NIKKO Travel Guide | Top 10 Things to do in Nikko, Japan (Scenic Countryside Escape From Tokyo)
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2024
- Join us as we visit Nikko, Japan in this travel guide (featuring the top 10 things to do in Nikko) exploring one of the most scenic areas of countryside mere hours outside of Tokyo. Nikko (日光) ended up being one of our favorite destinations that we visited on our trip to Japan. After spending a month in the hustle and bustle grinder of Tokyo getting out to the countryside in Japan was a top priority for us. While in Nikko we ate delicious local cuisine (Yuba - Tofu skin), visited shrines and temples and hiked and marveled at lakes and waterfalls. If you're visiting Japan, and want to explore rural areas, be sure to include Nikko in your itinerary.
10 Things to do in Nikko, Japan Travel Guide
1) Shinkyo Bridge (神橋)
2) Shrines and Temples of Nikko including Toshogu Shrine (東照宮)
3) Street Food in Nikko (Yuba Manju)
4) Akechidaira Ropeway (明智平)
5) Kegon Waterfalls (華厳の滝)
6) Yuba for Lunch
7) Boat tour on Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖)
8) Yumoto Onsen Foot Spa
9) Ice Cream at Sanbonmatsu
10) Senjogahara Moor (戦場ヶ原)
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Our visit Nikko travel guide covers some of the top attractions including a food guide, top sightseeing tourist attractions and the city by day including visiting mountains, waterfalls, temples, shrines and lakes. We also cover off-the-beaten-path outdoor activities you won't find in a typical Nikko tourism brochure, Nikko itinerary or Nikko, Japan tour.
10 Things to do in Nikko Tour | Japan Travel Guide Video Transcript:
After a month in Tokyo, Nikko was everything we were hoping for! We knew we were in for a treat on the train ride over once we started seeing forests and mountains all around us and the town did not disappoint.
Nikko was the breath of fresh air we were looking for; during our visit we hiked through shrines and temples, cruised a beautiful lake at the base of a volcano, sampled some local dishes featuring tofu skin, and basically had the perfect city break.
So in this travel guide, we are going sharing some of our favourite things to do in Nikko, so you too can plan your weekend escape!
The Shinkyo Bridge you see today was constructed in 1636, but a bridge of some form has stood on this very same spot for much longer...even if its origins are a bit unclear.
Nikko is home to numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. We focused our visit on the Toshogu Shrine.
Now for a quick history lesson; the Toshogu shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. This was Japan’s last feudal military government, with the shogun as its leader.
Kegon is Nikko’s most famous waterfall. It stands almost 100 meters tall and the waters that feed it comes directly from Lake Chuzenji.
We were feeling pretty hungry after all that sightseeing, so we decided to find a restaurant serving up the local specialty: yuba! Or tofu skin.
I ordered the ramen with yuba and Sam got the udon with yuba. The tofu skin was fluffy and absorbed all the flavours of the miso.
Lake Chuzenji is located at the foot of Mount Nantai. We cruised around the lake for a bit, but then got off at one of the early stops to continue onwards to Yumoto Onsen.
Yumoto is a small hot springs town that is located in part of Nikko National Park. We then enjoyed a little walk along Lake Yunoko, before hopping back on a bus to Senjougahara Moor.
The Senjogahara Marshland covers the area between Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. It offers some great hiking opportunities within Nikko National Park.
And that’s a wrap for our Nikko travel guide! This proved to be the perfect weekend escape from Tokyo. We visited everything you see here over the course of 2 days, but this place is even better if you can come for 3 or 4 nights. Nature abounds, there are countless shrines and temples to visit, plus the local cuisine was exquisite! Now you have a few ideas of things to do around Nikko when you visit. Wishing you happy travels and see you next time!
This is part of our Travel in Japan video series showcasing Japanese food, Japanese culture and Japanese cuisine.
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I lived in Nikko for 2 amazing years and to say I'll never forget it is an understatement. I actually worked at the only elementary and middle school up on the mountain. Yumoto Onsen is actually owned by parents of a student I taught.
Autumn/Fall is definitely the time to go visit Nikko. Summer is too hot and humid, Spring brings out all the allergies, and Winter is only for those who want to visit it specifically in Winter. There are actually a few more waterfalls around Lake Chuzenji that are breathtaking in their own right but without a car, it's tough to see.
The steak restaurant right next to the yuba restaurant has the most delicious steak you'll ever eat; expensive though. The 15-minute walk from Shinkyo Bridge back down to the train station is littered with cafes/restaurants/shops that each deserve its own video.
