We visited Nikko in February, just a few days after heavy snow fell in Kanto area. As Nikko was situated in mountainous area, there were still remnants of snow here and there. It was relatively cold and the wind was strong especially at Tobu Tojo Square.
Nikko is easily accessible from Tokyo by train (JR Tobu Nikko Express) or by car / bus, and makes for a great daytrip 😊
Yomeimon gate is one of the most well-known component of Nikko Toshogu. It is decorated in gold leaves, hundreds of carvings and beautiful statues.
To reach the mausoleum where Tokugawa Ieyasu was laid to rest we had to climb up some 200 stone stairs. It was quite exhausting especially since I wasn’t a fit person 😅
Close to the shrine was a tree called kanaesugi, which was said to grant people’s wishes. Some people queued there to get their wishes granted.
I bought a sleeping cat charm.
We made a quick visit to Rinnoji temple as it was located near our parking lot.
We had cold soba with tempura and duck broth udon for lunch🤤
Around 1200-1500 yen per person
We arrived at Tobu World Square just 2 hours before it closed so we were worried if we could see and enjoy everything, but it turned out 2 hours was enough to walk through the whole park. It had miniatures of Japan and the world’s famous landmark, and everything was replicated in details, like using bonsai to mimic trees.