What is Nikkō National Park?
Nikkō National Park (Nikkō Kokuritsu Kōen) is a vast natural park centered in Tochigi Prefecture that also spans Gunma and Fukushima Prefectures.
It covers about 1,150 square kilometers and is home to the World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō", Kegon Falls, Lake Chūzenji, and Senjōgahara, among many of Japan’s most iconic scenic spots.
The park offers beautiful scenery in every season — fresh green in spring, a cool retreat in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy winter landscapes — so you’ll be impressed no matter when you visit.
In this article we’ll introduce the attractions of Nikkō National Park, recommended spots, access information, and more!
Attractions of Nikkō National Park
1. World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō" and historic buildings
Within Nikkō National Park is the "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō", registered as a World Heritage site in 1999.
This area includes historically important structures such as Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnō-ji.
① Nikkō Tōshō-gū (Nikkō Tōshō-gū)
- A lavish shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Famous carvings such as the three wise monkeys ("see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil") and the "Sleeping Cat"
- Many highlights including the five-story pagoda and the Yōmei Gate
② Futarasan Shrine (Futarasan Jinja)
- A power spot for matchmaking and love
- The grounds feature huge sacred trees and a "Married Couple Cedar", popular with couples
③ Rinnō-ji (Rinnō-ji)
- A Tendai sect temple with over 1,200 years of history
- Learn about historical ties to the Tokugawa family
2. Breathtaking scenic spots shaped by nature
Nikkō National Park contains many spectacular natural attractions formed by grand landscapes.
① Kegon Falls (Kegon no Taki)
- A 97-meter waterfall counted among Japan’s three most famous falls
- Enjoy seasonal views; the frozen falls in winter are especially impressive
② Lake Chūzenji (Chūzenji-ko)
- A highland lake at an elevation of 1,269 meters, one of Japan’s prominent high-altitude lakes
- A resort spot offering sightseeing boats and canoe experiences
③ Senjōgahara (Senjōgahara)
- A marshland area spreading at an elevation of 1,400 meters
- Ideal for trekking and birdwatching
④ Ryūzu Falls (Ryūzu no Taki)
- Named because the shape of the falls resembles a dragon’s head
- Particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season
3. Enjoy beautiful scenery in every season
Nikkō National Park shows different charms depending on the season.
① Spring (March–May)
- Cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom, and fresh greenery is at its best
- Great season for sightseeing boat rides and hiking
② Summer (June–August)
- Cool climate makes it popular as a summer resort
- Enjoy a refreshing summer at Lake Chūzenji and Kegon Falls
③ Autumn (September–November)
- One of Japan’s top spots for autumn colors
- Peak foliage is typically from mid-October to early November
④ Winter (December–February)
- Snowy landscapes and frozen waterfalls create a magical atmosphere
- Also a season to enjoy hot springs
4. Enjoy outdoor activities
In Nikkō National Park you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, mountaineering, camping, and hot springs.
✅ Trekking courses (for beginners)
- Senjōgahara Hiking Course (about 2 hours): A scenic route around the marshland
- Ryūzu Falls to Yudaki Course (about 3 hours): A route that visits waterfalls and the lake
✅ Mountaineering (for advanced climbers)
- Mount Nantai (elevation 2,486 m): A sacred mountain representing Nikkō, popular with climbers
✅ Hot springs (for those wanting to relax)
- Nikkō Yumoto Onsen: A hot spring area famous for its skin-beautifying waters
Practical information for travelers
Access information (how to get to Nikkō from Tokyo)
By train
- From Tokyo: Tobu Limited Express SPACIA takes about 2 hours
- From Utsunomiya: JR Nikkō Line to Nikkō Station takes about 40 minutes
By car
- From Tokyo: Take the Tōhoku Expressway → Nikkō Utsunomiya Road via the "Kiyotaki IC", about 2 hours
Wi-Fi information
- Free Wi‑Fi is available around Nikkō Station and at tourist information centers
- Reception can be weak in mountainous areas of the park, so it’s a good idea to download maps in advance
Language support
- Tourist information centers provide brochures in English, Chinese, and Korean
- Major tourist spots have multilingual signboards
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Nikkō National Park is a special place where World Heritage sites and spectacular natural scenery coexist.
You can enjoy seasonal landscapes, historic buildings, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs, mountain climbing, and many other activities.
Access from Tokyo is convenient, making it recommended even for a day trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best season to visit Nikkō National Park?
A: The autumn foliage season (October–November) is especially popular, but spring and summer are also great times to visit!
Q: Where is convenient to stay?
A: There are many accommodations around Lake Chūzenji and the Nikkō hot spring areas.
Q: Are there places to eat inside the park?
A: There are many restaurants and cafes in Nikkō city and around Lake Chūzenji.
Q: Which sightseeing spots are recommended?
A: The World Heritage site Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Kegon Falls, Lake Chūzenji, and Senjōgahara are particularly popular.
Please experience the grandeur of nature and history in Nikkō National Park!
