2024-10-04

[Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko] Recommended sightseeing spots! Access, nature, history, and even hot springs

WellBe Inc.

[Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko] Recommended sightseeing spots! Access, nature, history, and even hot springs

Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture in Japan, is known for its rich natural landscape and cultural heritage, and attracts many visitors from home and abroad.

Today, I'm going to give you a guide so you can enjoy the highlights and charms of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture to the fullest.

How to access sunlight?

By car, it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours from Tokyo, making it an ideal drive.

By train, it takes about 2 hours from Asakusa Station in Tokyo to Nikko.

The direct express “Spacia” is recommended.

Source: From Spacia's official website

Spacia allows you to enjoy comfortable seating and beautiful views.

If you want to go at a lower cost, you can also use a local Tobu Railway train and transfer to a limited express train along the way.

This method takes slightly longer, but it can keep costs down.

What is Nikko's World Heritage Site?

The highlight of Nikko is “Nikko Toshogu,” which is definitely registered as a World Heritage Site.

“Nikko Toshogu” is a shrine that enshrines “Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616),” one of the most important people in Japanese history.

Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first shogun who unified Japan and laid the foundation for the Edo period (1603-1868), a peaceful period that continued for about 260 years.

Toshogu was built according to Ieyasu's will, and symbolizes his desire for peace and the unification of Japan.

It is known as a building representing the beauty of Japanese sculpture, and its gorgeous decorations will overwhelm visitors.

In particular, the shrine's “Yomeimon” and “Five-Storied Pagoda” are places not to be missed.

The sculptures of “Sleeping Cat” and “Three Monkeys” are particularly famous.

Also, it is worth visiting “Rinnoji” and “Futarasan Shrine,” which are within walking distance from Toshogu.

It makes visitors feel quiet and peaceful.

Daikoku-sama of Futaarasan Shrine — Daikoku-sama from Futarasan Shrine

Rabbit of Futaarasan Shrine — The rabbit at Futarasan Shrine

“Kegon Falls” is a natural landscape representative of Nikko, and the power of the water falling from a height of 97 meters is impressive.

At “Lake Chuzenji,” you can enjoy walking and boating along the lakeside, and on the “Senjogahara” hiking course, you can fully enjoy Nikko's primeval forest.

In winter, Nikko is great for skiing and snowboarding, and in summer, it is also popular as a summer resort for cooling.

During the fall foliage season, the mountains of Nikko are dyed bright red and yellow, and you can enjoy their overwhelming beauty.

Which hot springs do you recommend in Nikko?

The Nikko area is dotted with wonderful hot springs such as Kinugawa Onsen and Yumoto Onsen.

Perfect for healing after a long day of sightseeing.

At Kinugawa Onsen, you can enjoy beautiful views from riverside accommodations.

At Yumoto Onsen, you can spend a quiet time surrounded by nature.

What foods and souvenirs do you recommend in Nikko?

Delicious local food　Niiko — Recommended gourmet

Another fun part of visiting Nikko is choosing delicious local food and souvenirs.

In particular, “yuba” is a local ingredient you can't miss when you come to Nikko, and they have a wide variety of cuisines.

Nikko is also famous for traditional sweets such as “Nikko Castella,” which is popular as a souvenir.

Enjoying these local flavors is one of the highlights of visiting Nikko.

We also recommend Japan's most famous fruit!

Tochigi Prefecture is one of the most famous strawberry production areas in Japan.

In particular, Tochigi Prefecture is known for a variety called “Tochiotome,” and this strawberry is popular all over Japan.

It is characterized by sweetness, juiciness, and moderate acidity.

It is widely used not only for raw food, but also for sweets and processed products.

Strawberry picking has become a very popular tourist activity. You can pick strawberries directly at the farm and eat fresh strawberries.

It is usually held at many strawberry farms during the strawberry season from winter to spring.

What is the best season for Nikko?

No matter what season you go, you can enjoy the beauty of each season.

It depends on your preferences, but if you like cherry blossoms in spring, coolness in summer, fall foliage, and snowy scenery in winter, please visit.

Nikko attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad with its rich nature, historic architecture, hot springs, and delicious food.

summary

You can reach Nikko in about 2 hours by train from Tokyo, and about the same amount of time by car.

Nikko's nature is beautiful throughout the four seasons, making it an unforgettable travel destination for all those who want to experience Japanese nature and culture.

Here are some popular recommended salons that are easily accessible from Nikko

Finding a spot in Japan where you can heal the tiredness of your trip and experience beauty treatments such as massages, nails, and esthetics is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.

Here are a few salons that I recommend to those who are particular about technology and quality.

Asakusa/ “Women's Salon K+” *Women only

salon for women kplus — Asakusa/ “Women's Salon K+”

We offer a variety of menus to suit concerns specific to women, such as fatigue, stiff shoulders, lower back pain, insomnia, obesity, rough skin, etc.

Package menus such as facials and head massages are popular.

It has been picked up in the media and is popular among those who care for maternity and postnatal care.

Oshiage (Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree Area)/“Zipangu Esthetic Room Oshiage Store”

We have prepared a variety of facial menus with an emphasis on results, and we provide treatments tailored to each customer's skin concerns.

All of our estheticians have over 10 years of extensive experience.

This beauty salon is recommended for those who are concerned about repeated lift-ups, aging care, open pores, and rough skin.

Iriya (Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree Area)/“FURAHA” *Women only

A women-only salon located about a 3-minute walk from Iriya Station, close to the Asakusa area of Tokyo.

A hand massage using hot stones will relieve stubborn stiffness and swelling.

Let's heal both body and mind in a calm space and relieve fatigue.

Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)/“Hilot Tokyo” *Women only

This salon is located a 5-minute walk from Oshiage Station, where Tokyo's landmark “Tokyo Skytree” is located.

By using a bamboo stick, flushing the details, and massaging the bottom of the foot to the base of the thigh with cream, it becomes surprisingly light after the massage.

The Asian-style interior is a relaxing and relaxing space.

Hikifune (Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree area)/“Bleu vert” *Women only

The salon is located in an area that is easily accessible from Tokyo's landmark Skytree and Asakusa.

It is a salon with many repeat customers, with careful counseling and treatment focusing on customer concerns.

The facial menu, which is effective for lifting up, is a gentle and comfortable treatment.

Oshiage, Tokyo Skytree/ “Zipangu Head Office”

zipangu main store — “Zipangu Head Office”

Just a short walk from TOKYO SKYTREE! Why don't you experience a slightly different head spa than usual to heal your tiredness?

This salon's special head spa promotes blood circulation in the scalp, leading to healthier, more vibrant hair.

Experience our signature head spa massage and shampoo course to relieve fatigue and enjoy a pleasant refreshment time.

Kita-senju (Ueno area)/Pharmacist's Skin Beauty Laboratory “Pharm K”

An authentic medical esthetic salon run by a Japanese pharmacist who specializes in beauty ingredients.

We perform evidence-based treatments using carefully selected beauty ingredients.

You can also enjoy everyday skin care and shopping for skin care products at our salon as souvenirs.

Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”

maninail　ginza — Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”

Open at 9 a.m.! A 5-minute walk from Ginza Station, this is a popular nail care salon where you can get rid of nail problems.

Recommended for those trying nail art for the first time, as well as those seeking special care. Men's care is also available, so it's also suitable for couples.