Thanks for sharing all of that information Daniel! Would just love to visit in the spring/fall next time. The heat really zapped our energy at times.
Some say summer is the best time to visit nikko because it is less crowded(compared to autumn) and it's much cooler due to the increased elevations...I've heard stories about how going up the slopes in the buses can take as long as 2 hours due to the heavy traffic. I visited nikko during the winter and although it was peaceful and quiet, many places such as the boat rides were closed.
Nikko is so beautiful and tranquil. The gondola ride looks so fun!
Wow ! Just beautiful Nikko and so green everywhere . Very relaxing place !
華厳の滝はいついっても雄大だなあ。日光に訪れていただきありがとうございます✨
Wow! Nikko looks so awesome! So green and tranquil.
Thanks Cheron! That is a great way to describe it and it is not far from Tokyo. Amazing how you can have somewhere like this not far from the biggest city in the world.
I never thought Japan could have so much greenery and mountains. My perspective of Japan has changed with this video.
Leopold Wow. I have have never visited Japan and most probably can never afford to. I only know Japan for the legendary Yamaha and what I read about the last century history and the discipline and cleanliness. But this is really unbelievable! Wow!
Leopold Bro, sorry I happen to be a vegetarian. But I would be happy to see them play around and chill before I kick start a Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and cruise the roads. Cheers!
Leopold Buddhism! I just really wish Japan's awareness of animals matched their technological proficiency. They have been killing whales a lot. Cheers man! Thanks for understanding my perspective.
Leopold I didn't know. I just read about it. I realize now that there are so many other countries killing whales too. I am from India Sir and we are guilty for killing the environment too. It's all just really sad.
I think the typical image of Japan is of the big modern cities. Our one regret from our long trip is that we didn't spend more time in the countryside.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love Japan and Nikko is one of my favourite destinations. Love from Pakistan.
Thank you very much Shawn!
Wow, scenic doesn't even encompass the beauty of this place! All the water and the green forests. So much hiking and beautiful architecture. I've never heard of Nikko, but now it is definitely going on my bucket list.
Thanks Anne! Nikko far exceeded our expectations. Actually looking back it was our favorite place we visited on the entire trip.
What a beautiful place! Maybe the most scenic in Japan. The waterfall was really splendid.
Thanks Kaustav!
Lush, lovely green landscapes and wonderful attractions. Food looked great, too. Thanks, guys.
Thank you! Indeed, we just loved Nikko!
Awesome guide guys! We're thinking of heading to Japan next year, so it's great to have videos like this to help us figure out our itinerary. 😀
Thank you! That is really exciting to hear.
I am grateful to this wonderful blog as a Japanese. Nikko is a tourist destination where you can easily go from Tokyo in about two hours. Hakone is also famous, but personally Nikko is the best place to enjoy the nature and hot springs of the mountains. I enjoy climbing as a hobby, but I also recommend it as a place to enjoy full-scale climbing and camping.
Beautiful. Nikki is magical.
Thanks Sarah! It ended up being our best surprise on this trip.
What a wonderful vid. Showed the serene beauty of the nature there. Loved it x
Thanks Paul! The scenery was incredible.
What a wonderful video!!! I missed you both so much!!! You are the best!!!
Thanks Maike! We're glad to be back and publishing more regularly.
thanks for sharing , glad you release another wonderful video so fast , very informative and rich in content .
Thank you very much! We're hoping to get lots out soon to make up for that big gap of inactivity.
The view from the ropeway is astonishing!
Thank you! Nikko far exceeded our expectations!
When winter has come onsen baths is one of the most relaxing experiences ever
Thanks John! Our mistake for visiting on in the middle of summer...lol
Great tour! Thanks for another enjoyable video!!!
Thank you very much Julie!
What a lovely adventure!
Thank you very much! We loved Nikko!
We really enjoy your videos. The waterfall looked amazing.
Thanks Mark! It was spectacular. I'm so glad we got to view it from a distance and then again up close.
Beautiful!!! I was there during winter in 2015. Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Falls was spectacular even with snow.
Thank you! It must be incredible with snow!
1. Best intro ever! Between the beautiful scenery and the slow motion flag scene...awesome!
Thank you very much Laura! Nikko was such an inspiring place to film and we lucked out with the weather as well!
Thank 4 the info.
Sorry I didn't go visit Nikko when I visited Japan in March. You two make it look so inviting. The Yuba udon looked amazing!
Beautiful guide guys 💚
Thanks!
xx
Thank you very much! We loved Nikko!
