Nikko World Heritage Full Day Trip

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Nikko Toshogu is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant colors. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and historical significance. The shrine complex includes several buildings, each with its own unique design and cultural importance. One of the most famous features of Nikko Toshogu is the "Three Wise Monkeys" carving, which depicts three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth, symbolizing the principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." Additionally, the shrine is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including towering cedar trees and serene gardens, adding to its allure and making it a must-visit destination for tourists in Japan. Tokyo Center point to Nikko Tosho is 2h 9m (162 km)

   1.5 h

2. The Irohazaka Route is a famous winding road located in Nikko, Japan. It's known for its dramatic twists and turns as it climbs up the mountainous terrain. The name "Irohazaka" translates to "colorful slope" in Japanese, reflecting the vibrant foliage that adorns the mountainside, particularly during the autumn season. The Irohazaka Route consists of two separate roads, designated as the Iroha-zaka Slope A and B. Each road has a series of hairpin bends, totaling 48 turns in all. The slope is part of the route leading up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the nearby Lake Chuzenji. Driving along the Irohazaka Route is a thrilling experience, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It's especially popular among tourists during the autumn months when the foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold hues.

   Passes by

3. Kegon Falls is one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, located near Lake Chuzenji in Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It's considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, alongside Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture. The waterfall plunges approximately 97 meters (318 feet) down a rocky cliff formed by the eruption of Mount Nantai, which also created Lake Chuzenji. The water cascades into a deep pool at the base, creating a mesmerizing and powerful spectacle. Kegon Falls is particularly stunning during the autumn months when the surrounding foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, providing a striking contrast to the white veil of the waterfall. Visitors can enjoy various viewpoints of Kegon Falls, including an observation deck located near the base of the waterfall, accessible by an elevator. Additionally, boat cruises on Lake Chuzenji offer breathtaking views of the waterfall from below.

   1 h

4. Lake Chuzenji is a picturesque lake located in the mountains of Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,269 meters (4,163 feet), it is one of the highest elevation lakes in Japan. The lake was formed around 20,000 years ago by the eruption of Mount Nantai, a sacred volcano in Japanese folklore. Lake Chuzenji is renowned for its scenic beauty, surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, including Mount Nantai. The area is especially popular during the autumn months when the surrounding foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors. The lake offers various recreational activities, including boat cruises, fishing, and hiking trails around its shores. Boat cruises provide an excellent opportunity to admire the landscape and catch glimpses of Kegon Falls, a majestic waterfall that cascades into the lake.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Tokyo

• Its from-price is 116% above the median of the 893 day trips we list in Tokyo.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 241 of 893.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Tokyo

Neon-lit districts, quiet shrines, superb food and distinct neighbourhoods make up Tokyo, a vast, orderly metropolis linked by punctual trains.

Every district feels like its own city. Shibuya's famous scramble crossing and Shinjuku's towers, bars and Golden Gai alleys pulse with energy, while Harajuku mixes youth fashion with the forested calm of the Meiji Jingu shrine. In Asakusa, the Sensō-ji temple and its market street keep an older Tokyo alive, and Ginza offers polished department stores and galleries.

Top-ranked sights in Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu).

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