Nikko Day Trip Review: Nature, Shrines & Pretty Views
If you are considering a quick getaway from the intensity of Tokyo, that, too it’s almost a chance to step into a totally different pace of existence, the Nikko day tour, specifically one focusing on its nature, shrines, and picture-perfect views, it just might be exactly what you are searching for. This is my experience, what I found worthwhile, and maybe some things to bear in mind, should you pick it for yourself.
What to think about When Picking a Nikko Day Trip
Before you even go ahead and book anything, consider what is drawing you to Nikko to begin with. Is that, is that you have got a deep fascination for old shrines and temples, too it’s almost like you are longing to reconnect with the quietude of nature, or that you really would like to pack in as many sights as possible? What you like really will shape the sort of tour which most closely fits your interests. Tours can range from really shrine-heavy agendas to the ones that make sure you experience each one of the glorious waterfalls and wooded areas, so you’ve got to consider that, in some respects. Time is of the essence, basically.
Think about transport as well. Some tours will provide a shuttle service, which often makes life a lot simpler, and the train can be a bit of a struggle, particularly during the busy times. Just think through that, you know, what would remove the stress from it for you?
Getting to Nikko: Train or Tour Bus?
The train from Tokyo to Nikko can be that simple. It’s a great option that, in a way, provides you that chance to see Japan’s scenic beauty as you rumble by. You do, however, need to bear in mind changing trains, plus perhaps the trains being rather jam-packed at specific points through the year (Golden Week comes to mind), but, honestly, they’re very speedy.
On the other hand, if that whole thought fills you, like your very core, with dread, a tour bus may be described as a very relaxed alternative. They remove the problem of the whole planning the travel piece, and the tour company handles everything, basically, getting you right from one spot to another. Naturally, you exchange that convenience for that independence that, maybe, you want.
First Impressions: Nikko’s Shrines and Temples
The shrines, perhaps specifically the Toshogu Shrine, you know, they are absolutely, truly something. Being someone interested, similarly to your needs I suspect, in history, too it’s almost pretty special to go wandering via somewhere filled with so much significance and, to be honest, detail. You definitely want to earmark time to stroll leisurely here, truly taking everything in.
What did I see that surprised me? The artistry actually; honestly, I was floored at just how detailed and quite magnificent each carving was. Take a good look at the `Sleeping Cat` and `Three Wise Monkeys` they’re a great deal more amazing face-to-face than any images may do justice to, I would say honestly.
Avoiding the Crowds
Nikko is that very talked-about, but that can also equal big crowds, particularly at Toshogu Shrine. If, literally, possible, aim for a weekday trip, or start very early to conquer the crowds. This is just a tip from my experience. Honestly, trust me, that peace that, like, envelops the location at quiet moments is one hundred percent worthwhile, right?
Plus, keep in mind other lesser-known locations around Nikko. Rinnoji Temple, with its peaceful gardens, too it’s almost certainly offers a sense of serenity away from the hectic tourist areas. Attempting to get a blend of very well-known spots and the somewhat less-visited places just can improve that whole experience rather a lot.
Nature’s Embrace: Waterfalls and Scenic Views
Nature around Nikko, wow! Kegon Falls, specifically, is a total must-see. The sheer scale of the falls, well, it’s completely inspiring, and listening to the water thunder into the pool below is like it is sort of hypnotic, just standing at the foot of Kegon Falls is something. If you have the time, Akechidaira Plateau actually, like, delivers pretty unmatched panoramic views; this will probably blow your socks off.
Best Spots for Photos
If you want stunning shots, it could be you like the observation deck at Kegon Falls. From here, you’ve got an excellent view of the waterfall along with that encompassing nature (a must, I promise). Or try Lake Chuzenji, too it’s almost that picture, honestly, that is perfect no matter the time; particularly at sunrise or sunset (so peaceful, so picture perfect!). I still, basically, go back to those shots from my travels when that city life gets on top of me.
Don’t only think about the ‘big’ tourist destinations too; the routes and walking trails surrounding Nikko may present some lovely hidden gems. A couple of my beloved photos from the trip were taken basically, as a matter of fact, basically, beside smaller, almost nameless streams, that feeling? Pure tranquility. Keep your camera ready!
Lunch Break: Savoring Local Cuisine
No tour is truly, really complete with no checking out local food, and Nikko has, basically, some food that is pretty unique and must try! The main local specialization is Yuba (tofu skin), and there are tons of places where that, honestly, you are able to try this. Okay, so give it an attempt.
Recommendations for Foodies
Consider a restaurant that has `Yuba Kaiseki,` honestly; it is, like, some meal where that you may test a selection of yuba meals. I do actually remember being amazed by just how many different ways the Japanese use tofu skin. As you walk the roads near the shrines, that is definitely where to hunt out great spots that that are casual; this is one strategy for getting near local life!
Remember to get some conventional Japanese sweets, too; they have that gentle taste, often manufactured from red bean or mochi, that pairs so perfectly with green tea. You should pick some up as gifts!
What You’ll Need to Bring
Packing for your Nikko excursion you could be simpler with, you know, you should make it, for convenience (the main thing). In reality, I can make a few recommendations to suit your excursion:
- Comfortable shoes: It’s that easy, because you will be walking, often over uneven terrain, that you may seriously wish you’d prioritised foot wellness.
- Layers: Temperatures can vary (mainly in the hills), very quickly so layers are actually, such as coats and clothing which can be removed basically if needed, so, absolutely make sure that these layers could be accommodated on the back
- Camera/Smartphone: If one looks as lovely as Nikko, too it’s almost a waste to not catch any memories with some gorgeous pictures!
- Cash: Despite many places accept credit, for the smaller suppliers, or at far off sites, having that physical money can seriously make a lot of change
Essential Gear for Every Traveler
Besides the apparent stuff, basically think about bringing things such as a mobile charger to ensure that one continues taking those shots, that sort of thing and if, as a matter of fact, similar to me, you tend to become unwell while voyaging, transport some simple medications like nausea tablets for one thing!
Was a Nikko Day Trip Worth It?
For me? Actually, completely! When you are soon after a swift escape from the big city to be greeted with, such as, history that will inspire (shrines!), landscapes so gorgeous to die for (mountains!) then seriously, you can’t make an error. Just bear in mind those aspects like scheduling ahead and packing suitably. Nikko gives, pretty honestly, one fantastic glimpse to the a variety of features in Japan’s appeal. What it basically provided me? Memories that, to be honest, last really a life time.
Key Takeaways:
- Carefully consider what facet of Nikko that appeals to you probably the most so that, too it’s almost you might customize what you should expect.
- Trains are awesome for those wanting a picturesque ride; that coach tour removes the planning load and is probably best.
- Make an endeavor to travel either weekdays, and perhaps begin super early so that, too it’s almost you can over come large sets of people for any even much more amazing feeling.
- Don’t miss consuming Yuba as this is, at the end of the day, something very nearby also distinctive in flavour that provides one with insights around conventional local recipes.
- Seriously; ensure really secure shoes-your foot definitely should thanks!.