Nikko Travel Overview:
A small pilgrim town hidden in the emerald mountains of Tochigi prefecture some 135 km north of Tokyo, Nikko makes for an easy day trip, an intimate getaway destination steeped deeper in history and nature, and a nice place to get away from it all yet stay close to all the action.
Nikko, which is a pun per se, and appropriately enough, translates collectively into "sunlight" and separately "the glory of Japan," has long been the veritable auspicious enclave dearest to the hearts of the dutiful pilgrims as well as of the diehard cultural fetishists.
To describe its nondescript juxtaposition of the legendary divinity of the sacred Shin-kyo bridge, Mount Nantai and the Futarasan-jinja Shrine, the historical and architectural glory of Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Yakushido Temple and the Taiyuin-byo Mausoleum (much of the sacred grounds have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999), and nature¡¯s bounty of the cascading Kegon Waterfalls, the crystal clear Lake Chuzenji, over 13,000 ancient cedar trees, and numerous gurgling streams and hot springs in the 200,000-acre Nikko National Park, nothing gets truer and wiser than "Nikko is Nippon," as the tourist slogan proclaims.
Having internalizing both the Buddhist principles and Shinto perceptions of relationship between man and nature, and concinnating the ornamental Chinese elements and the minimalist no-nonsense austerity characteristic of the Yamato culture, Nikko strikes a perfect balance between the mind-soothingly quietude and sanctitude and the heartstirringly sumptuous incarnations of everlasing blessings and happiness, and ultimately reinvents itself as an extant showcase of such quintessential Japanese tour de force it is today.
Nikko wo minakereba "kekko" to iu na: Don't say kekko (magnificent) until you've seen Nikko. So hush, pack up and see you in Nikko!
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What To Do in Nikko
1.Cultural Assets
Shrines and Temples of Nikko (World Heritage site)
Toshogu Shrine:
Tel: 0288-54-0560;
Location: 2301 Sannai, Nikko City;
Description: Lavish mausoleum enshrinin...
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1.Cultural Assets
Shrines and Temples of Nikko (World Heritage site)
Toshogu Shrine:
Tel: 0288-54-0560;
Location: 2301 Sannai, Nikko City;
Description: Lavish mausoleum enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, must-sees include the Yomeimon (twilight gate), carvings of the"see-no-evil, speak-no-evil, hear-no-evil" San Zaru (three monkeys)on the Shinkyusha (Sacred Stable), carving of the Nemuri Neko (sleeping cat) along the Eastern Corridor, the Naki Ryu (roaring dragon) painting on the ceiling of Yakushi-do (the Hall of the Medicine Buddha), etc.
Rinno-ji Temple:
Tel: 0288-54-0531;
Location: 2300 Sannai, Nikko City;
Description: an important religious center for mountain worshippers, must-sees include Sambutsudo (Hall of Three Buddhas), the Shoyouen garden, the Houmotsuden, Taiyu-in Reibyo Mausoleum dedicated to the Third Tokugawa Shogun Iemitsu, etc.
Futarasan-jinja Shrine:
Tel: 0288-54-0535;
Location: 2307 Sannai, Nikko City;
Description: Dedicated to Nikko's sacred mountains, must-sees include the Haiden (oratory), the Honden (sanctuary), Bake-Doro (Goblin Lantern), the Futaara Reisen (Miraculous Spring) and the Daikokuden (Main Temple), The Sacred Bridge (shinkyo) straddling the Daiya River, etc.
Other:
Ashio Copper Mine: 9-2 Tsudo,Ashio-machi, Nikko (0288-93-3240);
Ashio History Museum: 2825 Matsubara, Ashio-machi, Nikko (0288-93-0189);
Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park: 8-27 Hon-cho, Nikko-shi (0288-53-6767);
Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park: With an attatched Summer Resort History Museum;
Nikko Natural Science Museum: 2480-1Chugushi, Nikko-shi (0288-55-0880);
Hydroelectric Science Museum: 260 Oaza-Taki, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-76-2151);
3D Museum of Cosmos &Dinosaur: 1-83 Aza-hara, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-70-1066);
Trick Art Gallery: 14 Oaza-kosagoe, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-77-3565);
Takehisa Yumeji Art Gallery: 772-1 Karakura, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-77-0777).
