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Nikko Location Map
Nikko is located in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, in the Kanto region of Japan. It sits about 150 km (roughly 2 hours) north of Tokyo, making it one of the most popular and convenient day trip or overnight getaways from the capital.
Take a look at the Nikko location map and you'll see how easy it is to access. Nestled at the edge of Nikko National Park, the town acts as a gateway to some of Japan's most iconic natural and cultural sights.
Nikko Tourist Attractions Map
Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage destination, famous for its shrines, waterfall, onsen, and mountain landscapes, especially in Autumn. We break it down into 3 section to help you plan your visit better with Nikko attractions map.
UNESCO World Heritage Area - Shrines, Temples & History
Centered around Tobu-Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station, this is the spiritual and cultural heart of Nikko. You'll find the UNESCO-listed Shrines and Temples of Nikko, including:
- Toshogu Shrine: Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Rinno-ji Temple: Known for its giant golden Buddha statues
- Futarasan Shrine: An ancient mountain-worship shrine with peaceful forested grounds
This area is walkable and perfect for half-day to full-day exploration. Don't miss the iconic Shinkyo Bridge, marking the gateway to the sacred zone.
Oku-Nikkō Area (Inner Nikko / Lake & Mountains) - Scenic Drives and Hikes
Northwest of central Nikko lies the Oku-Nikko area, accessible via the winding Irohazaka Road. Here, nature reigns supreme. Highlights include:
- Kegon Falls- One of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, dropping 97 meters from Lake Chuzenji
- Lake Chuzenji- A serene crater lake with lakeside walks and boat rides
- Irohazaka Winding RoadsFamous hairpin mountain road with panoramic views
- Ryuzu Falls - Dragon-head-shaped falls surrounded by autumn colors
This area is best reached by bus from Tobu-Nikko Station (about 40-60 minutes).
Onsen Area - Relax in Nikko's Hot Springs
After temple-hopping or hiking through nature, it's time to soak. Nikko has some wonderful onsen towns, especially around:
- Yumoto Onsen - A quiet lakeside village near the source of hot springs, great for a night's stay
- Kinugawa Onsen - Closer to Tokyo, with big resort hotels and amusement spots like Edo Wonderland
Whether you want a traditional ryokan experience or just a quick public bath, the onsen areas offer the perfect way to unwind.
Tokyo to Nikko Map
It's a popular day trip from Tokyo to Nikko, especially during autumn season in November. Travel from Tokyo to Nikko is easy and fast. They are just 150 kilometers apart, and train is the best way.
Rail Routes (Most Popular & Convenient)
- Tobu Railway (Asakusa Station → Tobu-Nikko Station)
Direct, frequent, and budget-friendly. The Limited Express SPACIA or Revaty Kegon gets you there in around 2 hours.
- JR Route (Tokyo/Ueno → Utsunomiya → Nikko)
Take a Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line. Total trip is about 1 hour 45 minutes. JR Pass holders-this route is for you!
By Car
About 2-2.5 hours drive via Tohoku Expressway, then Nikko-Utsunomiya Road. Great if you're planning to explore remote areas or waterfalls.
From the map, you can clear know the time you'll spend on the way.
Nikko Bus Map: Nikko Sightseeing Bus (World Heritage & Yumoto Onsen Routes)
Getting around Nikko is easy thanks to its well-organized sightseeing bus system. The two main routes-the World Heritage Route and the Yumoto Onsen Route-cover all the must-visit spots, from ornate shrines to mountain lakes and hot springs.
World Heritage Route
This loop connects Nikko Station with the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine. It runs frequently (about every 15-20 minutes) and is perfect for travelers with limited time.
Route: JR Nikko Sta. → Tobu Nikko Sta. → Hotel Seikoen Mae → Omotesando → Taiyuin Futarasan Jinja Mae → Nishisanndo Chaya → Yasukawa → Shinkyo → Tobu Nikko Sta. → JR Nikko Sta.
Ideal for: Day-trippers from Tokyo
Tip: Get off at Shinkyo Bridge or Omotesando to explore the temples on foot.
Yumoto Onsen Route
Going deeper into the mountains, this route takes you past Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and up the Irohazaka Winding Road to Yumoto Onsen, a peaceful hot spring village.
Route: JR Nikko Sta. → Tobu Nikko Sta. → Shinkyo → Nishisando Iriguchi → Yashionoyu → Chuzenji-Onsen → Ryuzu no Taki → Yumoto Onsen
Ideal for: Nature lovers and overnight travelers
Tip: Sit on the left side for the best lake and valley views!
Nikko Travel Map
If you want to see the best of Japan's nature and heritage in one trip, the Nikko Tour Map shows a classic loop starting and ending in Tokyo. This route combines the sacred shrines of Nikko, the hot springs and lakes of Hakone, and the majestic views of Mount Fuji.
Tokyo → Nikko
Explore Nikko's World Heritage area, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji. Stay overnight to enjoy a local onsen.
Nikko → Hakone
Discover Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley, and Hakone's famous outdoor museums.
Hakone → Mount Fuji (Kawaguchiko)
Enjoy iconic Fuji views, lakeside walks, and seasonal flowers.
Mount Fuji → Tokyo
Return to Tokyo in 2-2.5 hours by bus or train for your departure or continued exploration.
The map makes it easy to visualize travel times and transfer points.
With this itinerary map, you can plan a 5-7 day journey that covers Japan's cultural highlights and natural beauty without backtracking.
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