Overview
Nikko City, in northwestern Tochigi, is a vast area known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Formed in 2006, it’s Japan’s third largest city.
Historically a religious center, Nikko became the Tokugawa shogunate’s mausoleum site, notably featuring Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Its beauty, as reflected in the saying “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ until you’ve seen Nikko,” attracted international visitors from the Meiji era onward.
Today, Nikko offers diverse attractions: the UNESCO World Heritage “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” scenic spots like Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, and hot springs like Kinugawa Onsen. It promotes itself as an international destination with the slogan “A land of light where the wind carries the colors of the four seasons.
Geography
Location
Nikko City, a vast mountainous area in northwestern Tochigi, is 87% forested. Its diverse terrain, featuring Mount Nikko-Shirane, ranges dramatically in elevation. As Japan’s third largest city and the Kanto region’s largest, Nikko offers ample space for exploration. It comprises two main areas: the urban former Imaichi City and the historic Nikko City in the Daiya River valley. Okunikko, further inland, boasts stunning natural landscapes with lakes like Chuzenji, marshlands like Senjogahara, and Lake Yunoko.
Population
Nikko City, with an estimated population of approximately 75,000 as of February 2025, accounts for about 4% of Tochigi Prefecture’s total population. Since the merger of five municipalities in 2006, Nikko City has experienced a population decline, and it is projected that the population will decrease by about 60% by 2050. While the population continues to decline due to the effects of a declining birthrate and aging population, the daytime population tends to increase as many tourists from both domestic and international locations visit the city.
Nature
Nikko is a captivating tourist destination where rich nature and history harmonize. Its beautiful scenery, including Lake Chuzenji, is renowned internationally, and the untouched nature of Nikko National Park is well-preserved. Waterfalls like Kegon Falls, formed by volcanic activity, and wetlands like Senjogahara offer stunning seasonal views. Autumn foliage is particularly popular for hiking. As a sacred site of mountain worship, Nikko is a charming blend of nature and history.
Climate
Nikko experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with most of the year’s rainfall occurring between June and September. Winters are cold and dry, with occasional snowfall, especially in the mountainous areas where snow can accumulate significantly.
The city center can experience temperatures below freezing in winter, and the Okunikko region is even colder, sometimes reaching temperatures similar to Hokkaido.
Industry
Nikko’s economy features hydroelectric power, leveraging its abundant water resources. Historically, mining and refining were prominent, while today tourism drives the economy, especially around the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city also produces Nikko Himemasu trout. The former Imaichi area focuses on woodworking, food processing, and agriculture, with revitalized commercial spaces.
History
Nikko has been a sacred site for mountain worship since before the Edo period. After Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun who established the Edo Shogunate, was established, it became a bustling destination for pilgrims. In the Meiji era, its scenic beauty spread overseas, attracting many foreign visitors. As a result, hotels and other facilities were developed, and many villas of embassies and consulates were built, with remnants of Western-style architecture still remaining today.
Local specialties
Food
- Nikko Yuba, Deep-fried Yuba Bun: Yuba is a skin from heating soy milk.
- Yokan: Edo period yokan, a Nikko specialty, is a sweet, smooth azuki bean confection.
- Sake: Nikko’s traditional sake, crafted with pure mountain water and local rice, offers a delicate and complex flavor.
- Soba: Fiber-rich and healthy, high-quality buckwheat thrives in the cool, pure mountain water climate.
- Nikko Jingoro Rice cracker: Jingoro derives its name from Hidari Jingoro, the Sleeping Cat carver at the Nikko World Heritage Site.
- Tamari-zuke Pickles: originated from using tamari, a miso byproduct, to preserve vegetables along the Nikko Kaido in the Edo period.
- Nikko’s natural ice: made using the area’s cold climate, is renowned for its fine texture and smooth melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s a popular treat during the summer months, enjoyed as shaved ice.
Traditional Crafts Must-see
Nikko Carvings, Nikko Geta (wooden sandals)
Cultural site
Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple), Reiheishi Kaido Road
Hot Spring
Kinugawa Hot Springs, Yunishigawa Hot Springs, Okunikko Yumoto Hot Springs
Activities
Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, Irohazaka Winding Road, Lake Chuzenji