2.Natural Getaways
Nikko Botanical Garden: 1842 Hanaishi, Nikko (0288-54-0206);
Nikko Begonia garden: 800 Oaza-kosagoe, Fujihara-machi,Shioya-gun (0288-77-0866);
Kamimiyori Aquatic Plants Garden: 682 Oaza-kamimiyori, Fujiwala Machi, Shioya-gun;
Ryuokyo Gorge: Fujihara, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-76-4111);
Monkey Mountain Ropeway: 834 Kinugawa Onsentaki, Nikko (0288-77-0700);
Akechidaira Ropeway: 709 Fukazawa, Hosoo-cho, Nikko City (0288-55-0331);
Kinugawa River Cruise: Cruising from Kinugawa Onsen to Otoro (0288-77-0531);
Cedar Avenue of Nikko: Guinness-listed avenue lined by over 13,000 cryptomeria trees;
Irohazaka: Mountain road connecting Nikko City with the Oku Nikko area in Tochigi Prefecture;
Nikko National Park (aka. Oku-Nikko, Tel. 0288-54-2496): Lakes like Lake Chuzenji, Lake Yunoko, waterfalls like Ryuzu Falls and Kegon Falls (one of the Three Great Cascades of Japan); Wetlands of Senjo-gahara and Oze-gahara; mountains like Mt. Okushirane (2,578m), Mt Nantai (one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan) Mt Nasu, and Mt Hiuchi, the Toshogu Shrine, and many hot spring resorts such as the Yumoto Onsen, Chuzenji Onsen, etc.
3 Miscellaneous
Entertainment:
Western Village: 315-1 Kurihara, Imaichi-city (0288-21-8731);
Grand Maze: 465 Karakura, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-77-2239);
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko-shi (0288-77-1777);
Tobu World Square: 209 Ohara, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-77-1055);
Nikko Pet Village: 1776 Serinuma-asa-kamikawara, Imaichi City (0288-21-8477);
Nikko Monkey Scout(Saru-gundan): 763 Karakura, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-76-8259).
Sports:
Nikko Yumoto Ski Area: Yumoto, Nikko City (0288-62-2532);
Nikko Country Club: 2833 Tokorono, Nikko-shi (0288-54-2128);
Nikko Golf Park Harel: 1333 Shichiri, Nikko-shi (0288-50-1313);
Nikko Daiya River Park: 844 Segawa, Imaichi-shi (0288-23-0111);
Nikko Kirifuri Ice Arena: 2854 Tokorono, Nikko-shi (0288-53-5881);
Nikko Kirifuri Kogen Ski Area: Tokorono, Nikko City (0288-53-0525);
Imaichi Youth Sports Center: 609-1 Nemuro, Imaichi-shi (0288-26-1155);
Nikko Kirifuri Country Club: 1538-18 Tokorono, Nikko-shi (0288-53-4111);
Nikko Shobugahama Ski Area: Shobugahama Chugushi, Nikko (0288-55-1111);
Kinugawa Country Club: 62 Takatoku, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0120-21-5656);
Kinugawa Kogen Country Club: 722 Ikari, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-78-1010);
Edelweiss Ski Resort: Takahara-Keichou-Mountain, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun (0288-78-0786).
What To Wear in Nikko
1.Geographical &Meteorological Feature
High Elevation:
With more than 90% of its total area covered by forests, mountain ranges and other wilderness areas, Nikko affords infinite o...
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1.Geographical &Meteorological Feature
High Elevation:
With more than 90% of its total area covered by forests, mountain ranges and other wilderness areas, Nikko affords infinite opportunities to enjoy leisure sightseeing as well as serious outdoor sport throughout the area with variations according to the respective elevation.
Lake Chuzenji: approximately 1270 meters above sea level;
Mount Nantai: approximately 2484 meters bove sea level;
Mount Okushirane: approximately 2,578 meters bove sea level;
The urban area of Nikko: approximately 530 meters above sea level;
Cool Climate:
Despite its relatively closer location to Tokyo (approximately 150 kilometers), Nikko features an inland climate pattern and a wide temperature range that's fairly similar to the seasonal averages of the much colder temperature zone of Hokkaido, which translates into drastical difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, and between the relatively hot summer and the severely cold winter.
Annual Average Temperature: around 7 Celsius Degrees (44F);
Monthly Average Minimum Temperature: around -8 Celsius Degrees (17F);
Monthly Average Maximum Temperature: around 22 Celsius Degrees (72F).
2.What to wear
Something light and casual:
While the elevation varies greatly throughout the region, Nikko is high above the sea level, mountainous rather than hilly.
