Let Nikko Provide You a Magical Time Warp Adventure

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Never letting go of its roots from the Edo Period, this whimsical city lined with palaces, shrines and towering castles proved to be one of Japan’s most visited tourist spots. Nikko, a modern city that still thrives on the ambiance of the 1600’s, is sure to take you on a trip back to the olden times with its surreal approach on retaining everything ancient.

The inhabitants of this blessed province are equipped with the warmth to make your stay more memorable, and the sights and sounds of Nikko will definitely spark your desire to come back even though you haven’t left yet.

The streets are lined with structures brought about by the wealth and power left by the Tokugawa Shogunate, so immerse you in Nikko’s numerous festivals and public gatherings. Here, you’ll think of Japan as a country brimming with history and revel in its bittersweet look back in time.

Location

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As part of the Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko covers a total land area of 559.78-square miles. Trailing behind Takayama and Hamamatsu, Nikko is known to be Japan’s third largest city.

Geographically speaking, the city is located on Tochigi’s northwestern edge with the Kinugawa and Watarase Rivers flowing within the city.

Tokyo is 140 kilometers away and Tochigi Prefecture’s capital city Utsunomiya is a good 35 kilometers away from Nikko. Currently, Nikko houses nearly 85,000 residents.

Climate

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One of the things that is downright lovable about Nikko is its calm and reasonable weather. According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Nikko is under the humid continental climate, which means having the coldest winters with a huge amount of snowfall and summers that are mild and very wet in nature.

Due to the fact that Nikko is elevated at 129meters above sea level, it is generally cooler compared to other nearby cities and provinces.

On an annual scale, Nikko’s average temperature is only at 10.71-degrees Celsius and can even drop to frigid 2.6-degrees Celsius at its coldest times. Rainfall is expected all year long, in August and September as the wettest months containing 15 and 13.252 meters of precipitation respectively.

The snow season starts in November stretching up to April and attributes to the yearly snowfall mark of 84.5 inches.

Transportation

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If you were coming from Tokyo, the best bet for you would be the sophisticated train line, which would transport you to Nikko’s terminal. A good one-day trip would be enough to carryout the task and you’d want to use the services of Tobu and Japan Railways.

All air travel is associated with the Narita Airport and would need to pass by Tokyo first since there are no direct flights that would bring you to Nikko immediately. From the airport, there are several bus lines that can connect you to Nikko that depart on schedule at intervals of 60-90 minutes.

One bus line that you might consider remembering is the Tobu Bus line that will bring you anywhere you want to go once you’re inside Nikko.

What to See

Tosho-gu

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Now gearing to celebrate its 400th anniversary, Tosho-gu is one of Nikko’s prides and is considered to be a World Heritage Site due to its historical impact.

This brilliant and well-placed shrine is truly reminiscent of the late Edo Period with its manicured lawns, nicely preserved structures and the well-celebrated Sunset Gate.

Tosho-gu is definitely a historical feat that Nikko should be proud of, and there’s no way that it would be overlooked with all the grandeur it exhibits.

Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss

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Truly one of the most relaxing places in the whole of Nikko, the Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss is your escape from the long walks to see the shrines and would definitely calm your mind and soul.

Traverse the wooden steps and count the numerous jizo statues you see, be mesmerized by how clean the surroundings are and soak up all the tranquility that this place has to offer.

Nikko Woodcarving Center

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Open daily on scheduled hours, the Nikko Woodcarving Center will give you an opportunity to take part of crafting your very own possessions out of wood.

Here, guided tours are available with numerous woodcarving activities that would let you make mirrors, brushes, plates, combs and small handicrafts, all for a small fee.

You can also take home some intricately designed souvenirs from the shops located at the complex and witness pieces of wood enclosed in glass cages as a part of their mini-museum.

Nemuri-neko

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One of the most noticed landmarks in the whole of Nikko is the Nemuri-neko.

This marker is actually that of an enormous sleeping cat, which is slowly gaining fame and numerous photo opportunities due to its very realistic appearance.

Nemuri-neko is said to be located outside an equally famous place of interest called the Sakashita-mon.

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Images
(1) https://nihongonews.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/nikko-national-park-1.jpg
(2) http://www.katsutaro.com/img/Annex_LocalMap.jpg
(3) https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8q2oKf-DkEY/maxresdefault.jpg
(4) http://www.blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nikko107.jpg
(5) http://spg.sakura-languageplus.com/Nikko_Toshogu_Yomeimon.jpg
(6) https://thejourneyofmyfeet.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/1094646_10101048986070485_980116784_o.jpg
(7) http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/sbj-photo57876/x1000/photo57876.jpg
(8) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/20100727_Nikko_Tosho-gu_Nemuri-neko_5965.jpg