Nikko Things to Do

Kegon Falls are one of the most famous waterfalls in Nikko, very dynamic and elegant at the same time, with its falls plummeting from 97 meters. It is included in Japan’s three most renowned waterfalls together with Nachi Falls (Wakayama Prefecture) and Fukuroda Falls (Ibaraki Prefecture). Visitors can go to the bottom of the gorge by elevator.

Since Priest Shodo successfully climbed this mountain in 782, Mt. Nantai has been the most important religious site for believers in Nikko Shugendo (ancient Japanese religion of mountain asceticism). I was lucky to enjoy the view of this mountain sitting on a bench by Lake Chuzenji

Nikko has exquisite history and culture. The two shrines and one temple, including Toshogu Shrine have been designated a World Heritage Site. This area is also blessed with natural beauty like Lake Chuzenji- it is an hour or so from Nikko to this area by bus and the views are very impressive. The lake is located high at 1,250m and is one of the most famous lakes in Japan. It's considered of being one of the most transparent lakes in Japan.

Take a cable car up to one of the easy hiking trails in Nikko, enjoyed the fresh mountain air and stunning views of the Lake Chuzenji and waterfalls. You can continue with the bus going downhill on hair pin turns that will turn your stomach inside out.

Nikko is great natural sanctuary for all kinds of outdoor activities including boating on the lake.

You can find the Futarasan Shrine right next to the Toshogu Shrine. Three Shinto deities are preserved here and are said to bring prosperity to the country. This Shrine is actually made up of 2 other buildings. One is on the shore of Lake Chuzenji and the other at the summit of Mt Nantai.. The main building of the Shrine was constructed in 1619 and is said to be the oldest building amonst the Nikko Temples.

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This lavish gate is part of the Rinnoji temple and is the entrance to the shrine to Tokugawa Iemetsu, the grandson of the founder of the dynasty, called the Taiyuin. It is modeled after the Toshogu shrine but is intentionally somewhat more modest. A detailed image of a figure is included.

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this huge torii is made of granite and is the largest of its kind in the world, measuring almost 30 feet high and dwarfing the other giant toriis in Kyoto and Kamakura. There are a group of steps leading up to the torii which are built as an optical illusion - the distance is much shorter than it appears from the bottom of the steps.

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This shrine and the tomb itself, given the gaudy overdecorated? nature of the entire complex, are surprisingly simple and unadorned. Yet they are the centerpieces, if not of the tourist industry, then of the visitors who come to Nikko. Unlike the rest of the complex, respectful quiet is the norm at this site.