If you venture to Lake Chuzenji you'll be rewarded with a view of Mt. Nantai and see why it is believed to be sacred by those who follow the mountain faith.
(Take the Chuzenji-onsen bus from Nikko Station, 50 minutes. Then five minutes on foot from the last stop)
Kinugawa River Valley highlights the natural beauty of this onsen area
Kinugawa Onsen
Discovered in 1692, this hot spring near the Kinugawa River is known as one of the North Kanto region's finest. A stunning view of the river valley can be had from the summit of neighboring Mount Maruyama all year round. The river was named after the impression its fierce rapids gave of an angry demon. Thrill-seekers will delight in embarking on a rafting adventure to take on those very demons.
(Tobu Line, Kinugawa-onsen Station)
JR Nikko Station Tourist Information Center
Located in JR Nikko Station, the JR Nikko Station Tourist Information Center provides tourist information to travelers from abroad.
· Location: Inside JR Nikko Station
· Business hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
· Languages: English
· Services provided: Sightseeing information, Wi-Fi, Internet search terminal
Nikko / Kinugawa at a Glance
Location
Access
- Days needed: 1–2
- Approximately two hours from Shinjuku to Nikko on the limited express "Nikko".
An introduction to Joyful Trains
Current as of March 2021