When in Japan again, if you have seen the tech of Tokyo and mingled in the hustle and bustle of Osaka, you might be searching for something a little different to add to your itinerary. Lesser-known to most international travellers, only a 2-hour train trip North from central Tokyo lies the small town of Nikko – a quiet place where you can slow down, catch your breath, and take in the scenery of this spiritually rich destination. Nikko itself sits on the edge of a giant National Park and is known for its lush nature, a surplus of natural hot springs facilities and an abundance of historically significant temples and shrines – offering the tired traveller a place to relax and recuperate while taking in the ‘zen’ vibes. Here is how to make the most of Nikko.
Immerse yourself in the history of Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko has a history of Buddhist and Shinto worship in Japan from around the 8th century and is home to several culturally significant UNESCO World Heritage sites. Amongst them, the most magnificent is the grand Nikko Toshogu Shrine which was built in dedication to Japan’s most famous samurai leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu who played an important role to unifying Japan as a nation. When he was enshrined here his status was elevated to a divine god, and as you wander amongst the many lavish structures on the shrine’s grounds, you can feel how much the Japanese people respect him.
Aside from its main buildings and famous towering five-storey pagoda, the shrine is known for its intricate and colourful carvings that decorate its many sacred structures- the most famous being the ‘three wise monkeys’ who brought along the birth of the well-known maxim, ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’.
Wander the way lined with Buddhist deities at Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Located alongside a small river connecting the town of Nikko to its iconic landmark Lake Chuzenji, you will find a small gorge that was created when Nikko’s active volcano Mt. Nantai erupted somewhat 7,000 years ago. The area is now known as the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which runs parallel to the river and has walkways lined with around 70 Jizo statues. Although not limited to Nikko, Jizo statues represent Buddhist deities that protect children, women, and travellers. Their knitted hats and bibs are made by local Buddhists who pay their respects to the deities by tending to the statues and making offerings. A particular row of the Jizo statues has been dubbed ‘Bake Jizo’ (ghost Jizo) as they have a reputation of confusing visitors with their numbers as it seems to change each time you try to count them.
Get some peace of mind while exploring Nikko’s Marshlands
From the northern banks of Lake Chuzenji you can make your way through the forest path to Nikko’s Senjogahara Marshland. The area covers a plateau between Lake Chuzenji and the sleepy onsen village, Yumoto Onsen and gives travellers away to enjoy the nature of the expansive 114,908-hectare Nikko National Park. The marshland’s plateau sits at 1400 metres above sea level and allows you to take in the views of the many mountains of the Nikko National Park. Although hiking can be enjoyed year-round, it is particularly rewarding in Autumn thanks to the crisp air and the marshland turning from green to shades of red, yellow and gold.
Get there
Nikko can be reached in a 2-hour ride on one of the Tobu Railway’s express trains from Asakusa Station in Tokyo. The railway network offers special discount passes for foreign visitors visiting Nikko from Tokyo which include unlimited travel on trains and busses in the Nikko area in addition to the round trip from Tokyo and special discounts at some tourist facilities, shops and restaurants.
