Now that international travellers can enter Japan freely again, it's time to look at destinations that might have slipped away from you during the lull in visitation. Nikko, located in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, has traditionally been a must-see destination for travellers visiting Japan in the spring. The city is famous for its beautiful scenery and historical sites, including the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelling to Nikko from Australia is easy and convenient:  the best way to get there is to fly to Tokyo and then take a train to Nikko. The trip from Tokyo to Nikko takes less than 2 hours by Tobu Railway.

Though you may have visited this amazing destination before, there are plenty of new things to see and do in Nikko, especially in spring as the cherry blossoms and other flowers are in bloom, compounding the already beautiful scenery. Why not revisit and experience new Nikko with us this coming spring? Here are some suggested things to see and do.

Freshly Touched-up National Treasure -  Yomeimon Gate of Nikko Toshogu Shrine

The design of Nikko Toshogu Shrine stands uniquely apart from typical architecture of the same period in that the ingenuity and meticulous attention to detail that went into the construction is extraordinary. The vibrant colours and extravagant carvings were created with a divine concept in art, befitting for one of Japan's most historical figures.

The Yomeimon Gate at the entrance of the shrine is Japan's most lavishly decorated gate. It is covered with 508 detailed carvings of children and elders and mythical beasts and is a masterpiece of Edo-period craftsmanship. Built in 1636, it is 11.2 metres high, 7.1 metres wide and 4.4 metres deep. It is also known as the 'All Day Gate' because you can look at it all day long and never get tired of it. By spring 2017, the first major maintenance work in around 40 years had been completed, however it has since undergone more maintenance work, which was completed in April 2022.

The inner shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the first Shogun and one of the three main unifiers of Japan, is the most significant site. To reach it, visitors must ascend a long set of stairs through thick forest to reach it, with the view from above of the main hall and the Yomeimon Gate is worth the climb.

The Nikko Toshogu Shrine Annual Grand Spring Festival is the grandest event at the shrine, consisting of yabusame (traditional Japanese horseback archery) with the highlight of the event a recreation of the procession which transported the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu from his temporary resting place to his final tomb as per his will. The procession features a thousand warriors dressed in traditional samurai armour, three portable shrines and the procession stretches over one kilometre.

The festival occurs every year on 17 and 18 May, but if you miss this event, the Shuki Taisai, or Grand Autumn Festival is held in October.

Reinterpreted luxury stays in Nikko

Within walking distance of the aforementioned Nikko Toshogu Shrine and nestled between two rivers in the heart of the city is FUFU Nikko, located alongside Tamozawa Imperial Villa, a former imperial summer residence. The property is surrounded by lush nature with unique characteristics in every season, from the and visitors can fall asleep to the soothing lull of the flowing rivers nearby.

The entire property embraces its connection to nature, with each room featuring a unique design and private hot spring. FUFU Nikko combines elements of traditional Japanese craftsmanship such as embroidered silks with western-style decor, creating new contemporary styles that stay true to the local roots.

The above theme is also seen in the dining concept for the two in-house restaurants: Setchu which serves a lavish multi-course kaiseki and teppanyaki Kou. The contrast of various cultures are used to unite meals that delight visitors in the most outstanding ways, including a range of full-course dinner options featuring Japanese delicacies such as sea urchin and wagyu beef complimented by imports such as caviar and truffle into unique dishes.

For larger groups, there is a large outdoor hot spring for a shared experience, a riverside terrace and a lounge that serves afternoon tea during the day and free-flowing champagne and cocktails before dinner, before lastly turning into a sultry bar space for after-dinner relaxation.

Alternatively, try the unique hot spring onsen experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. Newly opened from July 2020 and located in Nikko National Park on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, it is within walking distance of multiple key Nikko experiences. Guests can enjoy easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples of Nikko as well as indulging in the multitude of outdoor activities the area has to offer, ranging from trails in the beautiful rolling hills of the national park in which the property is located, or viewing the roaring flow of Kegon Falls.

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is the first property within The Ritz-Carlton brand to offer a full-service, authentic hot spring experience at Ritz-Carlton Spa. Here, guests can enjoy the natural thermal waters drawn from springs at the nearby Yumoto Onsen to relax and rejuvenate. There are both indoor and open-air hot springs available, separated for men and women.

They have recently introduced three new luxury spa treatments which guests and day visitors can now experience. These spa indulgences are inspired by the power of nature and creates a restorative journey that encompasses the wealth of cultural and spiritual experiences on offer.

