Immerse yourself in lush forests and Japan’s rich heritage in Nikko, Japan
Just a couple of hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is the perfect escape into nature and tradition. With the NIKKO Pass, you’ll have easy access to some of Japan’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Taiyuin Temple, and Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple.
Photo Credit: ZENPAKU on Adobe Stock
Beyond the temples, Nikko offers serene walks through the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, peaceful moments in Shoyoen Garden, and a well-earned soak in the hot springs of Yumoto Onsen — all surrounded by lush forests and seasonal colours.
Whether you're chasing autumn leaves or sacred history, the NIKKO Pass makes it easy to explore the best of this soul-soothing destination. Here’s what a 3-day adventure with the pass could look like!
What is NIKKO PASS
The NIKKO Pass is your all-in-one transport ticket for exploring Nikko and its surrounding areas with ease. It offers unlimited rides on most trains and buses operated by Tobu Railway, making your sightseeing completely fuss-free.
One of the biggest perks? It includes a round-trip train ride from Tobu Asakusa Station in Tokyo to Shimo-Imaichi Station in Nikko — so your Tokyo-to-Nikko journey is covered. Plus, by simply flashing your pass, you can unlock exclusive discounts at selected shops and attractions in Nikko, Asakusa, and Kinugawa.
How to activate the NIKKO PASS
The pass is digital and super easy to use. Once you book it on Klook, just tap “Redeem Now” on your app when you're ready to travel. A QR code will appear — show it to the station staff and you're good to go!
*Please remember to only tap the "Redeem now" button on the participation date. Once activated, a timer will be set and won't be possible to deactivate.
Which NIKKO PASS is right for you?
There are two types of NIKKO Passes to choose from, depending on how much you want to explore:
🚃 2-Day NIKKO Pass: World Heritage Area Pass
Perfect if you're planning a short getaway focused on Nikko's main cultural sights. This pass covers transport to popular landmarks like Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Kinugawa Onsen. It’s valid for 2 days, making it ideal for a quick but fulfilling trip around the UNESCO World Heritage area.
Klook Tip: Since there’s now a Digital Ticket version, you can skip picking up the physical ticket! Just make sure you bring your trusty power bank to keep your phone up and running when you need to show your digital NIKKO PASS.
🌄 4-Day NIKKO Pass: All Nikko Area Pass
This one’s for the explorers! The All Nikko Area Pass gives you access to a wider range of attractions, including Lake Chuzenji, Yumoto Onsen, and scenic rides like the Akechidaira Ropeway and boat cruises. Valid for 4 days, this pass is perfect if you want to dive deeper into Nikko’s natural beauty.
Is the NIKKO Pass Worth It?
If you're planning to visit multiple sights across Nikko, the NIKKO Pass is 100% worth it. Instead of buying individual tickets for each train and bus ride, the pass gives you unlimited travel within the valid zones — and the savings add up quickly!
To show you just how much you can save, here’s a quick comparison of popular one-way fares versus what’s covered under the pass:
As you can see, just a few trips can already cost more than the pass itself — especially if you’re heading to the outer areas like Lake Chuzenji or Yumoto Onsen. Plus, you won’t have to worry about buying separate tickets or calculating fares.
Where to Go in Nikko Using Your NIKKO Pass
Photo Credit: Melisa from our Global Communication Team
Now that you know how the NIKKO Pass works, it’s time to start planning your adventure! 🚆✨
We’ve rounded up the top shrines, temples, onsens, and nature spots you can easily visit with your pass. Whether you’re into history, hiking, or hot springs, there’s something here for everyone.
Feel free to bookmark this guide and use it as your go-to Nikko itinerary — let’s dive in!
🗓️ Day 1: Discover Nikko’s Sacred Sites
Kick off your Nikko adventure by exploring its most iconic shrines and temples. This historic town has been a spiritual hub for both Shintoism and Buddhism since the 1600s — and you’ll feel that reverence the moment you arrive.
Expect a day filled with peaceful hiking trails, mountain views, tranquil lakes, and sacred landmarks surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect way to start your trip and soak in the magic of Nikko’s spiritual side.
1. Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine
Photo Credit: sada on Adobe Stock
Klook Tip: Before you map out your itinerary, there are actually three Futarasan-jinja in Nikko! They’re also a few kilometers apart: there’s the lower shrine that’s located near the other Nikko World Heritage sites, a middle shrine that’s located by Lake Chuzenji, and the top shrine by the peak of Mt. Nantai – which you can hike up to from the middle shrine!
Located just a short walk or bus ride from Nikko Station, Futarasan-jinja is one of Nikko’s key World Heritage Sites — and a must-visit on Day 1.
You'll be greeted by a striking wooden torii gate, towering sacred trees, and a peaceful bamboo-grass grove. Many visitors come here to pray for love and lasting relationships. The shrine is dotted with “power spots” believed to bring good luck, especially in romance and family life. Whether you're spiritual or just curious, it's a calming stop worth experiencing.
Klook Tip: If you do plan on hiking up from the shrine in Lake Chuzenji, you may want to schedule your trip between April to November since this is their scheduled climbing season. It’s known to be a generally straight climb up with clear pathways. Be prepared to see the most scenic views of the lake and its surrounding forests, it’s truly a sight!
2. Shinkyo Bridge
Photo Credit: Sunil Naik on Unsplash
Futarasan Shrine is also where you’ll spot one of the three iconic bridges in Japan – the Shinkyo Bridge. The bridge crosses over the Daiya River and was built in 1636. While the location is beautiful in all seasons, it’s especially magical during autumn with the various colors of the season.
3. Toshogu Shrine
Photo Credit: Melisa from our Global Communication Team
Just a 4-minute walk from Futarasan Shrine, you'll find the stunning Nikko Toshogu Shrine — one of Japan’s most famous and visually striking shrines.
Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period, this shrine is known for its elaborate carvings, gold leaf details, and iconic artwork like “The Sleeping Cat” and the “Three Wise Monkeys.”
As you explore the grounds, you’ll also notice a unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist elements. Unlike most temples, Toshogu preserved both traditions, making it a rare and fascinating glimpse into Japan’s spiritual past.
4. Rinnoji Temple
Photo Credit: ohishiftl on Adobe Stock
A 5-minute walk from Toshogu Shrine brings you to Rinnoji Temple — the most important temple in Nikko.
Inside, you’ll find three towering, gold-lacquered statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon, and Bato-Kannon, representing the deities of Nikko’s sacred mountains (also honoured at Futarasan Shrine).
Behind the temple, don’t miss Shoyoen Garden — a hidden gem especially stunning in autumn. With its fiery red maples and peaceful pond, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and take in Nikko’s natural beauty.
🗓️ Day 2: Nature, Lakes & Relaxing Onsens
Day 2 is all about soaking in Nikko’s natural beauty. Think peaceful hikes, scenic boat rides, and rejuvenating dips in hot springs.
From lush forests to lakeside views, this part of your trip lets you slow down and connect with nature — the perfect balance to the cultural sights from Day 1.
5. Kegon Falls
Photo Credit: hereisthailand on Pixabay
Out of nearly 50 waterfalls in Nikko, Kegon Falls is the most famous — and one of Japan’s top three most beautiful waterfalls.
No matter when you visit, the view is stunning year-round: snow-covered cliffs in winter, lush greenery in summer, cherry blossoms in spring, and fiery foliage in autumn.
The waterfall drops a dramatic 97 meters, with around 3 tons of water per second crashing into Lake Chuzenji below. You can choose from two viewpoints:
- Up close at the basin, where you’ll feel the power of the falls
- Or from a cliffside observatory, offering panoramic views from above
Both are unforgettable — and both are covered by your NIKKO Pass.
6. Lake Chuzenji
Photo Credit: Shikha on Adobe Stock
Formed by an ancient eruption of Mt. Nantai, Lake Chuzenji sits peacefully at the foot of the mountain — the same lake you might’ve spotted from the trails near Futarasan Shrine.
You can walk the scenic 25km hiking trail around the lake or simply relax and enjoy a boat ride across the water (included in your NIKKO Pass!). It's a great way to take in the unspoiled mountain views as you cruise toward nearby spots like Ryuzu Waterfall.
Klook Tip: If you really love autumn, fall colors in the area descend from higher elevations. It starts in early October then reaches Lake Chuzenji from either late October or early November.
7. Ryuzu Waterfall
Photo Credit: takepicsforfun on Adobe Stock
Ryuzu Waterfall is one of Nikko’s top autumn spots — and for good reason. In fall, the area bursts into vibrant reds and golden yellows, creating a breathtaking scene that’s straight out of a painting.
The name "Ryuzu no Taki" (竜頭ノ滝) means "Dragon Head Waterfall" in Japanese, named after the waterfall’s shape. With the fiery autumn colours surrounding it, the falls truly live up to their name — powerful, bold, and unforgettable.
8. Yumoto Onsen
Photo Credit: PhotoSpirit on Adobe Stock
After a full day of exploring, unwind at Yumoto Onsen — a peaceful hot spring town tucked in the mountains.
It’s the perfect place to soak your tired muscles and enjoy a stay at a traditional Ryokan. These Japanese inns offer the full experience: natural hot springs, cozy tatami rooms, and delicious local meals. It's the ultimate way to relax and wrap up your Nikko adventure.
Klook Tip: Staying at a Ryokan? You might not need to worry about dinner plans — most Ryokans include a hearty breakfast and a beautifully prepared multi-course dinner as part of your stay!
🗓️ Day 3: Hidden Gems & Time Travel Adventures
Still got energy for more? Day 3 is the perfect time to explore a few of Nikko’s lesser-known gems — and with the All Nikko Area Pass, you’ll still enjoy unlimited transportation across the region.
Whether you’re wandering through the peaceful Kanmangafuchi Abyss or stepping back in time at Edo Wonderland, there’s plenty more to discover before you wrap up your trip.
9. Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Photo Credit: Susann Schuster on Unsplash
Start your morning with a peaceful walk through Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a scenic gorge that runs alongside the Daiya River. This quiet trail, known as the Kanman Path, is famous for its row of over 70 Jizo statues — each wearing bright red crochet caps and facing the river.
These “Narabi Jizo” are dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu, the guardian of children and travellers. It’s said that no matter how many times you count them, the total always changes — adding a little mystery to your walk!
The trail is a great escape from the crowds and also home to historical finds like the Bonsho, Nikko’s oldest bell from the 15th century, and the rare Sugegasa Higiri Jizo, a straw hat-wearing statue believed to bring protection and good fortune.
Klook Tip: The riverbanks can be slippery — so keep a safe distance from the water while enjoying the view!
10. Edo Wonderland
While most places in Nikko let you glimpse into the past, Edo Wonderland takes it a step further — it lets you live it.
This immersive theme park recreates an entire town from the Edo Period, complete with traditional buildings, old-school eateries, and actors dressed in full samurai, ninja, and merchant costumes. From the moment you step in, you’ll feel like you’ve time-travelled back to 17th-century Japan!
Ready to Explore Nikko?
From sacred shrines and scenic trails to waterfalls and time-travel towns, Nikko has something for every kind of traveller — and the NIKKO Pass makes it all so much easier (and cheaper!) to explore.
👉 Book your NIKKO Pass on Klook today and start planning your perfect Nikko adventure!
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