Looking for the perfect day trip near Tokyo? You cannot miss this post on Nikko, a small jewel full of temples and ryokans.
The surroundings of Tokyo offer some jewels not to be missed, one of which is undoubtedly Nikko.
How to reach Nikko from Tokyo
If you have the Japan Rail Pass, like us - and like most tourists - take the Shinkansen train from Tokyo Station.
After 45 minutes get off at the station Utsunomiya.
Here you take the local train on the Nikko Line for a further 45 minutes journey.
From the train station you can walk to the temple area in about 40 minutes, or by bus (from the train stations) in 10 minutes for 310 Yen.
We opted for the first solution because the walk along the Nikko-Kaido it is really pleasant and you can enjoy views that Tokyo lacks. Typical restaurants, houses seen only in cartoons, spontaneous smiles.
What to see in Nikko
The temple area is open 8:00AM - 17:00PM and the last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
1. Shinkyo Bridge
The bridge - also called Sacred Bridge - is located at the entrance to the Nikko shrines and temples. Technically it belongs to the Futarasan Shrine.
The bridge is ranked as one of the three best bridges in Japan. It is present in practically all postcards of Japan: gorgeous.
After the bridge, start the climb in the woods, that day it was drizzling and the atmosphere was really surreal.
2. Futarasan Shrine
Futarasan was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko.
The shrine is dedicated to the kami ("Shinto deities") of Nikko, the three sacred mountains. Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho and Mount Taro.
3. Toshogu Shrine
Thus we arrive at the actual complex consisting of a dozen temples.
The sanctuary is completely surrounded by vegetation which makes it mystical and, despite the considerable presence of tourists, it is always possible to create a space where you can feel the peace that surrounds it.
Initially the mausoleum was relatively simple, it was later expanded into the spectacular complex seen today by his grandson Iemitsu Ieyasu during the first half of the 17th century.
Toshogu Shrine is famous for the ornate carvings that decorate the entire buildings. In particular, the imposing entrance door - Yomei-mon - is famous for its rich decorations which include more than three hundred sculptures representing mythical animals such as dragons, giraffes and lions.
Inside Toshogu are some objects classified as national treasures and important cultural properties of Japan, such as some swords. To enter, you obviously have to take off your shoes.
An important building of the sanctuary is the stable of sacred horses and grateful for the decoration depicting the three wise monkeys: called Mizaru (see no evil), Kikazaru (do not listen to evil) e Iwazaru (don't talk about evil).
Absolutely not to be missed is the temple dedicated to the sleeping cat. Time stands at the end of an endless staircase in the eastern part of the area, the temple is small and cute and dedicated to the sleeping cat. A good omen.
4. Five Story Pagoda
The pagoda is located at the entrance to the area and each floor represents an element: earth, water, fire, wind and space.
33m high with a cavity inside which contains a gigantic pendulum to keep it standing in case of an earthquake.
5. Rinnoji Temple
Rinnoji was founded by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. The temple is the most important in Nikko even if at this time - and until 2021 - its external majesty is compromised by the restoration works.
However, you can visit the inside. The main building, the so-called Sanbutsudo, contains three wooden statues depicting Amide, Kannon with a thousand arms and Kannon with the head of a horse, the three deities embody the three mountain kami.
To see the whole area it took 4 hours and then it was time to return to Tokyo. Walking back on the Nikko-Kaido we come across various small restaurants and what we will call bars.
So we decide to go in and have a snack with a nice green tea and Mochi.
6. Yumoto Onsen
If you have a few hours to spare, a good idea is to take a bus from the station and go to Yumoto.
Yumoto is a small spa town northwest of Nikko and is part of the Nikko National Park.
The city is located near the Yunoko Lake and consists mainly of ryokan with thermal baths. For a little relaxation!
Beware of those with tattoos, they could prevent you from accessing.
