All-Year Fun: Experience the Best of Nikko (Tochigi) in Every Season
- Written by: Medium Inc.
Find the best things to do in Nikko in each season. From summer adventures to winter wonders, plan your year-round itinerary today!
Spring: Immerse Yourself in Nikko's Rich History and Culture
Nikko has several sakura trees that are over 200 years old. You can admire their beauty while also taking in the historical structures in "Monzenmachi no Sakura". This area is located near the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a World Heritage Site. You can enjoy shopping in this area, as it has long-established stores such as a 300-year-old Japanese confectionery shop and souvenir stores. It's a perfect way to enjoy the blossoms while also indulging in some shopping.
It is the most popular place for cherry blossoms in Monzenmachi and was selected as a natural monument of Nikko City. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, they are adorned with lights, so please can enjoy a magical flower-viewing. Aside from this, throughout the day, you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms along the streets of Furuimachi.
-
Monzenmachi門前町
- Address Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture: Yamauchi, Hachiishicho, Miyukicho area
-
Nearest Station
10-minute walk from the JR Nikko Station and Tobu Nikko Station
Best time to see: Early to late April
Summer: Liven up your Summer in Nikko with the Ryuo Festival
The Ryuo Festival is an event held in the Kinugawa/Kawaji Onsen area which heats up Nikko's summer. This traditional festival, which is being celebrated for more than 50 years, features mikoshi, or portable shrines, and events like folk entertainment that liven up the hot spring district.
Aside from the powerful Mando Mikoshi, the gorgeous Onna-taru-mikoshi (mikoshi with sake barrels) carried exclusively by women, is also paraded along the streets. Both mikoshi are extremely appealing. To end the festival, bursting fireworks adorn the summer night sky of Nikko.
In addition, what has become a staple of summer activities in Nikko is the “Kinugawa Line Kudari Cruise”, where you can experience going down the river while looking at the towering Kinugawa Valley. The boatman operates a boat with a wooden oar called "kai" and navigates through sights on the route.
The Line Kudari cruise takes about 30 to 40 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the lush trees and valleys at a leisurely pace. In autumn, you can also see the magnificent autumn leaves, so this activity can be enjoyed across all seasons.
-
Ryuo Festival龍王祭
- Address Kinugawa and Kawaji Onsen area, Nikko, Tochigi
-
Nearest Station
Kinugawa Venue: 15-minute walk from Tobu Railway Kinugawa Onsen Station, Kawaji Venue: 15-minute walk from Yagan Railway Kawajimoto Station
Fall: Experience the vibrant colors of autumn in Nikko
Located at the entrance of Okunikko with a circumference of 25 km and a maximum depth of 163 m, Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) is a place known to be the summer capital of Nikko since time immemorial with its rich environment and gentle climate. From the shore, you can admire the beautiful autumn leaves of maples and Japanese rowan, making this place the iconic spot for autumn leaves in Nikko. There is also a pleasure cruise where you can enjoy cruising from the lake with a view of the mountain covered with autumn leaves.
Another spot for autumn leaves in Nikko is the Akechidaira Ropeway. This is located midway the Irohazaka, a known driving course. It sits on an elevation of 1373 m from where you can enjoy the superb view from the sky. Nikko's popular places, namely the Chuzenji Lake, Kegon Waterfall and Mt. Nantaisan, can be viewed here. You can gaze at the dynamic view of the brilliant autumn colors from the ropeway.
-
-
Address
Chuguushi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, 321-1661
View Map -
Nearest Station
Nikko Station (JR Nikko Line)
-
Address
Chuguushi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, 321-1661
Winter: Enjoy fun activities in Nikko during snow season
This is a snow festival held at Yunishigawa Onsen in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Inside the venue, you can enjoy your meal in the snow covered pillows, and enjoy sledding on the slide.
The highlight of the festival is "Mini Kamakura", which is a row of small snow huts called kamakura adorned with lights. The light of the candle sways and creates a fantastic landscape. Because it is a hot spring area, you can also enjoy a hot spring at a day trip hot spring or at a lodging facility.
Winter is considered the best season for stargazing due to the long nights and clear air. If you're looking for a great viewing spot, we recommend Senjougahara, a marshland located in Nikko that's elevated at 1400 meters above sea level. Here, you can have a panoramic view of glittering stars. However, keep in mind that the temperature in Senjougahara during winter can drop below -10°C, so make sure to dress appropriately and take precautions to protect yourself from the cold before going on a stargazing adventure.
-
Yunishikawa Onsen Kamakurasai湯西川温泉かまくら祭
- Address 1193-6 Yunishigawa, Nikkō-shi, Tochigi-ken 321-2601
-
Nearest Station
From Yagan Railway Yunishikawa Onsen Station, take a bus bound for Yunishigawa Onsen for about 30 minutes and get off at the bus stop “Honke Bankyu Ryokan-mae”. 15 minutes walk to Heike no Sato, the main venue
- Phone Number 0288-22-1525
Nikko Kegon Falls: See different views according to the season
Kegon Falls is one of the three largest waterfalls in Japan and is renowned as one of Nikko's leading power spots. The water of Lake Chuzenji falls from a height of 97 meters, creating a spectacular spray. The beauty of the waterfall changes with the seasons - in spring and summer, there is fresh greenery, in autumn there are colorful leaves, and in winter, there is the snowy landscape. You can fully experience the beauty of nature in every season.
You can use the elevator to go to the waterfall basin and watch the water roaring nearby. Between January and February, a thin waterfall called Junitaki freezes and the blue ice makes for a majestic scenery. This spot is enjoyable throughout the year and if you visit Nikko, it is a must-see attraction.
-
-
Address
Chuguushi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, 321-1661
View Map -
Nearest Station
Nikko Station (JR Nikko Line)
-
Address
Chuguushi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, 321-1661
Nikko is an amazing place where you can experience a diverse range of historical architecture, culture, and nature all in one area. It is a destination that you can visit throughout the year, and it is fascinating to see how the same attractions transform with each season. I highly recommend visiting Nikko during all four seasons to fully appreciate its distinctive charm.
A full-service editorial production team that handles everything from planning, editing, coverage, and writing, for all types of media, including booklets, books, websites, and events, plus everything from media launch, to stuffing and delivery.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
-
Nature with Art: Explore 'teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces' in Ibaraki
-
Experience the Magic of 'The Nutcracker' in Tokyo This Winter
-
The Ride of Your Life! Experiencing Japan from Above in a Private Helicopter Tour
by: Cassandra Lord
-
2024 Christmas Markets in Japan: Gourmet Treats, Wine, and Unique Finds
by: Mizue Ito
-
Experience the Best of Shiga Prefecture at COCOSHIGA! From Japan's Largest Lake Biwa to Tasty Omi Beef
-
SENSE ISLAND/LAND Art Event in Yokosuka: Discover Unique Performances on the Uninhabited Island of Sarushima
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
Explore, Eat, Relax - Welcome to the World of Onsen Gastronomy! Travel Japan's countryside, expand your culinary horizons, and soak in sumptuous hot springs
-
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu): Exploring the Sacred Sanctuary of Peace in Bustling Tokyo
-
What to Pack for Japan: 8 Essential Things for a Hassle-Free Trip
-
Tokyo Tsukiji|Tsukiji Area Map & Sightseeing Information
-
Tokyo Roppongi: 5 Most Amazing Spots at Roppongi Hills and How to Make the Best of Them!
-
Shibuya Crossing: Getting the Best View from the Deck at Magnet by Shibuya109!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks