Best things to do in Nikko Japan with kids
After sharing the full itinerary of our one-month trip across Japan with a toddler and our first stop in Tokyo in my previous post, here’s a detailed look at our second stop: Nikko.
This charming mountain town surprised us with its nature, World Heritage temples, and most of all, the incredible kindness of our host, Hiro.
Table of Contents
- Why visit Nikko ?
- Our stay with Hiro : a unique experience
- First day : exploring Nikko’s cultural treasures
- Second day : nature escapes in Okunikko
- Traveling in Nikko with a toddler
- Saying goodbye & next Stop
Why Visit Nikko ?
Nikko is a small city of about 80,000 people, located 150 kilometers north of Tokyo, in Tochigi Prefecture.
It is famous for its lush mountain landscapes, hot springs (onsen), and stunning UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples.
This destination combines cultural richness with breathtaking natural beauty, making it an excellent stop for families traveling with young children.
Our stay with Hiro : a unique experience
For our two nights in Nikko, we stayed with Hiro, a local host living near Shimo-Imaichi Station, just one stop from Nikko Station.
From the moment we booked, Hiro went above and beyond :
- He drove us to and from the train station.
- Helped us shop for food at local supermarkets.
- Welcomed us like family.
His home was surrounded by nature, with a koi pond that our 2-year-old son Camille loved feeding, and a friendly dog, Mary, who quickly became Camille’s best friend.
We slept on traditional tatami mats and even enjoyed a private mini-onsen that Hiro prepared every evening. It was magical!
At the end of our stay, Hiro surprised Camille with a huge manga poster and little gifts. Our hearts were full, it was one of the most moving encounters of our whole trip.
> We stayed at Cozy Inn Free Shuttle, hosted by Hiro.
First Day : exploring Nikko’s cultural treasures
Following Hiro’s advice, we headed straight into Nikko on our first day :
- Nikko’s main shopping street : a perfect introduction with little shops and cafés.
- Shinkyo Bridge :one of Japan’s most beautiful and iconic bridges. This sacred red-lacquered bridge marks the entrance to Nikko’s shrine and temple area and is considered one of the most scenic bridges in the country, especially during spring and autumn.
- Toshogu Shrine : the most famous landmark and one of Japan’s most spectacular shrines. Lavishly decorated with gold leaf, intricate carvings and vibrant colors, it is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” and is famous for iconic details such as the Three Wise Monkeys and the Sleeping Cat carving.
- Rinno-ji Temple : another important cultural site in Nikko. Founded in the 8th century, it is one of the oldest temples in the region and home to impressive Buddhist statues surrounded by peaceful forest scenery. The temple grounds are calm and perfect for a slow walk.
Even with a toddler, this was easy to explore and filled with wonder
Second day : nature escapes in Okunikko
The next morning, we followed Hiro’s golden tip: take a bus from Nikko Station into the mountains of Okunikko.
Highlights of the day :
- Kegon Falls (Kegon-no-Taki): one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls.
- Lake Chuzenji : a serene volcanic lake at 1,269 meters altitude, formed over 20,000 years ago.
Walking along the lake felt magical. We were almost alone, except for a few fishermen standing waist-deep in the water. Camille played in the sand with the majestic Mount Nantai in the background.
We also discovered the former embassies around the lake. The British Embassy Villa is open for tea with lake views, while others (French, Belgian) can only be admired from outside.
Tip : If you have time, stop at Akechi-daira for the ropeway, which offers panoramic views of both Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. We skipped it to spend more time enjoying the lake.
That evening, we explored a japanese countryside supermarket, discovering local products we had never seen before. A fun cultural experience in itself !
Traveling in Nikko with a toddler
We found Nikko very family-friendly :
- Shrines and temples have wide, stroller-accessible paths.
- Nature walks around Lake Chuzenji are easy and safe.
- Food was never a problem. Convenience stores and restaurants always had rice, noodles, or toddler-friendly options.
Camille especially loved playing with Hiro’s dog Mary, feeding koi fishes, and running around in nature.
Saying Goodbye & Next Stop
On our last day, Hiro kindly drove us to the train station. Saying goodbye was emotional, especially for Camille, who gave Hiro a big hug.
From Nikko, we continued our journey to our third destination: Kanazawa! Stay tuned for the next post.
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