Where to Stay in Nikko: Choosing the Right Area

Tobu-Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station are close together, and this is where local buses depart for Toshogu, Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. The street leading from the station toward Toshogu is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, and there are guesthouses and small hotels too.

Best for

• ✓First trips to Nikko
• ✓Travelers getting around by train and bus
• ✓Anyone heading to Oku-Nikko early the next morning

Nearest stations

🚉 Tobu-Nikko Station; JR Nikko Station

The area around Nikko Toshogu, Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine, and the Shinkyo Bridge at their entrance. Being able to walk to the shrines and temples makes it ideal for visiting in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to take their time visiting shrines and temples
• ✓Anyone who wants to visit during the quiet morning hours

Keep in mind

It is uphill from the station, so a bus or taxi makes things easier when you have a lot of luggage.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station (toward Shinkyo or Nishi-sando)

The shore of Lake Chuzenji, the gateway to Oku-Nikko, where Kegon Falls, lake sightseeing boats and well-known autumn foliage spots are found. Ryokan and hotels overlooking the lake line the shore, offering a calm stay at the top of the Irohazaka winding road.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to enjoy lake and waterfall scenery
• ✓Anyone touring Oku-Nikko during the autumn foliage season

Keep in mind

During the autumn foliage season, the Irohazaka road gets congested and travel to and from the station can take a long time.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station (Chuzenji Onsen)

A hot spring area in Oku-Nikko on the shore of Lake Yunoko, serving as a base for hikes in Senjogahara and to Yudaki Falls. In winter, you can soak in hot springs surrounded by snow.

Best for

• ✓Those coming for hiking or nature walks
• ✓Anyone who wants a quiet stay at a mountain hot spring

Keep in mind

It is reached by bus from the Nikko Station area up into the mountains, and shops and restaurants are limited.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station (Yumoto Onsen)

A hot spring town where large hot spring hotels and ryokan line the Kinugawa River gorge. Attractions such as Tobu World Square and Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura are nearby, and limited express trains run directly here from Asakusa and Shinjuku.

Best for

• ✓Family trips
• ✓Those who want to relax at a hot spring hotel
• ✓Anyone combining theme parks with hot springs

Keep in mind

Getting to Toshogu or Oku-Nikko requires a train or bus.

Nearest stations

🚉 Kinugawa-Onsen Station (Tobu Kinugawa Line)