So, you should pack light, prepare clothes that's easy to take off and put on, and wear a pair of comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
As far as the dress code is concerned, there is hardly any occasion in Nikko that you must dress up for.
The sun sets as early as 4:30pm during winter and there is almost absolutely no nightlife in and around town except hot springs.
To fully enjoy a relaxing holiday in this zen-like pilgrim town, casual wear should be considered necessary.
Something warm:
While Nikko can be 10 degrees cooler than it is in Tokyo on the same day, it gets even colder as you ascend the mountains in the same locale, especially if it's windy during winter or rainy during summer.
Come with the proper preparation of warm clothes, since things in Japan is not that cheap, even in the more rural Nikko, and almost all shops in town could become deserted around the bone-chillingly cold midwinter.
That said, you should at least bring a light jacket or a light sweater even if it is pleasantly fine at the foothills.
And if it appears to be overcast before you start your trip, it is considerably safer to prepare a folding umbrella, windbreaker or some sort of waterproof non-skid footgear.
Layer up anytime during winter! For outings during such cold days, you're recommended to put on thermal underwear, a warm layer like cashmere sweater, then something like a down jacket or a heavy outerwear to cover up, plus scarf, hat and gloves.
What To Eat in Nikko
1.What to eat
Local specialties:
Manju: Japanese steamed cake with sweet bean paste filling;
Yuba: Tofu skin, used in soups, as spring roll, fried into salad croutons, dried for la...
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1.What to eat
Local specialties:
Manju: Japanese steamed cake with sweet bean paste filling;
Yuba: Tofu skin, used in soups, as spring roll, fried into salad croutons, dried for later use,ect.
Regional cuisine:
Ramen (noodle soup) in Sano;
Tochigi Sake (Japanese Rice Wine);
Gyoza (Chinese meat dumplings) in Utsunomiya;
Japanese Flavors:
Donburi: a bowl of rice topped with various other optional materials;
Bento: takeout or home-packed box meal consisting of rice, fish or meat, etc.
Tempura: Seafood and vegetables deep-fried in a batter made from flour and egg;
Nabemono: various kinds of one-pot dishes, such as Oden, Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu, etc;
Oden: hodgepodge of boiled egg, daikon radish, konnyaku, fish cakes, etc, in a dashi broth;
Sukiyaki/ Shabu-Shabu: beef &vegetables boiled/ quick cooked at your table on an iron pan;
Wasabi: Japanese horseradish, known for its strong flavor, used as a spice in many dishes;
Yakitori: skewered chicken grilled on an open flame and eaten with special sauces and salts;
Soba/ Udon: Noodles made from buckwheat, served hot in soup or cold with a dipping sauce;
Sushi: sliced raw fish or other ingredients placed on top of vinegared rice, eaten with soy sauce.
2.Where to eat
Cafe de Savoie: 2478 Chugushi, Nikko (0288-55-1150);
Chodaya: 631-3 Kiyotakitanze-machi, Nikko (0288-53-6288);
Ebisu-ya: 955 Shimohatsuishi-machi, Nikko (0288-54-0113);
Gu-An at Nikko Kanaya Hotel: 2301 Sannai, Nikko (0288-50-1550);
Gyoshin-Tei: 2339-1 Sannai, Nikko (0288-53-3751);
Hinokuruma: 579-2 Gokou-machi, Nikko (0288-54-2062);
Hippari Tako: 1011 Kami-Hatsuishi, Nikko (0288-53-2933);
Katsura: 2482 Chugushi, Nikko (0288-55-0238);
Kegon Plaza: 2480 Chugushi, Nikko (0288-55-0371);
Le Michelle : 1550-85 Tokorono, Nikko (0288-53-4659)
Main Dining Hall at Nikko Kanaya Hotel: 1300 Kami-Hatsuish, Nikko (0288-54-0001);
Masuda-ya: 439 Ichiyamachi, Nikko (0288-54-2151);
Meiji no Yakata: 2339-1 Sannai, Nikko (0288-53-3751);
Ryuzu-no Chaya: 2485 Chugushi, Nikko (0288-55-0157);
Suzuki Dining: 581-2 Gokou-machi, Nikko-shi (0288-54-0662);
Tabiya Shokudo: 2478 Chugushi, Nikko-shi (0288-55-0244);
Takumi Iori: 7-46 Takumi-cho, Nikko (0288-53-6323);
Uoyou: 593 Gokou-machi, Nikko-shi (0288-54-0333);
Yuzawa-ya: 946 Shimohatsuishi-machi, Nikko (0288-54-0038).
