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Only a couple of hours to the north of the capital, the small mountain town of Nikko feels like another world.
Here, beneath the cool cedars, stands the fabulous Toshogu Shrine, mausoleum to the first and greatest Tokugawa Shogun on whom James Clavell based his famous novel. The superb carvings of the shrine, including the original ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ monkey carvings, complement the beautiful mountain setting.
After a thorough exploration of the shrine precinct we recommend heading up the hairpin road to enjoy the fine scenery of Lake Chuzenji.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Nikko by calling one of our Japan specialists at 1-855-834-8210
Suggested Nikko itinerary
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Nikko, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Tohoku Discovered
This fascinating itinerary offers the chance to escape the crowds and explore a magical area of Japan rarely visited by foreign tourists. The region blends traditional culture and spectacular scenery with the famed hospitality of the Tohoku locals. Travel by train and hire car to explore the clear lakes, deep forests, mountain peaks and secluded lamp-lit inns of Japan's best kept secret. Come summer the area is awash with the bright colours and raucous noise of local festivals and in winter heavy snowfall makes relaxing in an outdoor hot spring bath all the more romantic!
Map of Nikko
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Nikko
- Yudanaka 72 miles away
- Tokyo 72 miles away
- The Japanese Alps 97 miles away
- Kamakura 98 miles away
- Matsumoto 103 miles away
- Hakuba 108 miles away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 111 miles away
- Kamikochi 117 miles away
- Dewa-sanzan 128 miles away
- Tateyama 130 miles away
- Izu Peninsula 133 miles away
- Matsushima 136 miles away
- Tsumago 142 miles away
- Takayama 143 miles away
- Noto Peninsula 144 miles away
- Shirakawago 159 miles away
- Tohoku 168 miles away
- Kanazawa 170 miles away
- Kakunodate 204 miles away
- Tazawako 214 miles away
- Nyuto Onsen 219 miles away
- Kyoto 251 miles away
- Nara 262 miles away
- Towadako & Hirosaki 268 miles away
- Osaka 274 miles away
- Kinosaki Onsen 284 miles away
- Mount Koya 290 miles away
Photos of Nikko
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![Shinkyo Bridge at Nikko]( "Shinkyo Bridge at Nikko")
Shinkyo Bridge at Nikko -
![Mausoleum lantern & wall, Nikko]( "Mausoleum lantern & wall, Nikko")
Mausoleum lantern & wall, Nikko -
![Autumn leaves, Nikko]( "Autumn leaves, Nikko")
Autumn leaves, Nikko -
![Lake Chuzenji, Nikko]( "Lake Chuzenji, Nikko")
Lake Chuzenji, Nikko -
![Nikko Shrine]( "Nikko Shrine")
Nikko Shrine
Accommodation choices for Nikko
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Nikko. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Okunoin Tokugawa
The Okunoin Tokugawa ryokan is excellently located for sightseeing in Nikko. It is a modern ryokan hotel with good facilities and a wide selection of room types, all with en suite bathrooms.