Nikko
2 hours north of Tokyo via limited express trains, Nikko is at the entrance to the quite scenic national park. Shrines, wandering through the woods, waterfalls. If that kind of change of pace is what you’re looking for, I recommend!
Not quite as much coordination as going to Kusatsu, but a few things to note. Tobu Asakusa Station has limited express trains that cost more (US$20 maybe) but only take 2 hours to get to Nikko. They run 1 or 2 every hour. Stop by the office at the Asakusa station and get the Nikko pass (err, I forget the exact name) so you can ride the buses unlimited. There’s lots of walking but you’ll want to take buses, as well.
Scenic locations are listed in order that I visited.
Hotels
Recommended
Sure :)
Notes
A 3-star hotel that was plenty comfortable and affordable. A short walk from the station helps!
Restaurants
Soba at 三平食堂
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Had a lovely sushi dinner here after a long day of walking. I wanted to include a photo, but opted to feature the soba I had elsewhere for lunch instead. On a main road through town, short walk from the hotel.
After checking out scenic spots in the area, I stumbled across this tiny soba shop. It really is tiny. The owner was so nice and the food was amazing… though I do love soba so I’m biased.
Highly
Scenic
Kegon Waterfalls
Name
Nikkō Tōshogū
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Shinto shrine honoring the first shogun that I walked to from town, crossing Shinkyou bridge.
Shinto shrine very close to the above, but I remember many, many stairs.
Highly
This scenic spot is a decent length walk north of the shrines. The falls were a bit small for my expectations.
If time allows
Highly
The wooded path to this Buddhist temple is lined with stone sculptures and follows the strong currents of the river. From here, my walking came to an end and then switched to bus to go to farther destinations! I think I had to walk back to the main road, though. Or maybe I did it another day, haha.
Err, I don’t remember the ropeway itself, but I do remember an amazing view from the observation deck where you can see Kegon Waterfall in the distance.
Highly
My favorite spot in Nikko. You ride an elevator down to the base of the falls (you’ll get a little wet with occasional spray). Incredible view, the roar of the falls, the coolness in the September humidity. Also there were shops with tasty snacks all around when you arrive (before you take the elevator).
Highly
Getting further away by bus, there is a pair of cascading waterfalls along a hiking trail here. It was nice to see, but wouldn’t prioritize, personally.
If time allows
Going still further from town, I wanted to get sunset photos of the marshland but was running out of time to catch it. I ended up going there, snapping a few photos, then needing to return for lack of light. I wish I could have seen more! Judgment call but give yourself more time than I did.
If time allows