Explore some hidden gems and more well known spots of Nikko! We will be exploring mainly around the areas of Kinugawa Onsen and Tōbu-nikkō.
Note:
Nikko is well-known for it's many waterfalls and the area around Lake Chūzenji. Since I'm from the Pacific Northwest, the waterfalls are similar to what I would see near my home. That plus the nauseating bus ride up the super switch-back road (search google maps for "Nikko Iroha Slope InitialD") is why I'm skipping that area on my Nikko tour.
A former popular onsen town, now falling to disrepair due to lack of tourism.
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Bridge hopping
Explore the area around the formerly bustling onsen town. You can get off at Kinugawaonsen Station if you want to avoid a 30 minute walk. Or go one extra stop to Kinugawakoen Station to check out some fun views.
Cafe stop for coffee and sweets, View of the river and some tables have hot water to soak your feet in!
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Boat Ride
Catch a ride down river with this relaxing cruise line. Boats launch around 11:55, 12:50, and 1:25pm. I recommend arriving about 20-30 mins early. 2800 yen per person. Online says that reservations are recommended, but the website link doesn't work.
Boat ride down the river. Mostly calming water with some rapids to pass through. The guides tell the history of the area in Japanese.
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The boat will drop you off at a spot with a few food stalls and gift shops. You could take a free shuttle back up to the boat launch area. They delay the bus arriving so you can have time to browse their goodies for sale.
Amusement Park
Since we are going to a nearby amusement park, we will walk it.
From the dock, walk about 20 minutes to the next stop. Rural walking along roads and through residential areas.
Dress up as your chosen social class of edo period Japan! Lots of actors, activities, and food to enjoy. From the photos it doesn't look like there's that many people.
One hour private onsen huts with two baths (one wood and one stone) for 3800 yen per room. Up to 5 people allowed in a room. Tattoos allowed. You are required to be nude while bathing.
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Cut through the forest to cross this bridge over to the station.
There are many nice ryokans in the Kinugawa area and Nikko area if you would like a more comfortable stay. Since we weren't planning on spending too much time in the room, I opted for a cheap option.
Strange bridge on the way to the temple. You need to pay 300 yen to walk on it, but you cannot cross it. You need to turn around and go back the same way.
Strolling garden, 10 min walk around. Ticket to nearby treasure hall includes admission to garden (300 yen). There's an autumn illumination event (5pm-8pm) in November that costs 500 yen.
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Café time
Pick one of the two options below. It should be about 10am now.
Hot noodle soup with tofu skin. Restaurant overlooking river.
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Options:
You could go from this point up the road towards Lake Chūzenji and check out a couple of the sights on your way. Kegon Waterfall, Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck, Ryuzu Falls, Senjōgahara Grassy Plain, and Yudaki Falls are some popular stops.
Since we were heading over to Kamakura from here, we will be leaving Nikko mid afternoon so we can spend the evening in Kamakura.
Hi, I'm an Arborist from Canada. I'm a cozy traveler who likes searching for hidden gems and cool trees. You'll find café, food, garden, and easy hike recommendations here.