Where To Stay in Nikko
1.Annex Turtle Hotori-An
Tel: +81-(0)288-53-3663
Location: 8-28 Takumi-cho, Nikko
Escape from the maddening hustle and bustle of the metropolitan Tokyo in this quiet corner of the rural N...
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1.Annex Turtle Hotori-An
Tel: +81-(0)288-53-3663
Location: 8-28 Takumi-cho, Nikko
Escape from the maddening hustle and bustle of the metropolitan Tokyo in this quiet corner of the rural Nikko only 15 minutes walk from the Shinkyo Bridge, get back in touch with nature and ancestor by visiting the Nikko National Park as well as the World Heritage listed Shrines and Temples of Nikko, enjoy a relaxing dip in hot-spring baths overlooking the Daiyagawa River and the luscious forest beyond through the large ceiling-to-floor windows, play in the adjoining park and playground with your kids, take a leisure stroll along the interesting historical hiking route nearby which is lined with mysterious statues of Jizo, make friends with the friendly Fukuda family who speak good English and are helpful in planning sightseeing trips, Annex Turtle Hotori-An tells you how to make the most of your budget stay, and why you should come back again and again.
2.Daiyagawa Youth Hostel
Tel: +81-(0)288-54-1974
Location: 1075 Nakahatsuishi-machi, Nikko
While this YH is understandably cheaper and smaller than the ritzy resort complexes in town, Daiyagawa Youth Hostel is more homey and stylish compared to hostels in Tokyo and other urban areas, in that the riverside location of the property that affords scenic views during the day and lulling sound at night in one of the clean rooms of bunk beds with strong Japanese touches, the friendly Japanese hostess enjoys making each and every of her guests feel at home and be treated with the genuine Japanese hospitality, and the traditional bath tub and a shower where you can soak your tiredness away after a lengthy day of hiking in the forested mountains, magnificent waterfalls and crystal clear lakes of the Nikko National Park and sightseeing in the temples, shrines, museums, art galleries and botanical gardens nearby.
3.Konishiya
Tel: +81-(0)288-54-1101
Location: 1030 Kamihatsuishi-cho, Nikko
Formerly known as the Oyado Shinkyo Konishi, Konishiya is a traditional ryuokan showcasing everything you would ever desire for a great Japanese experience, including the Japanese style guest rooms, private hot-spring baths, and traditional Japanese meals, and is located only 10 minutes walk from the Nikko Station and very close to the Shinkyo Bridge as well as the Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple and Futarasan-jinja Shrine, an ideal location from where to proceed your natural getaway in the National Park, your religious pilgrimage in the holy sanctuary and your historical and cultural excursion to the core of the supreme legacy of Japan's Edo era, to view the spectacular vision of the beautiful, colorful autumn leaves in Nikko mountains.
4.Logette Sanbois
Tel: +81-(0)288-53-0082
Location: 1560 Tokorono, Nikko
A wooden mountain villa built on a wooded hill by a murmuring stream about 15 minutes walk from Nikko station JR Nikko Line or Nikko station Tobu-Nikko Line, the no-frills Logette Sanbois really does know how to convince you of its extra convenience and comfort, by serving up the big public bath where you can use privately, dishing up scrumptious meals of local specialities with probably the best preparation you¡¯ve ever had, and by adding such big bonus as the pick-up service from the train station or to the temples and shrines offered by the friendly and helpful Ogihara family upon request.
5.Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Tel: +81-(0)288-54-0001
Location: 1300 Kami-Hatsuishi, Nikko
Opened in 1873 and thus one of Japan's oldest continuously operating Western-style hotels, and set on a bluff above the sacred Shinkyo bridge on the Daiyagawa River, Nikko Kanaya Hotel combines the modern conveniences of a well-established classic resort, the rustic heartiness of a European country lodge and the old-world atmosphere of old Japan, with an impressive hostory of playing host to such celebrities and dignitaries as Charles Lindbergh, Indira Gandhi, Shirley MacLaine, President Roosevelt, General Eisenhower, and former Prime Ministers of Japan an elaborate variety of guestrooms and suites available in histric buildings built at times ranging from the classic Meiji era to the mid-1950s, the excellent fusion of Western architecture and Japanese craftsmanship throughout the property, and of western and Japanese cuisine available at the on-site restaurants and bars, and the exclusive range of other facilities and services such as an outdoor heated pool, outdoor skating rink, souvenir shops, in-room massage, etc.
