Nikkō National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nikkō National Park, located in the Fukushima region of Japan, is a breathtaking destination that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. Spanning across four prefectures, this national park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

One of the most iconic attractions within Nikkō National Park is the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent shrine complex is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. Adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and gold leaf, the Toshogu Shrine is a testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Nikkō National Park boasts an array of hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, and lush forests. The Kirifuri Falls, nestled amidst a verdant landscape, provides a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters. Lake Chūzenji, a scenic volcanic lake, offers a tranquil environment for boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the surrounding beauty.

Nature enthusiasts will also be enthralled by the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Nantai. This sacred volcano, known as the "Futara-san" by locals, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. Hiking to the top of Mount Nantai not only rewards visitors with stunning vistas but also allows them to connect with the spiritual energy that permeates the area.

Additionally, Nikkō National Park is home to a number of hot springs or "onsen," renowned for their healing properties. The Yumoto Onsen, nestled deep within the park, provides a perfect opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. Immerse yourself in the soothing thermal waters as you soak away your cares and let the natural minerals work their magic.

Local name: 日光国立公園 Area: 443.66 mi²Elevation: 5564 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°55'52"N, 139°23'42"E

Location

FukushimaJapan

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Nikkō National Park Top Attractions

Nikkō National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Nikkō National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kegon Falls, Ryūzu Falls, Mount Nikkō-Shirane, Mount Shibutsu. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Waterfall with an elevator to the bottom
Kegon Falls
Nestled in the verdant embrace of Nikkō National Park, Kegon Falls stands as one of Japan's most iconic and enchanting natural landmarks. This majestic waterfall, tumbling down a staggering 97 meters, is the highest and most famous of the many waterfalls in Nikkō.
Picturesque twin waterfalls and an eatery
Ryūzu Falls
Ryūzu Falls, nestled in the verdant surroundings of Nikkō National Park, Japan, is a captivating natural wonder that draws visitors from around the globe. Known in Japanese as "Ryūzu no Taki," which translates to "Dragon Head Waterfall," this scenic cascade is...
Natural attraction • Nature • Volcano
Mount Nikkō-Shirane
Mount Nikkō-Shirane is a Stratovolcano in the Nikkō National Park in central Honshū, the main island of Japan. It stands at 2,578 m high. It is the highest mountain in north eastern Japan. Its peak is a Lava dome of andesite.

Park
Mount Shibutsu
Mount Shibutsu is a serpentine mountain in the north-east of Gunma Prefecture in Japan. It is 2,228.1 m tall and located between Minakami Machi and Katashina Villages.
Natural attraction • Nature • Mountain
Mount Hotaka
Mount Hotaka is a stratovolcano with its highest peak at the altitude of 2,158m. It is located near Minakami-machi, Kawaba Village, and Katashina Village in the Gunma Prefecture. In order to distinguish it from Mount Hotakadake in the Northern Alps, it is also called as Joshu Hotakayama.
Natural attraction • Nature • Lake
Lake Chūzenji
Lake Chūzenji, also called Sea of Happiness, is a scenic lake in Nikkō National Park in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It was created 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai erupted and blocked the river.
Natural attraction • Nature • Waterfall
Sanjō Falls
Sanjō Falls is a waterfall in Hinoemata, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, on the Tadami River in Oze National Park. It is one of "Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls", in a listing published by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment in 1990.
Natural attraction • Nature • Volcano
Mount Hiuchigatake
Hiuchi, also Hiuchigatake is a 2,356m tall stratovolcano mountain in Oze National Park, and located in Hinoemata Village, Minami-Aizu gun, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. This is the highest mountain in Tōhoku region. The volcano rises in the north of Lake Ozenuma. It is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
Natural attraction • Nature • Mountain
Mount Hiragatake
Mount Hiragatake is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. It lies on the border between Gunma and Niigata prefectures.
Natural attraction • Nature • Mountain
Mount Tanigawa
Mount Tanigawa is a 1,977 m mountain on the border of Gunma Prefecture and Niigata Prefecture in Japan. It is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan.
Natural attraction • Nature • Volcano
Mount Nantai
Mount Nantai is a stratovolcano in the Nikkō National Park in Tochigi Prefecture, in central Honshū, the main island of Japan. The mountain is 2,486 metres high.
Memorial
Ozegahara
Oze Marshland is a high altitude marshland in the Oze National Park, Japan. Approximately 8 km² in size, the marshland is well known for various species of plants, including the "mizu-bashō", "Nikkōkisuge" and "Watasuge".
Dam
Naramata Dam
Naramata Dam is a dam near Minakami, in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. It supports a 12.2 MW hydroelectric power station.
Natural attraction • Nature • Volcano
Mount Nasu
Mount Nasu is a group of complex volcanoes located in the northeast part of Nikkō National Park, Japan. The tallest peak is Sanbonyari Peak at a height of 1,916.9 m. Mount Nasu is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
Dam
Sudagai Dam
Sudagai Dam is a dam in Minakami, in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. It supports a 44.8 MW hydroelectric power station.
Natural attraction • Nature • Volcano
Hiuchi
Mount Hiuchi is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, reaching the height of 2,462 m. It is situated in Japan's Kubiki Mountains in Niigata Prefecture.
Dam
Imaichi Dam
The Imaichi Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Togawa River located 4 kilometres west of Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The dam serves as the lower reservoir for the 1,050 megawatts Imaichi Pumped Storage Power Station, while the Kuriyama Dam forms the upper.
Natural attraction • Nature • Mountain
Mount Chausu
Chausudake is a 1,915-meter-high mountain in Nasu-cho, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is a stratovolcano consisting of several lava flows, pyroclastic flows, pyroclastic hills at the top, and lava cirrus hills.
Locality
Tokamachi
Tōkamachi is a city located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 July 2019, the city had an estimated population of 28,728 in 19,823 households, and a population density of 86.3 persons per km².

Day trips

Nikkō National Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Nikkō National Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Agatsuma Gorge (Higashiagatsuma), Nikkō Tōshō-gū (Nikkō), Fukiware Falls (Numata).

45 milesSW
Canyon
Agatsuma Gorge, Higashiagatsuma
Nestled in the serene landscape of Higashiagatsuma, Gunma, Japan, the Agatsuma Gorge offers a picturesque escape into nature's embrace. Known for its scenic beauty, this natural wonder is a magnet for tourists looking to experience the tranquil and stunning environment...
16 milesSE
Ornate circa-1636 shogun shrine complex
Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Nikkō
Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a resplendent Shinto shrine nestled in the verdant forests of Nikkō, Japan, a city that harmoniously blends natural beauty with historical significance. This shrine, which is part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō," a UNESCO World Heritage...
19 milesSW
Waterfall
Fukiware Falls, Numata
Nestled in the serene city of Numata, Japan, the Fukiware Falls present a breathtaking natural spectacle that has captivated visitors for generations. Also known as the "Niagara of Japan," this geological marvel is situated in the heart of Gunma Prefecture and is...
16 milesSE
Mountain-top 8th-century Shinto shrine
Futarasan jinja, Nikkō
Futarasan Jinja, a serene Shinto shrine nestled in the lush greenery of Nikkō, Japan, offers a spiritual retreat for visitors and a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. This historic shrine, established in 767, is dedicated to the deities of Nikkō's...
36 milesW
Canyon
Kiyotsu Gorge, Yuzawa
Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Kiyotsu Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This geological marvel, located in Tokamachi, has been designated as a national monument of Japan, showcasing...

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Best Time To Visit Nikkō National Park

Learn when is the best time to travel to Nikkō National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

January and February are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in March.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and December. Most of it rains in August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Nikkō National Park?

The top attractions to visit in Nikkō National Park are:

What is the best time to visit Nikkō National Park?

January and February are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in March. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.