Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls

Morning: Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who unified Japan in 1603. Where most Japanese shrines are austere, Toshogu is exuberant — gold leaf, lacquer and more than five hundred carvings, including the famous 'see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil' monkeys and the sleeping cat.

Go early. The complex opens at 8:00 (9:00 in winter) and the first hour is the quietest. From there, walk the Kanmangafuchi Abyss path, lined with rows of stone Jizo statues in red bibs beside the Daiya River.

Afternoon: Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

The Irohazaka switchback road climbs to Lake Chuzenji, a crater lake 1,269 metres above sea level at the foot of Mount Nantai. Five minutes from the lakeshore, Kegon Falls drops 97 metres off the lava cliff; a lift takes you to a viewing platform at the basin.

In October and November this whole route burns red and gold with maples — see our Nikko Toshogu Shrine & scenic lake tour for the day plan, or check availability on GetYourGuide.

Practical notes

Nikko is two hours from Tokyo by road. Mountain weather changes fast — bring a layer even in summer, and expect ice on the falls path in winter. Shrines and the waterfall lift charge small entrance fees, so carry some cash.