6.Nikko Lakeside Hotel
Tel: +81-(0)288-55-0321
Location: 2482 Chugusi, Nikko
A charming rustic mountain resort hotel located in heart of Nikko National Park with Lake Chuzenji at its doorstep and Kegon Waterfalls in the back, where you can experience Nikko's seasonal beauty up close, and a time-honored lodging establishment founded in the Meiji-era, 1894, whose long history of patronage by foreign dignitaries runs deep, Nikko Lakeside Hotel is a cocoon of elements for a comfortable and relaxing getaway, with private and public hot-spring baths using thermal water coming from Chuzenji Onsen which is great for relieving jet lag and urban stress, and reating rheumatism and diabetes, and a whole lot more facilities and familiarities for the convenience of leisure tourists and business travelers from around the world, including the Western style guestrooms, nice French restaurant, bar, lounge, coffee shop, safe deposit box, room service, as well as meeting space and the like.
7.Nikko Park Lodge
Tel: +81-(0)288-53-1201
Location: 2828-5 Tokorono, Nikko
A charming pension nestled in the thick of a secluded forest yet still is walkable from both Tobu Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station, a convenient base for couples, small groups and families looking for a truly Nikko experience, and a perfect blend of natural surroundings and urban conveniences, plus a friendly attitude, this laid-back lodge features a cozy lounge with comfortable sofas and a warm stove for the winter, lovely Japanese-style hot baths on the first floor, refrigerator, hairdryer, bath, shower and toilet in all its comfortable western style rooms with 1 to 5 beds, Zen yoga classes offered every morning, culinary knockout prepared in the Zen tradition, WiFi acess in room and in the lobby, and a friendly owner who is happy to drive you to and from the train stations and the temples and shrines of the area.
8. Nikko Prince Hotel
Tel: +81-(0)288-55-1111
Location: 2485, Shobugahama, Chugushi, Nikko
A modern resort hotel on the shore of Lake Chuzenji with 60 relaxing western-style guest rooms, each with a shower and bath, 32 cozy summer cottages, with views of the lake and the mountainous surroundings, the lake-facing Main Dining Room, the elegant Lounge and the cozy Main Bar to satisfy the needs of either fine dining or casual socializing, the well-equipped Prince Hall function space readily suitable for conferences, exhibitions, private parties, and wedding receptions, a wide range of exclusive facilities and amenities, including 2 tennis courts, a swimming pool, a bicycle rental desk, a lakeside dock with motor boat and rowboat rentals, and gender-separated and family indoor public baths with hot spring water from the Chuzenji Onsen, as well as a comprehensive variety of recreational programs to be arranged for the guests, including Autumn colors or "Kouyou" viwing in Nikko¡¯s mountain ranges, skiiing in nearby Nikko Shobugahama ski area, as well as fising, hiking, golfing, etc.
9.Turtle Inn Nikko
Tel: +81-(0)288-53-3168
Location: 2-16 Takumi-cho, Nikko
Included in this petit riverside nonsmoking pension that's run by the friendly Mr. Fukuda, the same owner of the nearby Annex Turtle Hotori-An who speaks English and is very helpful in planning your sightseeing itinerary, and located within walking distance of all the renowned temples and shrines of Nikko are a hot spring bath, computers with free internet access, bright and cheerful Japanese and Western-style rooms that can accommodate 1 to 3 person, exquisite Japanese dinners and excellent Western breakfasts dished up with tableware of Mashiko-yaki pottery and much more, making Turtle Inn, a Japanese Inn Group member, one of the most often requested lodgings in town, especially in days close to public holidays and traditional festivals.
How To Go Nikko
1.By Train
From Tokyo:
Tobu Asakusa Station (rapid trains 120min) - Tobu Nikko Station;
Tobu Asakusa Station (Tokkyu Spacia "Kegon", 100min) - Tobu Nikko Station;
JR Shinjuku/Ikeb...
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1.By Train
From Tokyo:
Tobu Asakusa Station (rapid trains 120min) - Tobu Nikko Station;
Tobu Asakusa Station (Tokkyu Spacia "Kegon", 100min) - Tobu Nikko Station;
JR Shinjuku/Ikebukuro (Limited Express "Nikko" "Kinugawa",120min)- Tobu Nikko Station;
JR Shinjuku/Ikebukuro (Limited Express "Nikko" "Kinugawa")- Shimo-Imaichi - Tobu Nikko Sta;
JR Tokyo (Tohoku Shinkansen 50min)- JR Utsunomiya Sta (JR Nikko-sen 47min)- JR Nikko Sta;
From Tohoku:
JR Morioka Sta (Tohoku Shinkansen) - JR Utsunomiya Sta (JR Nikko-sen) - JR Nikko Station;
More information:
JR Nikko Station: 0288-54-0046;
Tobu Nikko Station: 0288-54-0037/0266.
