Hidden Gems: Nikko City
The breathtaking Nikko City(日光), nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo in Tochigi prefecture, offers a captivating blend of rich historical heritage and stunning natural beauty. Home to UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, Nikko blends architectural and spiritual splendor. Surrounding these cultural landmarks are dense forests, clear rivers, and pristine waterfalls. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet easily accessible from Tokyo, Nikko provides an enriching and serene experience that captures the timeless charm of Japan.
A SHRINE OF SPLENDOR
Toshogu Shrine(東照宮）
At the heart of Nikko’s historical appeal is the lavish Toshogu Shrine, built initially in 1617 to enshrine the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. It was then built up once again, 20 years later, into its current form. Unlike many shrines in Japan that stress simplicity, Toshugu is renowned for its grand style, featuring intricate wood carvings and buildings heavily adorned with gold leaf. The famous saying “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”, which stems from ancient Chinese roots, rose to fame through the the of the iconic wood carving of the “Three Wise Monkeys” at Toshogu. Lastly, alongside the regal shrine itself stands a museum near the entrance of the shrine, where we learn about the chronicles of Ieyasu’s life.
Toshogu Shrine is easily accessible from Nikko Station, which offers a shuttle bus to the shrine. Walking from the station to the shrine is around a 30-40 minute, 2 km walk, which allows you to see some of the other points of interest in the area, such as the Shinkyo Bridge, Shoyoen Garden, and more.
A HAVEN OF NATURE
Lake Chuzenji（中禅寺湖)
The rejuvenating experience of stepping into nature can be felt all around Nikko City. Particularly, Chuzenji Lake and its surrounding area are a peek into the serenity of Nikko National Park. This lake, situated at the foot of Mt. Nantai, was formed over 20,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. The shores of Chuzenji are adorned with lush forests alongside stunning natural wonders such as the Kegon Falls, widely considered to be one of Japan’s three best waterfalls. The hikable mountains in the area also offer matchless sights for those willing to trek them.
The scenery of this area can also be experienced in a more passive way by means of the hot spring town along the east side of Chuzenji. Hot springs, or Onsen (温泉) in Japanese, are a cherished part of this country’s culture, known not only for their deeply therapeutic and relaxing effects, but also for their beautifying properties. After a long day, there is no better way to wind down than relaxing in an onsen at one of the traditional Japanese hotels, also known as ryokans, in the area. By submerging yourself in the healing hot spring waters after a day of exploration, you'll blend into the quiet, tranquil townscape of Nikko against the spiritual backdrop of the surrounding forests and waters. In this serene corner of Japan, you can not only experience the same views you see in the famous ukiyo-e, but also get caught in the stillness and peacefulness of the Japanese countryside.
With each passing season, Nikko offers another opportunity to experience the area’s beauty from a fresh perspective. The vibrant autumn and spring colors, the escape from the heat in the summer at the high elevation of the lake, and lastly, the snow-covered ground in the winter. The mystique of this area can be felt in many different ways and is a worthwhile visit.
A STEP BACK IN TIME
Edomura Wonderland Nikko Edomura (日光江戸村）
This recreated Edo-period village turns back time to the age of the last shogunate of Japan, offering visitors the unique opportunities to experience the cultural flourishing of the time on their own two feet. You can be immersed in the ambience from the Edo Period while walking through the alleys and homes of samurai and common folk from long ago. Whether it is a family seeking an enriching day of cultural exploration or someone looking to transform into an Edo-period resident, there are a plethora of hands-on activities offered here. Ranging from an introduction to the elegant Japanese instrument shamisen to an authentic swordsmanship experience, Nikko City’s shining historical appeal is brought vividly to life.
Lastly, accessing Edo Wonderland is convenient as it is reachable by a short shuttle trip from either Nikko Toshogu Shrine or Nikko Station.
Tochigi’s Nikko City, while being easily accessible, is a hidden treasure that is waiting to unveil the timeless spirit of Japan.