Day trip from Tokyo

Nikko 日光

Overview Do Eat Getting around Day by day

Quick facts

From Tokyo: ~2 hr each way
Length: Long day
Vibe: Peak foliage
Return: Same day

The one destination where mid-to-late October hits genuine peak autumn foliage. UNESCO World Heritage shrines plus mountain lakes and waterfalls at elevation. A long day, so start early.

Things to do

Seeded from what we already wrote. We will add, cut and reorder.

Akechidaira viewpoint over Irohazaka and Kegon Falls

Akechidaira & Kegon

Bus up the Irohazaka winding road at peak foliage, the Akechidaira ropeway for the panorama, then the 97m falls.

Lake Chuzenji

A high-altitude crater lake ringed by forest in full October colour. Lunch lakeside.

Toshogu Shrine

One of Japan's most elaborate shrines, mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu: carved gates, gold detailing, the see-no-evil monkeys.

Shinkyo Bridge

The bright red sacred bridge over the Daiya River at the entrance to the shrine area. Maples on every side.

Where to eat

Authentic local places we want to eat, and room for more.

＋ Add a place to eat: drop a name, a Tabelog or Google Maps link

Getting there & around

From Tokyo: Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa, about 2 hours, or JR. Book the earliest realistic train.
Up the mountain: Bus up Irohazaka to Chuzenji and Kegon, about 45 min. Expect autumn traffic on weekends.
Around the shrines: Toshogu, Futarasan and the bridge are walkable together near the town.
Return: Head down by late afternoon to beat the leaf-season crowds back to Tokyo.

Day by day

A loose plan, editable as we book things.

Early

First train out

Earliest sensible departure from Tokyo to get a full day at elevation.

Morning

Irohazaka & Kegon

Up the winding road, Akechidaira panorama, Kegon Falls.

Midday

Lake Chuzenji

Lakeside lunch with the autumn colour.

Afternoon

Shrines, then back

Descend for Toshogu and Shinkyo Bridge, evening train to Tokyo.

Kawaguchiko

Back to

Route overview