Great video! You have certainly awakened a desire to go to Japan in me. It looks so lovely xox
Thanks Danielle! Hope you ca visit soon!
Maravilloso lugar , gracias por mostrarlo .
Gracias Daniela!
I watched several your videos.
my thoughts: I like your positive attitudes to everything. lol
Thanks Amie! We had a really fun time in Nikko.
Nikko looks great, next time I’m in Japan I will go there. Thanks for your great work, you are very simpatico
Thanks Asif! That is great to hear!
Awesome video like always! I always use your videos to plan my trip just in case I forget something nice, and every time you guys show me at least one thing that wasn't in my original plan. :)
Glad you like them! Thanks Robbie!
What a beautiful video Sam and Audrey Love your videos
Thank you very much Effie! We felt so inspired while visiting Nikko.
Great Video 👍. I plan to head back to Japan in April and Nikko is on the menu.
That is great to hear Glen!
I’ll be there in a week. Was going to Hakone but now after this Nikko is on the agenda.
Thanks! Awesome to hear!
4. Fun AND informative!
Ah, thank you! We were honestly having so much fun in Nikko.
I loved Nikko the more when i visited Japan. All travel books underestimste Nikko but it is the most enchanted place in Japan
A great video. Thanks. We want to see more from you on covering British Columbia which is a very stunning beautiful area in your country
Thank you! My home province! We'll be heading there this autumn.
Wow! beautiful place👍
Good video😀
THanks! We loved NIkko!
Nice vlog.
Thinking to visit Nikko during autumn this year.
Thanks Teddy! That is exciting to hear. It must be amazing during that time of year for autumn colours.
Beautiful vlog you guys.👍
Thanks Susan!
Que hermoso lugar!!! Los paisajes naturales son muy bonitos!! La comida se me antoja. Excelente video. Saludos desde Oaxaca México, Audrey y Samuel son los mejores!!
¡Muchas gracias! Nos encantó lo verde y pintoresco que es Nikko y el ritmo relajado de la vida. Además, la comida era fantástica y única.
Excellent video, really enjoyed it, and the editing - style was superb, thanks for all the hard work that you put into this one
Thank you very much! We sure felt inspired in Nikko.
Samuel and Audrey - Travel and Food Videos I have to say the edititng (rewind )done at 12:39 was on point.... 👌 and perfectly timed soundtrack in the back for an amazing view!!!
Great job guys, as usual! I enjoy sooo much watching your vids!! Really I travel with you each time....
Hugs! Renata
Thank you very much Renata! We're going to get our Japan videos out frequently now.
Great video...if you guys ever get the chance to go back, Nikko is amazing in winter, especially Kegon Falls.
Thanks Eric! Wow, that would be an entirely different experience. Would love to visit during the fall as well for autumn colours.
Thanks for the video. Well done!! Good luck.
Thank you very much Sarath!
Thanks. Could you recommend a hotel near Niko Station? What is the train we have to take from Tokyo? Which Tokyo station?
Your video reminds me of my trip there last autumn. It was so crowded at that time, it was interesting to see the same places again. Great video as always!
Thank you very much! Is that peak season?
@@samuelandaudrey Apparently, yes. Autumn is one of the peak seasons for Nikko (during end of October).
Re watching 😁😜👌🏼
Sabrina 🇫🇷🇬🇧
enjoy your travel in NEKKO city
Thanks! We did!
Thanks for the great video. This video brings me back some good memories from last year. I follow nearly the same path. I hope you were able to see the monkey artwork (original hear no evil see no evil) at the shrine. When I was there, they just restore some part of wall art. It was beautiful. Also, my favorite at the shrine was the Naruto Ryu Corridor. I hope you had time to experience that resonating chamber.
EN ESPAÑOL Y CON TU PAPA !,,, Todo muy bonito. Saludos desde El corazon de La Mancha, España.
Muchas gracias Josefina!
O...........M..............G!!!!!!! Another Bucket List place to visit on our trip to Japan. You guys are just ringing up our travel expenses aren’t you? 😄
Nikko sounds and looks like the ‘Pause that refreshes’. A perfect escape from Tokyo or other big cities to reenergize. And that Yuba... while you guys were eating it, I could almost taste it too. Watched your Tofu video also. Yep, Yuba will be on our menu too, both sweet and savory types. Now, as for your singing... Ahhhh, don’t quit your day jobs, please! 😉 Oh wait, you guys don’t have day jobs. Or do you?
