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Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Discover a Snowy World Heritage Site

by taiwanderjessica
nikko japan

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Introduction

Last December, I visited Nikko, a serene destination known for its cultural treasures and breathtaking nature. Although Nikko is best known for maple viewing, we experienced the advantage of visiting after peak season and even saw the rare Kegon Falls slightly covered by snow.

Following my reviews of the Tobu SPACIA X train journey and our stay at Kojoen Ryokan, here’s a detailed account of our snowy adventure in Nikko.

Day 1: Arrival in Nikko – Snowy Beginnings

Spacia-X

Our day began with an early-morning Tobu train from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station, where we arrived at noon. I’ll put my Spacia X review at the end of this article.

Nikko Japan

As soon as we stepped out, gentle snowflakes greeted us, with a light dusting of snow lining the streets.

Nikko Japan

By evening, after a night of snowfall, the landscape transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Fresh, untouched snow blanketed the surroundings, and gusts of wind occasionally carried sparkling flurries across the view—a scene rarely seen in bustling city life.

Nikko Japan
Nikko Japan

There’s no snow in Taiwan except in the mountains, so it’s cold enough for us and we are excited to see snowflakes falling.

Nikko Day Tour from Ginza: Nikko Toshogu, Kegon Falls, Nikko Onsen & Edo Wonderland | Japan on kkday

Nikko Toshogu Shrine & Kegon Waterfall One Day Tour from Tokyo on Klook

Kegon Falls: A Winter Spectacle

Nikko Japan

Our first stop was the iconic Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three great waterfalls. While part of the observation deck was under construction, we still managed to enjoy stunning views. Visitors can take a paid elevator ride for an up-close perspective. Nearby, a souvenir machine offers collectible coins—perfect for memorabilia lovers.

A Japanese friend mentioned that witnessing the falls surrounded by snow without being entirely frozen is a rare sight, making the experience even more special.

Nikko Japan

Cold weather calls for comfort food, so we warmed up with local specialties at a nearby shop. Lemon-flavored milk, a regional treat, tasted much like citrusy milk juice. A popular yellow soft-serve ice cream caught our eye, and we couldn’t resist grabbing some local souvenirs, including colorfully packaged Nikko crisp snacks from a charming shop.

Nikko Japan
Nikko Japan

Lunch at Sushi Kurosaki

Nikko Japan

After exploring Kegon Falls, hunger led us to Sushi Kurosaki, a highly-rated Japanese restaurant along the road to Kojoen Ryokan. With snowfall intensifying outside, we felt lucky to find this cozy spot. Nice that they have an English menu!

The meal exceeded expectations—fresh sashimi, a thoughtfully prepared salad, and impeccable service. Dining under a warm blanket (yes, the staff provided one!) while snow whirled outside felt surreal. Even the little details, like the charming chopstick wrappers and informative notes in Japanese, added to the charm.

Nikko Sushi
Nikko Sushi

Buy Japan esim on KKDAY

Nikko Kojoen Ryokan: Lakeside Serenity

KOJOEN NIKKO

By evening, we checked into Kojoen Ryokan, which offers stunning views of Lake Chuzenji right from the room. The stay included a delectable multi-course dinner and breakfast. Guests even receive a complimentary ice cream voucher for a partnered gift shop.

Kojoen’s intimate setting made the stay feel incredibly personal. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with pristine lake views, made it an unforgettable experience.

Hotel review: A Serene Stay at Kojoen: Snow and Stunning Scenery of Nikko

Day 2: Exploring Historical Treasures in Nikko

As Kojoen was located at the last stop, the next morning, we took a bus down the winding Irohazaka Road—a scenic route famously featured in the movie Initial D. The destination: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

nikko

There’s a Lawson at the bus stop where you get off. Grab an onigiri in case you feel hungry.

Before entering Toshogu, you’ll see some nice little stores that sells cute cards and coffee.

nikko coffee

Nikko Toshogu One Day Bus Tour from Tokyo on Klook

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

nikko japan
nikko japan

This is a good spot for photo!

nikko japan
nikko japan

Tall trees with refreshing air

nikko japan
nikko japan

The shrine is known for its ornate carvings, including the famous Three Wise Monkeys and the Sleeping Cat (Nemuri-Neko). Admission costs ¥1,600 now. If you opt for the Treasure Museum package, expect to pay ¥2,400.

nikko japan

It’s bigger than I thought. Prepare for lots of walking and stairs, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Nikko monkeys

The most important thing to see in the Shrine, the very famous Three wise monkeys, check the wikipedia out if you have never heard of these monkeys.

nikko japan

Climbing up to the Okunoin (the inner shrine housing tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, an important Commander in Chief in Japan’s history) is worth the effort, as it’s also where you’ll find exclusive Omamori charms and shrine stamps.

nikko japan

Make to take a look at the sleeping cat on the beam

rear shrine

very long stairs with 207 steps. Feel like giving up once seeing it

nikko

Behind the gate is the tomb.

nikko japan

These are exclusive charms of the rear shrine.

nikko kirin

This is given to the shrine by Kirin the beer company

rear shrine

Shinkyo Bridge

nikko bridge

On the way back to the station, we passed by the Shinkyo Bridge, one of Japan’s three most famous bridges and part of Nikko’s UNESCO heritage. While the bridge itself requires an admission fee of 300 yen, its picturesque setting offers plenty of photo opportunities.

nikko bridge

One of my Japanese friends proudly shared his wedding photo walking through the bridge.

