Exploring the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Nikko
by _NakaharaChuuya
Nov 18, 2024
Top 4 Private Viewing Spots for Nikko Autumn Leaves Season:
1️⃣ Kegon Falls
📍Location: Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
🌟Highlight: In early October, the orange-red leaves contrast with the lush green canyon as the waterfall plunges down; one of Japan's three great waterfalls
💡Tips: Best viewed from the observation deck; the autumn-only spectacle of red leaves + waterfall is breathtaking! 📸
2️⃣ Lake Chuzenji
📍Location: Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
🌊Highlight: The lake surface reflects the autumn leaves like a natural canvas; recommended to shoot in early morning or evening for stunning photos!
🚗Transportation: The drive is scenic all the way; highly recommend taking the Irohazaka mountain road to the lakeside~
3️⃣ Toshogu Shrine
📍Location: 2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
🕒Hours: 8:00-17:00 (until 16:00 from November to March)
🏯Must-see: The World Heritage architectural complex blending ancient and modern with maple leaves; every photo looks like a wallpaper!
4️⃣ Irohazaka
📍Location: Connecting Nikko City and Lake Chuzenji
🚙Activity: The mountain road with 48 hairpin turns is lined with colorful forests; recommended to hire a car or take the autumn leaves shuttle bus
🌸Off-the-beaten-path Secret Spots Recommended:
· Futarasan Shrine: Ancient towering trees surrounded by autumn leaves, very effective for love luck💕
· Rinnoji Temple: Stroll along the maple leaf paths and feel the Zen beauty of a Japanese garden
✨Travel Tips:
✔️Best viewing period is October to November
✔️Book hotels at least 2 months in advance
✔️Plan for a 2-3 day in-depth trip
✔️Bring enough clothes for big temperature differences between morning and evening🧥
📸Photo Outfit Guide:
👘Kimono Experience: Several rental shops near Toshogu Shrine
🧥Warm-toned outfits: Beige/camel colors match perfectly with the autumn leaves
Post by StarryEyed& | Oct 17, 2025






















