Step into a realm of enchantment, where history whispers through the ancient shrines and the aroma of soba noodles dance in the air. Welcome to Nikko, Japan—a destination that captivates the heart & excites the taste buds making this an absolute MUST stop on your Japan trip. During my mid-March travels, as the Sakura buds awaited their grand debut, I embarked on a journey through Nikko’s treasures and it was hands down my favorite destination during my Japan trip. It was also the first stop right outside of Tokyo, so naturally – every other place we visited was compared to this charming little town & personally, it was hard to beat! We only spent a couple days here as it’s a popular day trip from Tokyo as it’s only a little over 2 hours to get there by train. I’d recommend staying at least 2 days at minimum but 3 if you have the time! My husband and I will most definitely be adding this to our itinerary again on our next trip out to Japan.

It’s also important to note, that while you will most likely be using your JR pass & suica cards to get around during your Japan trip, Nikko’s local bus doesn’t accept either of these & that’s how you’ll be getting around. Once you get to Nikko station you can get a day pass or simply make sure you have enough coins to get on the bus! Most of the shrines & temples you’ll want to see are densely populated along the bus line. We’d recommend grabbing a map from the station to see where all the stops you want to make are & make sure you wear REALLY comfortable shoes, because you’ll be walking a lot, uphill in most areas as well!

Nikko is renowned for its shrines and temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich with history that is quite possibly the most beautiful thing we have ever seen, no other shrines throughout Japan compared as this was definitely the most elaborate!  The Toshogu Shrine is majestic, filled with the most intricate carvings and vibrant colors, reminding me of the rich legacy of the Tokugawa shogunate. From the iconic Yomeimon Gate to the impressive Five-Story Pagoda, each architectural marvel left me in awe. Fun fact: Did you know that Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to the legendary shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who played a pivotal role in shaping Japan’s history? 

During my exploration, I discovered another delight that graced Nikko’s culinary scene—soba noodles. Soba is a thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat & has an earthy nutty flavor. The city’s soba tradition is legendary & so its their yuba (a tofu skin made from soybeans), the streets overflowing with restaurants serving this delicious dish so make sure to try it when you’re there! We stopped at Azuma which is steps away from the train station, located upstairs from Nikko Castella. For lunch we stopped at Hippari-Dako, where I tried curry pork udon for the first time and it did not disappoint. The walls of this tourist-friendly eatery were adorned with messages and pictures from visitors worldwide, a testament to the magnetic charm of Nikko’s dining scene. Don’t forget to leave your mark & write a note to stick on the wall.

For dinner, we stopped at Nikko’s top rated sushi restaurant, Komekichi Kozushi. The sushi was truly out of this world & the service was outstanding. But the true gem, the miso soup. You read that right – the miso soup is out of this world. I actually really dislike miso soup back in the states & will opt to never get it. After trying it at so many different restaurants throughout the US – I had officially given up & wrote it off as just something I did not like. Yet thankfully, I decided to give it another go when in Nikko because well, we were in Japan & let me tell you – that was the best soup I ever had in my life. Miso soup in other prefectures throughout Japan did not live up to the one at Komekichi Kozushi. I wish I could recreate it back at home, I’ve tried. So please, make sure you try some when you’re there – you will not be disappointed!

In the midst of Nikko’s natural and cultural wonders, I encountered the ethereal beauty of the Shinkyo Bridge. Nestled among lush surroundings, this captivating red-colored bridge was stunning. As I stood upon it, gazing out at the Daiya River – feeling like I was in the scene of an epic romcom, I understood why Nikko became the benchmark against which all future destinations were measured. It was a place that etched itself deep within my heart & I still dream about to this day.

I’d also recommend going to an onsen when in Nikko. In Japan, onsen are hot springs/bathing facilities that could either be outside or indoors. Typically split for both men & women as you are meant to go nude. Although, if you have tattoos – you MUST make sure you go to a tattoo friendly onsen as most of them do not allow people with tattoos to use the facilities. There are plenty of tattoo friendly onsens throughout Japan, you will have to book a couple days in advance. Or you can opt to do what we did and rent a private onsen by the hour which is fairly inexpensive & much needed after all the walking you’ll be doing. Believe me, your body will thank you.

Now, let’s unravel the intriguing tale of the Three Wise Monkeys—a motif deeply ingrained in Nikko’s cultural fabric. You’ve seen these 3 wise monkeys before, perhaps without knowing, even if only in your emojis. Derived from a proverb, embodying the principle of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” these monkeys symbolize moral righteousness. Nikko embraces this symbolism, and throughout the city, you’ll encounter various pastries and food paying homage to these three wise souls. Don’t forget to stop at Kumoizu Nikko & order the custard filled monkey, thank me later. It’s a delightful reminder of the values that Nikko cherishes—a destination where virtue intertwines with tradition, and where every corner tells a story.

So, dear wanderers, as you map out your future journeys, make sure to etch Nikko on your travel canvas—it’s a masterpiece waiting to be discovered.