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Nikko and Self-guided Walking in Yumoto OnsenExplore historic Nikko and hike in the beautiful Oku Nikko plains around Yumoto Onsen

Ieyasu was the first Shogun of the Tokugawa clan, who seized power and effective rule of Japan in 1600. He led the country for a further 16 years until his death, but his legacy continued and the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled Japan through to the Meiji Period until 1868. Ieyasu was enshrined at Tosho-gu in Nikko and the region played a big part in his life.

Take a scenic train ride out from Tokyo to the picturesque mountains of Tochigi Prefecture to learn about this iconic leader, credited with unifying Japan, and his powerful Tokugawa clan through the atmospheric UNESCO site which now houses his mausoleum, together with a complex of spectacular shrines.

In addition to a rich history and culture, Nikko is also well-known for its beautiful nature. After exploring the central area, travel deeper into Nikko’s varied landscape to Oku (‘inner’) Nikko, to enjoy exhilarating hiking through the marshlands towards Nikko Yumoto Onsen, a hot-spring village with comfortable inns, spending two further days hiking in the region.

Introduction

TOUR LENGTH AND PRICES

4 days

Please see the website for the prices we offer in each currency.

TYPE AND LEVEL OF TRIP

Moderate level trip with sightseeing around villages and easy optional walks.

WALKING SEASON

April to November

WHAT’S INCLUDED

3 breakfasts & 3 dinners ; 3 nights at traditional Japanese inns ; Round-trip rail tickets beginning and ending in Tokyo ; Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions ; Local telephone support

DETAILS

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ITINERARYDAY 1 ➤ Sightseeing in NikkoTravel by train to Nikko. It was here that in 1617 the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu had himself enshrined. These extravagantly ornate buildings are now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites - there is ample time to visit all of the main shrine structures today. A convenient network of buses enables access to many of the town’s wonderful sites, including the 3 great falls of Nikko. After sightseeing here, relax at a wonderful inn situated along the nearby river valley.

Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)

DAY 2 ➤Hike from Ryuzu Falls to Yumoto OnsenThis morning, take a bus further into the mountains to Oku Nikko. The forests and mountains here have been sacred to the Japanese for 1,200 years, and your first hike in the area is a gentle introduction to the region following the Yukawa River towards the Onsen village of Nikko Yumoto where you will spend the evening. The hike also takes in two spectacular waterfalls - Ryuzu and Yudaki Falls.

Walking distance: 8.4km / 5.2 milesElevation gain: 295m / 970 feet of ascent and 90m / 295 feet of descentTime required: 3-4 hoursAccommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)

DAY 3 ➤Hiking in the Oku Nikko plainsHeading north-east from Yumoto Onsen, today’s hike offers exceptional scenery along the Oku Nikko plains, skirting both Mount Mitsudake and Mount Orogura. The trail loops around to the south before returning to Yumoto Onsen for a second night. Sightings of both monkey and deer are common on this wonderfully rural trail.

Walking distance: 14.8km / 9.2 milesElevation gain: 560m / 1,840 feet of ascent and 570m / 1,870 feet of descentTime required: 6-7 hoursAccommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)

It is also possible to reduce the hike by 4.7km and 2 hours by skipping the final section of the walk with a local bus.

DAY 3 ➤ Return to Nikko and Tokyo

This morning, return by bus to central Nikko and then continue onwards to Tokyo by train. You can spend time exploring Nikko town if you wish, or you may prefer to connect straight onwards to Tokyo before lunch.