Nikko Toshogu & Kegon Falls Day-Trip Pamphlet
Two hours from Tokyo, climb through the scent of 400-year-old cedars until gold leaf flashes in the shade of Yomeimon Gate. A bus up the hairpin road brings you face to face with a 97-meter waterfall, then a quiet lakeshore. World heritage and mountain nature in one day.
Schedule for the day
Overview map showing how the stops relate to each other (straight lines only). For real walking directions, use the "directions" button on each step.
Tobu-Nikko Station
About 1 hr 50 min from Asakusa on the Tobu limited express. Take the bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen and get off at Nishi-sando, about 10 minutes to the shrine.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Founded in 1617 as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Find the three wise monkeys, the Yomeimon Gate covered in 508 carvings, and the Sleeping Cat. Admission $11; arrive near the 9 am opening.
Kegon Falls
About 40 minutes by bus up the 48 hairpin bends of the Irohazaka road. The elevator ($4) drops 100 m to a platform directly facing the 97 m falls.
Lake Chuzenji
A 5-minute walk from the falls to the shore, at 1,269 m elevation facing Mt. Nantai. Take the sightseeing boat ($10) or walk the lakeside path. Check the last bus time before you linger.
Police: 110 · Ambulance/Fire: 119 · English-language help: JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline, 050-3816-2787 (24/7, multilingual). Don't hesitate to call if you need help.
Tipping isn't customary in Japan — no need to add extra at checkout. Cashless payment is widely accepted, though smaller shops, shrines, and temples are sometimes cash-only. Tax-free shopping (with your passport) is available at participating stores.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Nikko, and is the pass worth it?
Tobu's Nikko Pass covers unlimited local trains and buses (excluding limited express fare) and pays off if you're visiting both Toshogu and Kegon Falls.
Can I see both Toshogu and Kegon Falls in a single day?
Yes, with an early start both fit comfortably in one day — follow the timing in this pamphlet.
What payment methods do you accept, and can I get a refund?
We accept credit card payment via Square. Because this is digital content, purchases generally aren't refundable. If a duplicate charge or a technical fault prevents you from accessing it, contact support@wayfinderjp.com within 7 days of purchase for a full refund.