A vermilion-lacquered bridge over the Daiya River, designated as an Important Cultural Property of the Futarasan Shrine. It was first built in 782 when, according to legend, the monk Shodo Shonin was carried across the river on the backs of serpents. A historic starting point for Nikko pilgrims. Bridge toll: ¥300 for adults.

A Tendai Buddhist temple founded by Shodo Shonin in 766. The main hall, Sanbutsudo, is the largest wooden structure in eastern Japan, housing three colossal statues — Senju Kannon, Amida Nyorai, and Bato Kannon — each about 13m tall. The 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko' complex, including Rinnoji, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Admission: ¥900 (combo ticket with Daiyuin).

Founded as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1617, Toshogu was rebuilt in its current magnificent form by the third shogun Iemitsu in 1636. The complex includes 8 national treasures and 34 important cultural properties, dazzling with gold leaf and polychrome carvings. Must-sees: Yomeimon Gate, the Sleeping Cat, the Three Wise Monkeys, and the Crying Dragon. Admission: ¥1,300. Over 4 million visitors per year.

The birthplace of Nikko's mountain worship, with Mt. Nantai as its divine symbol. Its origins trace back to 782, when Shodo Shonin climbed Mt. Nantai and built a shrine — predating even Toshogu. Famous for matchmaking, the 'Oyakosugi' (parent-and-child cedar), where two trees intertwine, is a must-see. Main hall grounds: free; inner precincts: ¥200.

Nikko's specialty 'yuba' (tofu skin) differs from Kyoto's version — it's folded double as it's lifted, giving it a thicker, chewier texture. 'Yuba Fujiya' on the Toshogu approach has been open since 1945 and is a beloved institution. The deep-fried yuba bowl (¥1,800) and yuba sashimi set (¥2,500) are customer favorites. Arriving after 2pm tends to be less crowded.

The mausoleum of the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, designed in restrained elegance — deliberately less ornate than Toshogu in respect of his grandfather Ieyasu's wishes. The layered gates — Yasha-mon, Nitenmon, and Niomon — create a stately architectural composition unlike Toshogu. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1999. Often less crowded than Toshogu. Admission: ¥550 (covered by Rinnoji combo ticket).

A mountain road with 48 hairpin bends — each named after a character in the 'iroha' syllabary — climbing 440m to Oku-Nikko. Divided into the uphill Second Iroha Slope (20 bends) and the downhill First Iroha Slope (28 bends). During the autumn foliage season (Oct–Nov), it becomes one of the most celebrated fall foliage drives in Japan, though famous for traffic jams too. Accessible by bus.

One of Japan's three great waterfalls, where water from Lake Chuzenji plunges 97m over a sheer cliff. The free observation deck captures the drama, but the paid platform (¥550) reached by elevator 100m below gets you within about 20m of the base — where the roar and spray are overwhelming. Flow peaks in late April–May (snowmelt) and October–November (foliage season).

A high-altitude lake at 1,269m, formed by an eruption of Mt. Nantai around 20,000 years ago. At 25km in circumference, it is the highest first-class lake in Japan. The lakeside Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park (¥400) and British Embassy Villa Memorial Park (¥300) preserve the legacy of foreign ambassadors who escaped the Tokyo heat here during the Meiji era. Sightseeing boats (¥1,800) offer stunning views of Mt. Nantai.

A 210m cascade where the Yukawa River splits around a rock, said to resemble the head of a dragon. The 'Ryuzu Chaya' tea house near the base is famous for its anmitsu dessert (¥850), and many locals enjoy the falls from a seat with tea — a quintessential Oku-Nikko experience. The mid-October foliage season makes this an especially beautiful photography spot.

A 400-hectare wetland at 1,400m elevation, named from the legend of a battle between the gods of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Akagi. A well-maintained boardwalk trail runs about 4km along the Yukawa River from Ryuzu Falls to Yudaki Falls, walkable in 1.5–2 hours. The blooming of shimii flowers in early June and the rust-red grasses in early October are especially beautiful. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here.

A hot spring resort in the innermost part of Oku-Nikko at 1,478m elevation. The milky-white sulfurous spring water (single-source sulfur spring) flows at 59–75°C. The public bath at Onsenji Temple (¥500) is a local favorite offering direct source water at an affordable price. Winter brings the added spectacle of frozen Lake Yunoko, where you can soak in an outdoor bath surrounded by snow scenery.

A wide, direct-drop waterfall measuring 70m high and 25m wide, where the waters of Lake Yunoko tumble over a broad cliff face. The raw power is different from Ryuzu or Kegon Falls — you can scramble up rocks to stand right next to the base. The 'Yudaki Chaya' tea house at the top serves salt-grilled iwana (char) fish (¥900), a beloved morning meal in this natural setting.

The shopping street leading from the Toshogu approach is packed with Nikko specialties: Nikko yokan sweet jelly (Watahan, established Meiji era), Nikko Jingorokansen (a local cracker), and yuba tsukudani (simmered yuba). 'Nikko Coffee Tamamo Koji,' a hidden-gem cafe in a converted Meiji-era storehouse, serves specialty single-origin coffee (¥700) beloved by locals — the perfect final stop on your Nikko journey.