Another fantastic travel and food video! You are single handedly causing tourism to increase and the GDP of Japan to rise. Good Job. 👍👍
Cheers. 🥂
Haha, well, if you're going to be in Tokyo, this place is only 2 hours away by train, so certainly easy to add to that bucket list! 😉
Good,same with me
Thanks James
Yes Plz, Moar 👌 I knew y'all uploaded ;)
Thanks! We've got episodes queued up every day now!
You guy's are Awesome, Im off to enjoy Nikko soon. Thx for sharing 🍲🌲😊
Wishing you a great trip! Nikko is beautiful!
@@samuelandaudrey Thx so much, Just subbed also 😊
Wow! It just snowed up 7 inches in the Chicagoland area and you guys are sweating in the heat! So jealous!
Wow! That's crazy Scott! Winter isn't over in many parts of Canada now as well.
Loved it🤩 re watching your Japanese ODYSSEY aka binge watching your JAPAN ADVENTURES (we should be in Japan as we speak😫)
I need to rebook...3rd time
Picking up tips in the meantine 😉👌
I cannot wait to be able to go
Thanx for the extensive Japan serie 🤍❤🤍
SabrinaFromLondon 🇬🇧
Hi Guys,
I enjoyed this video.
Thanks Michael! We just loved Nikko.
Awesome video. Greetings from Poland.
Thank you! Ah, we miss Poland!
Getting the wrong bus, all part of the experience :D
Hahaha...indeed!
Ah man!!!! I already have the travel lineup and destinations for 2020 penned. Now you guys are making it hard! Thanks for the video. Japan will have to wait until 2021 maybe? Please travel safe, thanks for what you do.
Thank you! Exciting to hear Japan is on your radar.
@@samuelandaudrey After watching this, I'm thinking of swopping some countries around...
@@samuelandaudrey Can't wait to get there.
This is the spirit! Now it's pouring videos! Sam, I feel you have gained few pounds? Nice video!
Thanks Dhanu! Hehehe...I think I have been ;)
Nikko is a great escape from busy Tokyo! Beautiful views, nature in its full beauty! Do you think it's possible to go to Nikko just for a day tour from Tokyo if we don't have much time?
Thanks Bruno! Indeed, you can do a day trip and likely see the highlights including the waterfalls, temple and lake quickly but without time to linger.
You should vist Tampa,Florida its really beautiful you should vist Florida!
Hope we can someday!
I really enjoyed your video... newbie
Thank you very much Lashawn!
Need more info on travel costs....vs using/buying the pass....that would be mega helpful!
Does the Nikko Pass include the round trip from Tokyo? Awesome video btw :)
Thank you! I believe it did Sina.
2. You look especially awesome!
Thank you!
Amazing blog! I'm an official fan. I am struggling to find information about Nikko and then I stumble across your video. For the first, you only visit the shrine and the bridge, right? So in that evening, what did you do in Nikko? I am planning a two-day itinerary but struggle to arrange and pick the activities. :( Thank you.
Thank you for this video. We are going to Japan in june and july, and your videos are very helping us. Where were you sleeping? And we are canadians too! But from Montréal! You guys are amazing.
Montreal also
Thanks Edith! That is really cool to hear! We're actually going to release a hotel tour of the place we stayed at tomorrow or the next day. Please stay tuned for that as we'd recommend staying there.
Go Montreal!
Nice
Thanks!
Beautiful! I also travel Vlog from japan 🇯🇵
Thanks for sharing Hiroki! Where are you heading next?
Samuel and Audrey - Travel and Food Videos thanks! Next is “Ueno Zoo! ”Very famous zoo in Tokyo!
You guys should look into Newfoundland and Banff
We got a chance to visit Banff last fall and loved it. NFL is high up on our list! How many days would you suggest to visit?
Hi guys! So we were going to take a day trip from tokyo here on the JR line is there a 1 day pass like this? Or how do you suggest we go about touring nikko in 1 day? Btw love that u let us know the prices before hand very helpful!
Nikko looks beautiful! I didn’t even notice that the video was over 22 minutes long. Lol. Love watching you guys video! So relaxing, informational, and fun!
Thank you very much! We just loved Nikko. Tranquil Japan at its best.
Nice, was waiting for this one! Is the Nikko All Pass really worth it? Even if you took the direct train at extra cost? All transportation was free between nikko and Chuzenji lake area? Thanks :)
Thanks, Nicholas! It is definitely worth it unless you don't plan to do much while you are there.
Good video,nice girls 🇸🇰🍀
Thank you!
well seeing you eating as made me hungry so im going to put it on pause and make a sausage ad bacon sandwich yum yum with tomatoe sauce in it
That sounds really tasty David!