2.By Car
From Tokyo, Nagoya and Tohoku areas
Urawa IC (Tohoku Expressway)- Utsunomiya IC (Nikko Utsunomiya Toll Road) - Nikko IC.
3.Other
By Taxi: Nikko Kotsu: 0288-54-1188; Chuo Kotsu: 0288-54-2138, etc;
By Highway Bus: from JR Shinjuku Station West Entrance to Tobu Nikko or Nikko Toshogu.
What to be noted in Nikko
1. Plan ahead!
Avoid visiting during the busiest tourist season;
Or make reservations for transportations and accommodations well in advance.
National Holidays:
January 1: New Yea...
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1. Plan ahead!
Avoid visiting during the busiest tourist season;
Or make reservations for transportations and accommodations well in advance.
National Holidays:
January 1: New Year's Day
The second Monday of January: Coming of Age Day;
February 11: National Foundation Day;
March 21: Vernal Equinox Day;
April 29: Showa Day;
May 3: Constitution Memorial Day
May 4: Greenery Day;
May 5: Children's Day;
The third Monday of July: Marine Day;
The third Monday of September: Respect for the Aged Day;
September 23: Autumnal Equinox Day;
The second Monday of October: Health-Sports Day;
November 3: National Culture Day;
November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day;
December 23: Emperor's Birthday.
Annual Events & Festivals:
Hatsu-moude Festival: January 1, Toshogu Shrine, Rinnou-ji Temple, Futarasan-jinja Shrine;
Musha-sai Festival: January 4, Chuzennji shrine;
Setsubun-sai: Feburuary 3, Toshogu Shrine, Rinnou-ji Temple, Futarasan-jinja Shrine;
Nikko Hyosetsu Festival (from late January to early February)
Gohan-shiki: April 2, Rinnou-ji Temple;
Yayoi-sai Festival: April 16 & 17, Futarasan-jinja Shrine and in the city;
Toshogu Reitaisai Grand Festival of Spring: May 17 & 18, Nikko Toshogu Shrine;
Toshogu Reitaisai Grand Festival of Autumn: October 17, Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
2. Behave!
Be sure to wear shoes that can be taken off easily, since you have to remove your shoes before entering temples and shrines in Japan and you'll have to do that very often in Nikko.
Watch your behavior around the temples and shrines of Nikko, since there are some of the most respectable figures and most venerable deities enshrined here.
3.Warnings!
Tire chains are required for vehicles coming in town in winter;
For those allergic to cedar, bring asparin, gauze mask, or antihistamines for that matter;
Bring carsickness pills for the trip along the zigzag hairpin Irohazaka Rd to Lake Chuzenji;
No wheelchair! There're steep inclines, cobble-paved at the best, are anything but smooth;
Warmer clothes please, since Nikko is way cooler than lowland Tokyo, especially during winter.
4.More Information
The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Tobu trains;
Violent crime against tourists is almost nonexistent in town, yet it pays to use common sense;
Due to the vaired elevation throughout the area, autumn leave season could vary from mid-October in and around the Yumoto Onsen and Lake Chuzenji to mid-November in central Nikko.
5.Useful Pnone Numbers
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 110;
Fire and Ambulance:119.
Police Stations:
Nikko Police Station: 2-2-2 Inari-machi Nikko-shi, 0288-53-0110;
Imaichi Police Station: 1378-1 Imaichi Imaichi-shi, 0288-23-0110.
Tourist/Sightseeing Information:
Nikko Information Center: 591, Goko-machi, Nikko, 0288-53-3795;
Tobu Sightseeing Service Center: Asakusa Station, 1-4-16 Hanakawado, Tokyo, 03-3841-287;
Tobu Nikko Station Information Center:Tobu Nikko Sta, 4-3 Matsubara-cho, Nikko, 0288-53-4511;
Tourism Association of Kinugawa Kawaji Hotspring: 1404-1 Oaza-Ohara, Fujihara-machi, Shioya-gun, 0288-77-2052.
