Why You'll Love Nikko National Park

Nikko National Park is a stunning natural destination filled with ancient temples and shrines. Spread over the Tochigi prefecture of Japan, the park is home to many Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, and beautiful waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the Mount Nantai or the Irohazaka Winding Road which offers breathtaking views of the park and peaks. In Nikko city, tourists can visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine which is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Futarasan Shrine that lies on the slopes of the mountain. Nikko National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves the natural beauty of mountains and forests filled with ancient cultural sites and monuments.

Getting to Nikko National Park

You can take an express train from Tokyo to Nikko city, which takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, take a direct bus which is around 3 hours long.

The closest city to Nikko National Park is Nikko, in Tochigi.

Travelling from Narita International Airport to Nikko National Park

When to Visit

The best time to visit Nikko National Park is during the autumn foliage season, which is usually from late October to late November.

Weather and Climate

Nikko National Park has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from about 6°C in winter to 24°C in summer. It can rain any time of the year.

Costs When Visiting

In Japan, the currency is the Japanese yen.

Some sample costs when travelling around Nikko National Park are:

Sample Accommodation Costs

Budget travelers can find decent accommodation for around 4,000 JPY per night in hostels. Mid-range hotels cost around 10,000 to 12,000 JPY per night. Luxury hotels can cost over 40,000 JPY per night.

Sample Food Costs

Food in Nikko National Park can be expensive, especially in tourist areas. Eating in small local restaurants can cost around 1,000 JPY per meal. Groceries for self-catering can cost around 3,500 JPY per day.

Safety Rating

Nikko National Park is generally considered safe for tourists. Japan has low crime rates, but travelers should take normal precautions to safeguard their belongings. Women, racial, and LGBTQ tolerance is good.

Local Population

The population of Nikko city is around 85,000. The majority of the population speaks Japanese. There is a small population of non-Japanese residents.

Things to Do

Hiking to the top of Mount Nantai is a popular activity. Visitors can also enjoy cycling, fishing, or relaxing in the hot springs after a long day. Exploring local temples and shrines like the Toshogu Shrine is also a great tourist activity, as well as visiting waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.