@@samuelandaudrey Yes indeed it was .im knackered ,strangers think im 50 but im 76 and my old body feels it.,i had to venture out into town to pick up my medication from the chemist the pharmacist said we dont have nevivolvol in i said i shall come monday as i have to see the doctor again with my swollen elbow..But then i was came back home to my humble able ,feeling shaken not stirred as james bond used to say i noticed they were in the bag with my other repeat monthly medication.so i shall phone them soon. i always over did it in life angels i pushed my body to hard never relied on anyone to do anything for me ,although after years of hard work carrying heavy shopping i started to have it delivered around 3 years ago. after years of carrying it with gout in both toes often swollen knees and swollen elbows bad back and swollen feet as i was carer to pat back then and she came first .And i have two broken toes since the 1950s and 1960s thats another story
@@samuelandaudrey its been a hard life pushed my body far to hard and suffered for it had i not became lethal with pen and paper and verbally fighting the dhss and hospital doctors i would never have embarked on the road to writing poetry,philosophy,silly storys and jokes ,y email friends in other countrys used to write they wish that they had been pat ha ha ha
@@samuelandaudrey i just made some chicken and chips brown bread and 2 chicken thighs and hp brown fruity sauce i was hungry after been out and a nice can of cola out of the fridge i must say angels its people like you two that restore my faith in human nature its an honour and privilege to watch you taking me on my sofa travels around japan.although pat and i were always poor and never had an holiday we had the love of each other.
@@samuelandaudrey in a way t was a good thing i was removed from twitter last year and microsoft news i was on there far to much on twitter i had over 3000 fans most with their email adress some were actors and actresses one was the man who plays sam in supernatural well i wrote to his wife on her personal page ,but i was forever locked out for writing not abuse but the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me and i got back gained more 3000 most different to the previous ones then they finally removed.
Audrey, Sam! This is superb!!! Enjoyed it entirely. The Nikko pass?! should list this vlog on their site and the pass!! I will definitely want to walk on your path of Nikko when I visit again!! Thank you so much!! Such a beautiful editing!! Wow😍 Arigatou🤗
Thank you very much Kaja! That pass really came in handy.
I thin Akechidaira is always the first spot fir me in Nikko.
Cool to hear Martina!
Beautiful place! I thought yuba is a replacement for meat?
Thank you! I suppose for vegetarians it would be.
Love you Sam and Audrey ❤️ love from Lahore Pakistan
Thank you very much!
Really nice 👍 funny singing 🎤
Thank you! Hahaha...worst singing ever
❤
Thanks!
3. What is your video set up...so crisp and clear
Thanks Laura! We're a Panasonic GH5 these days.
💓
Thanks!
👍👍
Thank you very much!
You should vist México city to try try some good mexican food in mexico city
Oh my gosh, I'd love to do that Santiago!
5. The Japan Tourist Board needs to sponsor you to make more videos before the Olympics begin!
Ah, thank you Laura! We'd love to go back. If we do we'll explore more rural areas like this as opposed to cities.
@@samuelandaudrey Yes Sam, you should. I just love to watch Japanese countryside videos. Especially Kyoto!
👍
Thanks, Michael!
A lot of travel vlog / guide channel fail to mention in which month you were traveling.
Especially, if you are complaining how hot it was then please tell us clearly what month it was.
Didn’t seem like it was worth the money to get those passes... would you suggest it to save money?
If you'll visit for a few days I think it is worth it.
Sam , we have another thing in common, both of our wives suffer from Dromadrosis as Uncle Fran (Zappa) sings
" Now scientists call this disease dromidrosis
But us regular folks who might wear tennis shoes
Or an occasional python boot
Know this exquisite little inconvenience
By the name of: "Stink-Foot"
Hahaha...that is so funny!
Far to0 many close ups of you guys, spoil the view. But I do like what you covered.
What hotel did you stay at in your trip to Nikko?
How to travl to nikko by car
Never done that to be honest.
rent a car brah...
well im back eating my sausage and bacon sandwich im not lazy but i was used to cooking for my late wife and our children from the 1960s as i was her carer and that was till she died in july 2013 the night i also died since then i hardly cook i cant be bothered to.
sounds like a delicious sandwich!
didnt go to edo wonderland? why?
Didn't have enough time to do it all!
日本語！(;ﾟДﾟ) ありがとうございます💟（Welcome & Thank you for Japanese sentence (*'▽')）
Enjoy 日本～♪
*-Who Else Likes The Video B4 Watching 🎶-*
Thank you very much!
Yeah I like their videos even when I dont have time to watch them. I know their attitude and usefulness is always on point.