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Nikko 
Meaning “sunlight”, the name Nikko is synonymous with splendour. This is mainly thanks to the elaborate and highly decorative mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, which lies surrounded by forest in a stunning national park.
“You think you've seen Japanese temples, and then you go to Nikko. Tosho-gu is like no other: lavish, luxurious and vibrant, amid beautiful natural scenery.”
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the founding father of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Japan's last ruling clan, which existed between 1603 and 1868. Ieyasu is thus a figure of great historical significance, and his tomb, which lies within a large and elaborate temple complex near the small town of Nikko, a fitting tribute to so illustrious a personage.
Built in the mid-17th century and subsequently greatly aggrandised by Ieyasu's grandson, the location of this monument pulled Nikko out of the years of obscurity brought about by its decline as a training centre for Buddhist monks. The building of the shrine was also a shrewd political move: the vast cost of construction was passed on to the daimyo class (feudal lords), which limited their wealth and power and therefore reinforced the position of the Tokugawa dynasty.
Nikko has long been a heartland of spirituality and provides a rich variety of experiences. The first thing that strikes most visitors upon arrival is the setting: set amid thick forest and mountain scenery, the town is beautiful in all seasons - but particularly in the autumn, when the leaves turn their dazzling shades of red and orange.
Japanese religious buildings are traditionally characterised by simplicity and austerity, highlighting their function as places of worship. Tosho-gu Shrine (Tokugawa's mausoleum) stands in opposition to this idea. Brightly painted in reds and greens and embellished with a myriad elaborate carvings, Tosho-gu is more a celebration of the successes of the Tokugawa Shogunate than a tribute to the principles of Tendai Buddhism. This grandiose style has a tendency to polarise opinion - with some people calling it ostentatious and tasteless, while others laud it as some of Japan's most spectacular and beautiful architecture. Here at InsideJapan Tours we tend to lean towards the latter opinion!
Away from the crowds and into the hills around Nikko it is easy to understand why such a site is the centre of religious pilgrimage. The surrounding national park, including several beautiful waterfalls, many forested hiking trails and the stunning Lake Chuzenji, contains more than enough natural beauty to merit a longer stay if you have the time.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Recommended Accommodation in Nikko
The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Nikko.
Experiences in Nikko
Nikko offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites
Weather in Nikko
The Climate Guide for Nikko, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Daytime Temperature (°C) | 4 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 7 |
| Min Night-time Temperature (°C) | -5 | -5 | -2 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 15 | 8 | 2 | -3 |
| Hours of Sunshine (Daily) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Hours of Daylight (Daily) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Heat and Humidity Discomfort | None | None | None | None | None | None | Low | Moderate | None | None | None | None |
| Days with some Rainfall | 17 | 17 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 17 | 14 | 15 |
| Monthly Rainfall (mm) | 31 | 48 | 75 | 113 | 125 | 203 | 199 | 240 | 256 | 123 | 72 | 31 |
| UV Index (Maximum) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Tour Gallery
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Featured trips including Nikko
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Small Group Tour
A Northern Soul (IJT Classic)
- Tokyo
- Nikko
- Hiraizumi
- Naruko Onsen
- Kesennuma
- Sendai
- Niigata
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Discover the beautiful yet little-visited region of Tohoku, home to rugged national parks, historic cities, and enchanting hot spring towns.
14 nights: US$7332 Read more >
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Self-Guided Adventure
Northern Highlights (Superior)
- Tokyo
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- Sendai
- Nyuto Onsen
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- Mount Haguro
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Journey through the lush rural landscapes of Tohoku, the region that stretches 500 miles north from Tokyo, on this superior two-week itinerary.
13 nights: from US$5639 pp (twin share) Read more >
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Self-Guided Adventure
World Heritage (Superior)
- Tokyo
- Nikko
- Kyoto
- Mount Koya
- Himeji
- Hiroshima
- Kanazawa
- Tokyo
Discover Japan's most important monuments on this superior 17-night trip, including the temples of Nikko, Hiroshima's Peace Park, and Himeji Castle.
17 nights: from US$8498 pp (twin share) Read more >
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