Book Tokyo to Nikko: Nikko private guided tour english driver

Tips for Visiting Nikko

Time needed: Allocate two days for a relaxed trip.

Comfortable shoes: Essential for climbing Toshogu Shrine’s steep stairs.

Plan for snow: Nikko’s winters are cold, and snowfall can transform the scenery overnight.

Don’t rush purchases: The Toshogu area has many Omamori charms and souvenirs—browse before buying.

Budget for meals: Local restaurants like Sushi Kurosaki are worth the splurge.

Nikko Day Tour from Ginza: Nikko Toshogu, Kegon Falls, Nikko Onsen & Edo Wonderland | Japan on kkday

Nikko Toshogu Shrine & Kegon Waterfall One Day Tour from Tokyo on Klook

Spacia X review

spacia x

A highlight of this trip was riding the Spacia X, a new luxury train launched in July 2023 by Tobu Railway. With unique seating options, a charming on-board café, and thoughtful surprises, Spacia X felt more like an amusement park ride than a mode of transportation.

The journey started at Tobu Asakusa Station, a seven-minute walk from my hotel, Gracery Asakusa(link to a review in Chinese). Since we used e-tickets, we bypassed the paper ticket queue and entered the platform directly. We were soon impressed by the mode design of the platform.

pacia-X-

The train’s modern hexagonal windows and sleek design immediately stood out. Its LED headlight arrangement, inspired by the “T” in Tobu Railway, gave it a futuristic charm. On the platform, the staff were not only helpful but also eager to assist with photos, adding a friendly touch to the experience.

Premium Seat: The Ultimate Comfort

spacia-X-

For the outbound trip, we chose the Premium Seat in car 2, painted in a striking orange. Inspired by business-class airplane cabins, the seat boasted adjustable recline, a reading light, USB ports, and 110V outlets under the armrest. Though the onboard Wi-Fi was a little spotty, the cozy atmosphere made up for it.

The boarding music was delightful, adding to the luxury vibe. If you’re looking for comfort and exclusivity, the Premium Seat is worth booking.

Goen Café: A Unique Onboard Dining Experience

spacia-X-

I wasn’t aware of the café’s popularity until boarding. Access required a reservation ticket, distributed online shortly after departure. Though the announcement was in Japanese, I managed to secure a slot around 10:00 AM by following the app’s simple instructions.

spacia x

The café is located in the Cockpit Lounge, designed to evoke the feel of a private jet. The ambiance is stunning, with warm wooden tones and unique details inspired by Edo-period aesthetics.

I sampled a small yet exquisite lineup of treats, including strawberry milk ice cream, black coffee and spent ¥1,600 for dried strawberries! the quality and exclusivity justified the splurge.

Standard Seat: A Practical Option

Spacia-X

For the return trip, we opted for the Standard Seat, which felt similar to seats on a high-speed rail. Though less luxurious than the Premium Seat, it was still comfortable and spacious, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers.

Hidden Surprises: The Christmas Touch

Spacia-X

On the return journey, a staff member unexpectedly stopped by with a themed photo board and offered to take our picture. To our surprise, he also gifted us printed hand-drawn Christmas cards. This thoughtful gesture made the ride feel magical and uniquely Japanese.

Spacia-X

Here’s the link to Spacia X’s website in English for more introduction.

Nikko Toshogu One Day Bus Tour from Tokyo on Klook

Conclusion

nikko japan

Nikko offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and cuisine, making it an ideal two-day trip from Tokyo. Whether marveling at Toshogu’s intricate carvings, savoring fresh sushi on a snowy mountain, or soaking in lakeside serenity at Kojoen Ryokan, every moment felt like a scene from a postcard.

Plan your visit, embrace the cold, and let Nikko’s snowy charm leave you spellbound.

A Chinese blog post of this Nikko trip can be found here, which ranks #1 on Google for Nikko Review (in Chinese)

A Chinese blog post of Spacia X review can be found here

Please check out my review on journey by Medivaine here

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4 comments

A Serene Stay at Kojoen by Lake Chuzenji: Snow, Solitude, and Stunning Scenery of Nikko 2024 年 11 月 19 日 - 20:53

[…] Discover Nikko’s Winter Magic: A Day Trip from Tokyo to a Snowy World Heritage Site […]

Reply
A Serene Stay at Kojoen by Lake Chuzenji: Snow and Stunning Scenery of Nikko 2024 年 11 月 19 日 - 20:58

[…] Discover Nikko’s Winter Magic: A Day Trip from Tokyo to a Snowy World Heritage Site […]

Reply
Sonia 2024 年 11 月 24 日 - 06:04

Nikko looks like a wonderful getaway from Tokyo. I’d love to spend time there exploring the snowy surroundings. Is 2 days ideal, or is there more to explore?

Reply
taiwanderjessica 2024 年 11 月 25 日 - 00:47

Hi Sonia, thank you for your message! 2 days is ideal for a relaxed trip, some would do 1 day only. If you spend two days, you can enjoy wonderful spots in Nikko in the morning with less tourists!

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