4-Day Nikkō Extension

This Japan Extension can only be booked in conjunction with one of our hikes or bike trips in Japan.

• Prices shown are “from” prices – contact us with your dates for an exact quote.
• The itinerary is designed for a minimum of 2 people.
• Pricing is based on 2 people travelling together – solo travellers, please get in touch for a personalised quote.

The Okunikko region offers a variety of hiking trails, from gentle beginner walks to more demanding routes for experienced hikers. Distances, timing and difficulty vary, so depending on your fitness and the season, you can tailor your hike to suit your preferences.

Make your way to Asakusa Station and take the train north to Nikkō. The journey takes just under two hours and winds through scenic countryside, making for a relaxing start to the day. We recommend arriving early, allowing plenty of time to take in this remarkable town.

Renowned for its striking scenery and spiritual heritage, Nikkō serves as the gateway to a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Nestled within the forested landscapes of Nikkō National Park, the temples and shrines here embody centuries of history, culture and faith, creating a truly memorable atmosphere.

In the centre of town, you’ll find a lively, visitor-friendly main street lined with cafés, restaurants and small shops. It’s a great spot to pause for lunch with delicious freshly baked goods, local treats like custard pudding, or Nikkō’s speciality, yuba (tofu skin) gyoza.

Spend your afternoon discovering the town’s cultural treasures. Highlights include Rinnō-ji Temple, with its sacred Buddhist halls dating back centuries and Futarasan Shrine, a site of deep spiritual importance tied to Shinto traditions. The vermilion gates, ornate carvings and towering cedar trees lend the area a sense of timeless grandeur, with many structures surviving from the 1600s.

After a day of exploring, enjoy dinner at one of Nikkō’s excellent eateries. You might choose a traditional kaiseki restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients, or opt for a cosy izakaya to sample small plates alongside a glass of sake, perfect for rounding out your day.

You may like to spend some more time exploring the World Heritage area of Nikkō this morning. A great option is to begin at Shinkyo Bridge, one of Japan’s most photogenic landmarks, before making your way to Tōshōgū Shrine. Arriving at opening time allows you to experience this magnificent site in the quieter part of the day, when its ornate carvings and atmospheric setting can be enjoyed without the larger crowds.

When you’re ready, take the bus to Lake Chūzenji and visit Kegon Falls, the most famous of the region’s waterfalls. Dropping almost 100 metres, it’s an awe-inspiring sight and one of Nikkō’s natural highlights.

After taking in the views, stop for lunch at one of the nearby cafés, or perhaps enjoy a treat such as ice cream before continuing on to the lake. Walking along the shoreline, you’ll also find several cafés and restaurants and further on, the historic summer residences of the British and Italian Embassies, now open as museums. The British Embassy Villa offers a charming tearoom where you can enjoy scones and tea while taking in the views across the water.

You can continue walking around the lake from here; however, depending on your timing, we recommend joining the sightseeing cruise boat to take you across the lake to Shōbugahama Beach and then continue by bus to Yumoto Onsen.

On arrival, check in to your onsen accommodation, where you can unwind with a restorative soak before sitting down to a hearty dinner.

Meals: B, D

After breakfast at your accommodation, make your way to Lake Yunoko. In the morning light the lake is especially beautiful, with gorgeous reflections across the water and often a few fishermen casting their lines along the shore or from small boats. From here, follow the trail down to Yudaki Waterfall and take in the dramatic sight before continuing on to the smaller but equally lovely Kodaki Falls. The path runs alongside the Yugawa River, creating a peaceful and picturesque walk.

Your hike then leads into the expansive Senjogahara Marshland, at 1,400 metres above sea level and stretching across the plateau between Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. Boardwalks make for easy walking and there are plenty of viewpoints and resting spots along the way to pause and soak in the stunning views and scenery.

Before long, you’ll arrive at Ryuzu Waterfall, named for its dragon-head shape. This is a perfect spot to stop for lunch while enjoying the view, particularly stunning in autumn when the surrounding trees are ablaze with colour. A walk along the river offers more vantage points of the falls.

From here, you can either explore more of the Lake Chuzenji area or, if you’re up for further hiking, continue along the northern shoreline to Senjugahama Beach and Lake Sainoko, taking in the beautiful views across the lake. When ready, take the eco-bus to Akanuma Junction, a lovely ride through Mongolian oak and larch forests. From the junction, change buses for the short return journey to Yumoto Onsen.

Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding in the area’s famous hot springs, before sitting down to a delicious dinner at your onsen accommodation.

Meals: B, D

This morning, check out of your accommodation when you’re ready and enjoy the scenic bus ride back to Nikkō. From here, board the train to Asakusa Station and continue on with the next stage of your travels.

Meals: B

• 3 nights twin-share accommodation
• Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
• 4-day All Area Nikko Pass
• RAW Travel’s exclusive interactive navigation app
• Local and Australian emergency contacts
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted

• Single supplement – please ask for a quote
• Local train and bus tickets (except for those covered by the Nikko All Area pass)
• Luggage transfers (details will be provided)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to local sites
• Expenses and items of a personal nature
• Hotel City tax (paid locally)
• Flights
• Travel insurance