What would you like to see in Tochigi?

For a closer look at shrine and temple architecture, give Toshogu and Rinnoji separate visits. Choose Oya History Museum to explore the scale of an underground quarry, or Lake Chuzenji for lakeside walks and villa exhibitions. The quarry requires stairs, and the lake is reached by a mountain-road bus, so compare the walking and travel requirements.

Attraction fees, hours and access

Visits and walks

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

日光東照宮

Explore Yomeimon and the Three Wise Monkeys and Sleeping Cat carvings at Toshogu, walking between the buildings and sculptures in the grounds. Rinnoji tickets do not admit you to Toshogu.

AdmissionIndividual admission costs ¥1,600 for adults/senior high school students and ¥550 for elementary/junior high school students. Museum combinations are different tickets.
HoursApril 1–October 31 09:00–17:00; November 1–March 31 09:00–16:00. Reception ends 30 minutes before closing. Do not plan around late-afternoon entry.
Getting thereTake a Tobu bus from JR/Tobu-Nikko to Sannai. Get off at Nishisando Iriguchi and follow Omotesando signs to Toshogu's entrance. The operator's detour map gives about ten minutes on foot, excluding reception queues. Allow walking and stair time after the bus.

Toshogu tickets2026-10-09Tobu Bus routes and stops2026-10-08Toshogu's Yomeimon, Three Wise Monkeys and Sleeping Cat2026-10-09

Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine →Two days A · Separate days for Toshogu and Rinnoji Three days A · A waterfall and lakeside day between temples Three days B · Stay in Utsunomiya for a Nikko day trip Four days A · A lakeside night after the temples Four days B · Separate Oya, gyoza, lake and temple days Five days A · Two Utsunomiya nights, then one each in Nikko and by the lake Five days B · Take time with Nikko temples, lake nature and villas

Visits and walks

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple

日光山輪王寺

See the large wooden Sanbutsudo Hall and Tokugawa Iemitsu's mausoleum architecture and lanterns at Taiyuin. There are Sanbutsudo-only and two-site tickets. The combination has an earlier reception deadline, so arrive in time for both.

AdmissionAdult admission costs ¥400 for Sanbutsudo, ¥550 for Taiyuin or ¥900 for the two-site combination. The treasure hall and Shoyoen Garden cost extra.
HoursApril–October 08:00–17:00; November–March 08:00–16:00. Ordinary reception ends 30 minutes earlier. Two-site combined-ticket reception ends earlier at 14:30 in April–October or 13:30 in November–March.
Getting thereTake a Tobu bus from Nikko's stations to Nishisando Iriguchi (9). Follow Nishisando and Omotesando towards Sanbutsudo; Taiyuin has a separate entrance. For both, use the official temple map and itinerary walking order together.
Event-related visiting restrictionsSanbutsudo is unavailable all day February 3 and April 2, from 11:00 April 1, and in the morning December 14. Event-related restrictions affect Taiyuin Worship Hall's interior at certain times April 18–20, May 17 and July 14–15. Check visit-date event notices.

Rinnoji tickets, prices and seasonal reception2026-10-09Rinnoji wooden Main Hall, Iemitsu mausoleum and lanterns2026-10-09Rinnoji visiting route2026-10-08Tobu Bus routes and stops2026-10-08Bus timetables, bays and fares2026-10-08

Visit Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple →Two days A · Separate days for Toshogu and Rinnoji Three days A · A waterfall and lakeside day between temples Four days A · A lakeside night after the temples Four days B · Separate Oya, gyoza, lake and temple days Five days A · Two Utsunomiya nights, then one each in Nikko and by the lake Five days B · Take time with Nikko temples, lake nature and villas

Visits and walks

Kegon Falls

華厳滝

At Kegon Falls, view falling water and the rocky cliffs below. Choose the ground-level viewpoint or descend by paid elevator to the lower platform. Follow on-site information if mist hides the falls or facilities are suspended.

AdmissionThe return elevator fare is ¥600 for junior high school students and older and ¥400 for elementary school students. Preschool children ride free.
HoursMarch–November 08:00–17:00; December–February 09:00–16:30. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing. Weather may suspend operations.
Getting thereTake a Chuzenji-onsen or Yumoto Onsen-bound Tobu bus from JR/Tobu-Nikko and get off at Chuzenji-onsen. Follow eastbound waterfall signs to the elevator entrance, about five minutes on foot.

Kegon tickets and operations2026-10-09Kegon lower platform, waterfall and cliffs2026-10-09Tourism body hours and fees2026-10-08Kegon facility access2026-10-08Bus timetables, bays and fares2026-10-08

Visit Kegon Falls →Three days A · A waterfall and lakeside day between temples Four days A · A lakeside night after the temples Four days B · Separate Oya, gyoza, lake and temple days Five days A · Two Utsunomiya nights, then one each in Nikko and by the lake Five days B · Take time with Nikko temples, lake nature and villas

Visits and walks

Lake Chuzenji

中禅寺湖

A lakeside night adds evening and next-morning scenery to your shore walk. On a day trip, follow the public shore past the large torii and Sunrise and Sunset piers after Kegon Falls. This differs from circling the whole lake on foot or adding a boat ride.

CostsBoats, temples and viewpoint fees are outside the walking itinerary.
HoursTravel in daylight and return according to actual-date weather and bus operations.
Getting thereFollow the official tourism map from Chuzenji-onsen stop to the shore. The adult ¥1,250 one-way bus fare applies to Nikko stations–Chuzenji-onsen.

Official lake and waterfall walking map2026-10-08Bus timetables, bays and fares2026-10-08

Visit Lake Chuzenji →Three days A · A waterfall and lakeside day between temples Four days A · A lakeside night after the temples Four days B · Separate Oya, gyoza, lake and temple days Five days A · Two Utsunomiya nights, then one each in Nikko and by the lake Five days B · Take time with Nikko temples, lake nature and villas

Visits and walks

Oya History Museum

大谷資料館

Descend into Oya Museum's spacious former underground quarry. It is cooler than ground level, so bring a light outer layer even in summer. Stairs are required; contact the facility before visiting if you need mobility assistance.

AdmissionFrom April 2026, admission costs ¥1,000 for adults and ¥400 for elementary/junior high school students. Preschool children enter free. Payment is cash only.
HoursApril–November 09:00–17:00, last entry 16:30. December–March 09:30–16:30, last entry 16:00. Closed winter Tuesdays, or next day if a public holiday. Check December 26–January 3 closures and temporary operating changes.
Getting thereTake an Oya/Tateiwa-bound bus from JR Utsunomiya's west bay 6 and get off at Shiryokan Iriguchi. The ride is about 30 minutes, followed by a five-minute walk to the museum. Return on a Utsunomiya Station-bound bus from the stop's station-bound side.
Mobility assistanceOrdinary entry does not accommodate wheelchairs, strollers or walkers. Paid golf-cart assistance requires advance booking on available weekdays; same-day requests are not accepted. Long holidays and group visits may limit bookings, so ask the facility.

Fees, access and use restrictions2026-10-09Weekday return timetable2026-10-08

Visit Oya History Museum →Two days B · Oya History Museum and Utsunomiya gyoza Three days B · Stay in Utsunomiya for a Nikko day trip Four days B · Separate Oya, gyoza, lake and temple days Five days A · Two Utsunomiya nights, then one each in Nikko and by the lake

Visits and walks

British Embassy Villa Memorial Park

英国大使館別荘記念公園

Exhibits introduce diplomat Ernest Satow and Oku-Nikko's international summer-resort history, with lake views from the second floor. The walk is longer than a short terminal-area stroll, and the villa closes in winter. Tea and café orders are extra.

AdmissionAn adult single-villa ticket costs ¥300; the two-villa combination costs ¥450. Tea experiences and café orders cost extra.
HoursApril and November 11–30 09:00–16:00; May–November 10 09:00–17:00. Closed Mondays in April; check substitute closures for public holidays. No regular closure in May–November; winter closure December–March. Check temporary changes separately.
Getting thereThe official walk from Chuzenji-onsen terminal is about 35 minutes. Follow the official map along the southeastern lake road and Utagahama shore. From your hotel, check the walking route for its location.

British villa hours, tickets and walking access2026-10-09Nikko tourism body's 2026 seasonal villa hours and winter closures2026-10-09

Visit British Embassy Villa Memorial Park →Four days A · A lakeside night after the temples Five days A · Two Utsunomiya nights, then one each in Nikko and by the lake Five days B · Take time with Nikko temples, lake nature and villas

Visits and walks

Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park

イタリア大使館別荘記念公園

The lakeside main building has cedar-bark finishes and lake views; the annex uses photos and video to introduce the international summer resort's history. Compare the combined ticket when visiting the British villa too. Closed in winter.