The property has a total of 94 spacious rooms and suites as well as two restaurants featuring Japanese and western cuisine, inspired by local produce, as well as a bar offering some of the finest whiskeys found in both Japan and across the world.

Lastly, consider an exclusive kaiseki course under cherry blossoms at Hoshino Resorts KAI Kinugawa, with the onsen ryokan located about 40 minutes north of Nikko by train. Overlooking Kinugawa River from a high hilltop, this hot spring ryokan features a wide courtyard that boasts beautiful seasonal colours and interiors brimming with regional crafts.

Guests can enjoy unique seasonal views such as a large bath overlooking cherry blossoms and a courtyard that changes as the wind blows, and from 1-10 April 2023 the hotel will operate a "Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Kaiseki", where you can enjoy night cherry blossoms and kaiseki cuisine together in the open air. The special "Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Kaiseki" experience is limited to once per pair per day. The table is coordinated with local folk crafts, and you can enjoy the spring-only kaiseki cuisine and sake while indulging in a special hanami (flower viewing) experience on the terrace, where you can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms up close just for you.

  Updates from Tobu Railway

The NIKKO Pass is now digital!

Starting this year, Tobu Railway is offering the NIKKO Pass to international visitors in conjunction with Klook! This means that anyone who purchases the NIKKO Pass online via the Klook website or app, they do not need to exchange the pass for a physical ticket, but instead simply present the QR code to station staff to ride. How simple is that!

The NIKKO Pass comes in two options, the World Heritage Area pass, perfect for travellers who want to tour the temples and shrines of Kikko's world heritage area and enjoy the famous hot springs of Kinugawa Onsen, and the All Area pass, which covers the same area as the World Heritage Area pass plus other destinations including Okunikko and Lake Chuzenji, making them the comprehensive pass for any Nikko visitor.

Both passes allow all-you-can-ride around the Nikko area for a set period of time, plus a round-trip between Tobu Asakusa Station and Tobu Nikko station, and now with the digital pass, any visit to Nikko will be completely hassle-free.

Travel to Nikko in style

Debuting on 15 July 2023, the new SPACIA X Limited Express will connect Asakusa, Tokyo with Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture in true sustainable luxury.

The new train will feature a total of six seat variations for travellers to select from, including the Cockpit Suite, designed with similar aesthetics to a private jet with 11 square metres that is the biggest compartment among private express trains and the Cockpit Lounge is styled like a cafe lounge.

The lounge design is inspired by the Nikko Kanaya Hotel, which is the oldest hotel in Japan built in 1873. It is styled as a private room that is a successor to the current SPACIA but offers a higher quality space. The interior colour scheme is based on a fashion trend of the Edo Period. The menu is composed of local food and drink of Nikko, featuring signature craft beer from Nikko Brewing and local coffee from Nikko Coffee, as well as original appetisers, sweets and other offerings.

In addition, new private compartments contain a U-shaped sofa and adjustable table to allow four people to sit comfortably in a variety of ways. The layout of the table can be changed to suit the composition and purpose of the passengers and their mood at the time, providing the optimum space for each passenger.

In addition, sustainability of their services is an important theme for Tobu Railway moving forward. In order to make their journeys more environmentally friendly for the future, the SPACIA X is reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40% compared to the current SPACIA trains, the power used by this express train will be provided by non-fossil fuel electricity that emits practically zero CO2 emissions from Tokyo Electric Power Company, thereby contributing to the realisation of the “International Eco-Resort Nikko” concept.

The newly designed train is expected to begin operations in 2023 between TOBU SKYTREE Line, Tobu Asakusa, Tobu Nikko and the Kinugawa Onsen.

About Tobu Railway/Group

The Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. is one of Japan's largest commuter railway networks which operates in Tokyo as well as in large portions of the surrounding prefectures of Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, and Tochigi. It opened in 1899 and was the first railway in the Kanto region to adopt the use of quadruple tracks, and to this day is Kanto's largest private railway. Tobu Railways is part of the Tobu Group, which is engaged in other transportation sectors such as bus and taxis, they also operate Department stores, Hotels, health clubs, golf courses and theme parks, as real-estate. They are the largest investor in the TOKYO SKYTREE - the tallest structure in Japan, which is the centrepiece of the large commercial development.
For more information, visit:https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/

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