Recommended Tourist Attractions in Nikko, Japan

Which prefecture would you choose as your destination when you have the chance to visit Japan? Many may say Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, or Tokyo. However, aside from these four popular options, there are other equally fascinating prefectures in Japan. One of them is Tochigi Prefecture.

So, what can you do in this prefecture? You can visit one of its charming cities, Nikko. This small city is perfect for a one-day trip from Tokyo. If you are staying in Tokyo, you can add Nikko to your itinerary.

Here are some must-visit spots in Nikko:

Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine is a shrine built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for 250 years. There, Ieyasu is revered as a god.

Originally a simple mausoleum, the shrine was later expanded and its building adorned with intricate wooden carvings, making it grand and majestic. One of the most famous carvings among visitors is the depiction of monkeys covering their eyes (see no evil), ears (hear no evil), and mouth (speak no evil). Another highlight is the Sozonozo Elephants, imaginary elephants created by an artist who had never seen real elephants.

For those of you interested in visiting the shrine, you can take the Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station. Then, transfer to the Utsunomiya Line to Utsunomiya Station. From there, take the Nikko Line to Nikko Station. Finally, board a bus from Nikko Station to Yasukawa Town. The total cost for this journey is approximately ¥2,920.

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa

Another noteworthy site is the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa. In the 19th century, it served as a retreat for imperial princes. However, the villa was abandoned after World War II. In 2000, it underwent extensive renovation and was reopened to the public.

There, you can experience what imperial living quarters were like. Moreover, the architecture of the buildings combines elements from 3 eras: the Edo Period (1603-1867), the Meiji Period (1868-1912), and the Taisho Period (1912-1926). You do not have to worry about transportation—it is only 1.1 km from Toshogu Shrine, so you can easily walk to the villa.

Edo Wonderland

Curious about life in Japan during the Edo Period? Head to Edo Wonderland, a theme park with a unique concept: an Edo-era village. From the moment you enter, you will feel as though you have stepped into another world.

Not only are the buildings styled in Edo architecture, but the staff also dress and style their hair to match the era. To fully immerse yourself, make sure to rent traditional Japanese clothing from that period. Or, you can even pick a ninja costume for a more fun experience.

To get to Edo Wonderland, walk from Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa to the bus stop in Hachiishi Town and then take a bus to Shinkyō. From there, walk to Tōbu-Nikkō Station to board the Tobu Nikko Line to Shimo-Imaichi Station. Then, transfer to the Tobu-Kinugawa Line to Kosagoe Station. Edo Wonderland is just a 1.9 km walk from the station. The total transportation cost is approximately ¥480.

Those are three incredible places to visit in Nikko. Are you interested in exploring this city? Make sure to purchase your Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia before embarking on your journey to Japan. It will ensure a safer trip as you explore this charming city.