Nikko
Nikkō – a world heritage site located about 140km North of Tokyo.
It is the capital of Tochigi prefecture and by area the third largest city in Japan.
In 1999, the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō together with their natural surroundings were designated a UNESCO world heritage site, but for hundreds of years before were recognised by the people of Japan as both culturally and spiritually significant.
The many Shrines and Temples of Nikkō date back hundreds of years and attract tourists both domestic and international, year round.
Nikkō also features natural hot-springs, mountains, an impressive waterfall and lake.
It’s elevation in the mountains results in a climate comparable to that of Hokkaidō with average temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C with the lowest temperatures reaching as low as -8°C.
Our Trip
We departed Tokyo from Asakusa Station onboard the brand-new SpaciaX train operated by Tobu Rail.
The SpaciaX is a limited express train running between Asakusa Station and Tobu Nikkō Station. Tickets go on sale one month before the date of travel and sell out very fast. We were lucky enough to book one of the four booth seats (for two), but there are also standard seats, premium seats, private rooms and a VIP lounge.
The journey was smooth and comfortable, quickly leaving the city behind to cut through seemingly endless fields. Our only criticism is that it was over too quickly… we wanted to stay on the train a little longer.
Upon arrival we made use of the coin lockers at the station (to collect again before travelling to our accommodation) and headed to the highly recommended Cuban Sandwich shop, conveniently opposite the station!
Accommodation
For the first night we stayed at Rakuten Stay Villa, a brand-new complex of private villas each easily accommodating large families, groups of friends or couples.
With the Japanese standard of two double beds in the Western room, for those who prefer to sleep separately I assume… A tatami room with multiple futon bed sets in the cupboard, and the biggest sofa I have ever sat on in my life, there are a few sleeping options.
The villa also featured a large dining table to sit 8 to 12 people and a fully kitted-out kitchen.
Two separate toilets, a shower room and the main event…. In a second shower/bathing area, a certified hot-spring onsen bath and sauna!
There’s nothing better than to relax in your very own private bath with natural onsen water!
On the second night we stayed at an Air B&B which was an old house in the main town, just off the high street. It was quaint and very “granny style”, completely contrasting the shiny new and warm Rakuten Stay Villa, an enjoyable experience with easy access to the town, but very VERY cold!
Sight-Seeing
To list and describe here all the places we visited would either create a blog more akin to a novel or do each of the truly wonderful sites a disservice by editing down and discounting the experiences.
Perhaps I will write a couple of dedicated posts…
However, to summarise our time sight-seeing in Nikkō, it was the most enjoyable and effective way to cleans ourselves of the city and busy life back in Tokyo.
The Shrines and Temples of Nikkō date back hundreds of years and while restoration work has been carried out, they are STILL the original buildings.
Many Shrines and Temples in Japan were destroyed during the war and have since been rebuilt, yet Nikkō successfully avoided the destruction and has maintained the original buildings in their full glory.
Among the many notable sites are Shinkyō Bridge, Rinnō-ji Temple, and Tōshōgū Shrine – a complex of gilded buildings and the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and recognised as one of the great unifiers of Japan.
Final Thoughts
Nikkō is a truly precious, place… The people are very friendly, the nature is magnificent and the world heritage Shrines and Temples are most beautiful, and although busy with tourists, filled with a noticeable sense of peace and tranquility.
With a world heritage pass for two days you can catch the bus to and from various sites and experience a lot of amazing examples of Japanese culture and nature.
Two days was not long enough for us to see everything, so we will be returning in the Spring for more!
So far during my first year in Japan, Nikkō is without a doubt the place I have most enjoyed and cannot wait to return to.
Booking Your Nikkō Stay
Tobu Rail SpaciaX Limited Express booking site (English)
Rakuten Stay Villa Nikkō booking (English)
For more photos from in and around Nikkō please check out my photography page here.
Photography from Nikkō is split into four separate albums, Nikko Town, Nikko Temples & Shrines, Shinkyō Bridge, and Nikko Nature (including Autumn leaves)
Thank you for reading!
