Nikko Here We Come!

We went to Nikko at the end of April during Golden Week. At first, we were thinking of staying overnight, but our schedule didn’t really allow it. So we figured, why not just do a one-day trip? It’s not that far, and we’ve always wanted to go back. I had actually been to Nikko once before, years ago with a friend, but this was my husband’s first time.

We left home at around 8 in the morning and arrived at Nikko Station around 10. It took about two hours total. We had to buy the special tickets for the Spacia X train in addition to topping up our PASMO cards. The ride was smooth and comfortable, and it was great watching the scenery along the way starting to change gradually into that rural, peaceful vibe you just don’t get in the city. When we got off at the station, the weather was so nice. It was sunny, clear, and not too hot. I honestly expected a lot more people since it was Golden Week, but to my surprise, it wasn’t crowded at all. It was so refreshing. Not too many tourists, just a few local families and some couples.

Getting Our Tickets

Our first stop was the tourist office right at the station. I recommend going there first if it’s your first time. They have maps, tickets, and all the info you need. We bought the two-day unlimited bus pass for sightseeing. Even though we were only staying for the day, the pass was still worth it since we planned to go to several places. We also bought our entrance tickets for Toshogu Shrine there, which saved us time later.

Toshogu Temple

We hopped on the sightseeing bus and went straight to Toshogu. It’s one of the most famous places in Nikko and it lived up to the hype. The shrine complex was so beautiful. The buildings were detailed and well-preserved. I could see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. I took lots of photos, especially in front of the three wise monkeys; see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil. That was a must for me!

There were so many little paths and stairs all around the complex. We even climbed all the way to the top area, and those stairs were intense. I was getting tired halfway up, but the other people around us were just casually walking like it was nothing. Some were even with their tiny dogs.

 

Before entering the shrine area, there were some food stalls lined up near the entrance. They were selling typical street food like grilled corn, yakitori, and sausages and my favorite grilled and salted fish. It smelled so good, and I kind of wanted to stop and eat right away, but we decided to go into the shrine first. Some areas inside didn’t allow photography, which I understand. The whole place had a sacred, calm feeling. It was different from temples in Tokyo. Here, you could feel the history. The history hidden in the mountains of Nikko…

Winding Journey to Chuzenji Lake

 

After Toshogu, we made our way back to the bus stop and went to Chuzenji Lake. That’s where things got a little rough. The road going up, called Irohazaka, is famous for its winding curves. I didn’t realize how bad it would be until we were halfway there and I started getting really nauseous. The crazy nonstop turning made me feel sick. I had to keep my eyes closed and breathe slowly the whole ride. I was honestly scared I might throw up on the bus. If you get motion sickness easily, I recommend taking medicine before heading up that road. You can find anti-nausea medicine over the counter if you are prone to motion sickness.

But once we arrived at the lake, I forgot about all of that. It was beautiful. The lake was wide and clear, and there were still snow-capped mountains in the distance despite it being springtime, which made the scenery even more stunning. The air felt fresh and crisp. We walked along the lake, took a lot of photos, and just enjoyed the peaceful vibe. There were a few people riding the swan-shaped pedal boats, and we really wanted to try it too, but we didn’t have enough time. That was one of the things I regret not doing, so if you plan to visit, try to budget more time there. We also had lunch in a small family owned restaurants that served a very generous teshoku lunch of fried fish for about 1,300 Yen.

We got soft-serve ice cream at one of the nearby shops. There were also a bunch of souvenir shops lined up along the lake. I bought a magnet for our fridge. I always get a magnet wherever we go as part of my travel collection especially from this Nikko trip.

The Beauty of Kegon Falls

Our last stop was Kegon Falls in Nikko. From the lake, it was just a short walk to the entrance. You have to buy a ticket and then take an elevator down to the observatory platform. It was a bit chilly down there, but cozy. The falls were massive and powerful. You could hear the sound of the water crashing even before you saw it. I stood there just staring at it for a few minutes. There’s something calming about waterfalls. It makes you feel small, but in a good way.

 

We tried to catch the Akechidaira Ropeway before heading back to the station, but unfortunately, we missed it. It closes at 4pm, and we were just a little too late. We didn’t get to see the panoramic view from the top, which was a bit of a bummer, but it just means we have a reason to go back.

Going Back Home from Nikko

By the time we got back on the train, we were completely exhausted. Our feet were sore, and we were starving, but we were happy. It was one of those trips where everything didn’t go perfectly, but it still felt really special. We didn’t stay overnight. We didn’t do every single thing on our list. But we saw beautiful places, ate good food, took great pictures, and made another memory together.

If you’re thinking of a day trip from Tokyo during Golden Week or even just a regular weekend, Nikko is a solid choice. It’s got nature, culture, history, and that peaceful vibe that just makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city for a while. Just don’t forget to bring motion sickness medicine.

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