Nikko National Park

Particularly popular among hikers, nature lovers, and those who appreciate Japanese architecture, Nikko National Park is easily accessible from Tokyo on a day trip. Most travelers visit as part of an organized tour so as to reap the benefits of a local tour guide and the convenience of round-trip transportation from the city.

However, for a fully immersive journey into the history of Japanese culture, a trip to the national park can be combined with a visit to Edo Wonderland, a colorful theme park of ancient villages featuring geishas, samurais, and ninjas.

• Nikko is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure travelers.

• Choose a standard entrance ticket or a World Heritage Pass that includes entrance to the park's shrines and temples.

• Day trips from Tokyo often include hotel pickup and drop-off and can last upwards of 12 hours.

• Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

• Bring a jacket; it's cooler in Nikko than in Tokyo.

While a guided tour is the most stress-free way to visit the park, there are several ways to arrive independently. The Spacia bus departs regularly from Tobu's Asakusa Station and takes just under two hours. Those who prefer the train can take the Tobu rapid train from Asakusa (just over two hours) or the JR train from Shinjuku (roughly two hours). Be sure to board the correct car, as the trains split up along the way.

In autumn, the foliage of the surrounding mountains—particularly around Lake Chuzenji—turns spectacular shades of red and yellow, making it an ideal time to visit. Other times of year are less crowded. Expect cold temperatures and snow in winter and mild, wet weather in summer.

While many come to the national park for the nature, its cultural attractions are also worth exploring. The 8th-century Rinnoji Temple houses three 28-foot (8.4-meter) gold-leaf wooden Buddha statues, as well as a lovely landscaped Edo-era garden. More than 2.4 million sheets of gold-leaf were used in the construction of the Toshogu Shrine, the most famous structure in the Nikko area. The Futarasan Shrine, the oldest structure in the area, dates back to 1617.

Spread across three prefectures, the must-see attractions in Nikko National Park are Lake Chūzenji, framed by hundreds of trees; the shrines and temples of Nikko, which are UNESCO listed; Kegon Falls, a waterfall that completely freezes in winter; and Mt. Nantai, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It’s also home to Yumoto Onsen, a hot spring resort.

To get to Nikko National Park from Tokyo, you can board a 2-hour train from Shinjuku Station to Tobu Nikko Station. For a slightly faster journey, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and transfer at Utsunomiya Station to the JR Nikko line.

Yes, there are plenty of guided tours of Nikko National Park. Most tours depart from Tokyo and last 1-2 days. Tours typically cover multiple highlights, such as Lake Chūzenji, Kegon Falls, and the Akechidaira Ropeway, a cable car that offers stunning views of the park.

There are a variety of hiking trails in Nikko National Park for different abilities and interests. Trails in the Senjogahara Marshlands are ideal for beginners, as they’re flat and easy to navigate. Visit Okinikko to hike through the famous forests, or head to the Ryuo Valley, where you can follow the Kinugawa River as it flows over multicolored rocks. Those looking for a more challenging hike can consider climbing Mt. Nantai, which is 8,156-foot (2,486-meter) high.

You’ll find accommodation options on the outskirts of Nikko, ranging from high-end hotels to hostels. More traditional accommodation types are in Okukinu, including ryokan inns, famous for their service and hospitality, and budget-friendly minshuku.

The best time of year to visit Nikko National Park is during the spring (March-May), when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in fall (September-October), when brightly colored foliage brightens the park. These are also the busiest times, so you’ll need to book ahead.