AdmissionAn adult single-villa ticket costs ¥300; the two-villa combination costs ¥450. Tea experiences and café orders cost extra.
HoursApril and November 11–30 09:00–16:00; May–November 10 09:00–17:00. Closed Mondays in April; check substitute closures for public holidays. No regular closure in May–November; winter closure December–March. Check temporary changes separately.
Getting thereAbout a 35-minute walk from Chuzenji-onsen terminal towards the southeastern lake and Utagahama. Boats and seasonal buses are outside this itinerary.

Italian villa hours and tickets2026-10-09Nikko tourism body's 2026 seasonal villa hours and winter closures2026-10-09

Visit Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park →Five days A · Two Utsunomiya nights, then one each in Nikko and by the lake Five days B · Take time with Nikko temples, lake nature and villas

Visits and walks

Nikko Natural Science Museum, Tochigi Prefecture

栃木県立日光自然博物館

Nature exhibits explain the lake surroundings through water flows, wetlands and wildlife. History exhibits introduce Oku-Nikko's development as an international summer resort. Five-day itinerary B visits these indoor exhibits the day after both villas.

AdmissionOrdinary admission costs ¥510 for adults and ¥260 for ages four through junior high school. Groups of 20 or more have separate prices.
HoursApril 1–November 10 09:00–17:00; November 11–March 31 10:00–16:00. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Open daily May–November; closed Mondays in December–April and December 29–January 3. Check public-holiday substitute closures and temporary operations separately.
Getting thereBeside Chuzenji-onsen terminal, a one-minute walk from the stop. This estimate differs from the full walk from your hotel.

Natural science museum fees, hours and access2026-10-09

Visit Nikko Natural Science Museum, Tochigi Prefecture →Five days B · Take time with Nikko temples, lake nature and villas

Frequently asked questions

Is Oya Museum adult admission ¥800?

From April 2026, individual adult admission is ¥1,000, payable only in cash. With the Oya sightseeing one-day pass, museum entry is included; do not add admission again.

Fees, access and use restrictions2026-10-09Oya pass coverage and sales hours2026-10-08

Can I enter Oya Museum with a stroller?

Ordinary entry does not accommodate strollers, wheelchairs or walkers. Paid golf-cart assistance requires advance booking on available weekdays; same-day requests are not accepted. Long holidays and group schedules may limit bookings, so ask the facility.

Fees, access and use restrictions2026-10-09Oya pass coverage and sales hours2026-10-08

Can I visit the British and Italian embassy villa memorial parks in winter?

Both villa memorial parks close for winter from December through March. They close at 16:00 in April and November 11–30, and at 17:00 from May through November 10. Check Monday closures in April and any temporary changes. These hours are separate from lakeside walks and the natural science museum. Seasonal operations checked October 9, 2026.

Nikko tourism body's 2026 seasonal villa hours and winter closures2026-10-09British villa hours, tickets and walking access2026-10-09Italian villa hours and tickets2026-10-09

Official sources and check dates

Bus timetables, bays and fares · 2026-10-08
Rinnoji visiting route · 2026-10-08
Oya pass coverage and sales hours · 2026-10-08
Weekday return timetable · 2026-10-08
Kegon facility access · 2026-10-08
Kegon tickets and operations · 2026-10-09
Official lake and waterfall walking map · 2026-10-08
British villa hours, tickets and walking access · 2026-10-09
Rinnoji tickets, prices and seasonal reception · 2026-10-09
Italian villa hours and tickets · 2026-10-09
Natural science museum fees, hours and access · 2026-10-09
Toshogu tickets · 2026-10-09
Tobu Bus routes and stops · 2026-10-08
Tourism body hours and fees · 2026-10-08
Fees, access and use restrictions · 2026-10-09
Nikko tourism body's 2026 seasonal villa hours and winter closures · 2026-10-09
Toshogu's Yomeimon, Three Wise Monkeys and Sleeping Cat · 2026-10-09
Rinnoji wooden Main Hall, Iemitsu mausoleum and lanterns · 2026-10-09
Kegon lower platform, waterfall and cliffs · 2026-10-09