Nikko Holiday Packages

Holidays To Nikko

In a competition of epic nicknames, the "Land of the Rising Sun" just might take first place—and rightfully so. Japan is filled with bucket-list destinations from north to south find middle ground with packages to Nikkō, 150 km north of Tokyo.

From the country’s most ornate and well-preserved shrines and bridges to beautiful waterfalls and natural hot springs to soothe your feet after a long day of exploring, Nikkō is home to some of the best sights in Japan.

Things to Do in Nikkō

Nikkō holidays are all about the shrines. Most temples are simple, at least on the outside, but Toshogu, in the eastern part of the city, goes against the (wood)grain. The building is covered in intricate carvings and tons of gold leaf, making for an interesting scavenger hunt to find its most interesting parts. See if you can find the Three Wise Monkeys (those are the "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" ones) and the Sozonozo Elephants ("imagined elephants"). Why imagined? The artist had never actually seen an elephant!

Nikkō Futarasan Shrine is up the mountain from Toshogu, and while it may not be as shiny as its ornate neighbour, it has a lot more history. Almost a thousand years older than Toshogu, it has one of Japan’s most recognisable bridges, the bright red Shinkyo Bridge, plus waterfalls and a natural spring. Take the bus from Nikkō Station or hop in a car from one of Wotif’s awesome Nikko car rentalsdeals, and you’ll be there before you can list the region’s three sacred mountains (Nantai, Taro and Nyoho, in case you were wondering).

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

Shrined out? How about another “sh” word: shopping! The town is known for several speciality items that will definitely make your Nikkō holiday memorable. Near the shrines you’ll find the Nikkō Woodcarving Centre, where you can learn about the craft and then carve your own souvenir. North of downtown, take a tour of the Okaki Factory and pack your suitcase full of this delicious Japanese rice candy—your co-workers will thank you.

A holiday in Nikkō has to include one more speciality: tofu skin (yum!). Called yuba, it can be eaten many different ways, so give yourself a little food tour. Deep-fried, filled with fruit and floating in soup are just a few variations you’ll find in the restaurants near the shrines and main train station. Feel like splurging? Some of Japan’s best wagyu beef comes from Omi province, which lies between Nikkō and Tokyo to the south.

We’ll be straight with you: Nightlife on your Nikkō holiday will be quiet. You won’t find any dance-until-you-drop nightclubs here, but there are plenty of laid-back, lantern-lit sake bars both downtown and near the shrines. Reflect on the incredible sights you just saw and relax! Or book one of our Tokyo packages and head into the big city for a night or two.

What’s Next?

Some of the best photo ops in Japan are in your future—all you have to do is search Wotif’s great selection of Nikkō package deals and choose your best match. Then start dreaming of shoguns, shrines and shopping fit for royalty.