Nikko Autumn Color Spots

Below is a list of some of Nikko's most popular autumn color spots with the approximate timings for best viewing in the average year.

The coloring season in Nikko is long because of the wide range in elevation from the mountains of the Okunikko region to the Nikko town area down in the valley. The colors usually first arrive in the high elevations of Okunikko around early October, reach Lake Chuzenji in mid October and the Irohazaka Winding Road in late October before descending to the town of Nikko in early November. Note that the best colors are found in the Okunikko region, while the town area of Nikko is dominated by evergreen trees and does not offer too many colors.

Due to the popularity of Nikko's autumn scenery, traffic to and within the Okunikko area can become congested during the peak of the season. To reduce the crowds, it is advisable to avoid weekends and to go early in the day. Travelers with a rental car could consider accessing the Okunikko region through the less busy backdoor from Numata in Gunma Prefecture along National Route 120.

Early season

  • Ryuzu Waterfall
    Early to mid October
    Ryuzu Waterfall is one of the most popular autumn color spots in Nikko. Perhabs due to its shadowy location, it is also one of the first spots to change colors. The trees along the waterfall usually start coloring already in early October, about a week earlier than the trees on a similar elevation.
  • Yumoto Onsen
    Mid October
    The autumn colors around Yumoto Onsen Town typically arrive around early October and reach their best around mid October. Here, you can enjoy lovely fall scenery in combination with the picturesque Lake Yunoko, as well as take a hot spring bath at one of the ryokan in town.
  • Yudaki Waterfall
    Mid October
    The spectacular Yudaki Waterfall is located immediately south of Lake Yunoko. Nice colors can be observed in combination with the waterfall around mid October.

Mid season

  • Senjogahara Marshland
    Early to late October
    The Senjogahara Marshland displays beautiful autumn scenery during most of October. The early provider of autumn colors is the marshland's grass that gradually changes into brilliant yellows before turning slightly reddish. Later during the month, the larch trees provide some of the best golden colors that nature has to offer.
  • Lake Chuzenji
    Mid to late October
    The forested slopes of Mount Nantai and the other mountains surrounding Lake Chuzenji provide excellent fall scenery typically from mid to late October. The colors can be enjoyed from Chuzenji Onsen or from sightseeing cruises on the lake. Spectacular views of the lake can also be enjoyed from the Hangetsuyama Observation Deck on the mountain southeast of the lake.
  • Kegon Waterfall
    Mid to late October
    Ranked as one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, Kegon Waterfall is a sight to behold, particularly around late October when beautiful autumn colors enhance its surroundings.
  • Irohazaka Winding Road
    Late October to early November
    The Irohazaka Winding Road connects the town of Nikko with Okunikko. Autumn foliage can be viewed along the road and from the observation deck at Akechidaira Plateau. Colors usually start to become pleasant in mid to late October at the top of the slope, before gradually moving down to the bottom by early November.

Late season

  • Shoyoen Garden
    Early to mid November
    Shoyoen is a small pond garden which belongs to Rinnoji Temple. The garden has many maple trees which provide some saturated autumn colors typically during the first half of November. It is one of only a few colorful spots situated in Nikko's town center where evergreen trees are otherwise predominant. Shoyoen is illuminated on evenings during the autumn color season.

Getting there and around

How to get to and around Nikko

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Hotels around Nikko

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      Sanga Nikko - An Authentic Japanese Guesthouse Experience
      Mid-range
      Located in Nikko, 2.1 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Sanga Nikko - An Authentic Japanese Guesthouse Experience provides rooms with free WiFi access. The property is set 10 km from Kegon Falls and 22 km from Nikk?-kokuritsu-k?en. Nikko Station and Tobu-Nikko Station are within a 5-minute walk from the property. The property is equipped with two shared bathrooms for 3 rooms. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling and running. A supermarket is situated within a 5-minute walk from the property. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Rinnoji Temple and Shinkyo Bridge. Futarasan Shrine is 2.2 km from the property, while Chuzenji Lake is 12 km away.
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      Stay Nikko Guesthouse
      Luxury
      Featuring free WiFi, Stay Nikko Guesthouse offers accommodation in Nikko. Nikko Station on the Tobu and JR lines can be reached within a 13-minute walk. Free private parking is available on site. Every room at this guest house is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Views of the mountains, river or garden are featured in certain rooms. Guests will find a microwave, toaster and kettle on site. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a 20-minute stroll from Stay Nikko Guesthouse, while Kegon Falls is a 50-minute bus ride from the property.
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      B&B Izumi Nikko
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      B&B Izumi Nikko in Nikko offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and mountain or river views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.

      Relaxing Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a garden and terrace, perfect for relaxation. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, ensuring connectivity.

      Convenient Amenities

      The bed and breakfast provides free on-site private parking, daily housekeeping service, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a work desk, microwave, and soundproofing.

      Prime Location

      Located 121 km from Ibaraki Airport, the property is near attractions such as Rinno-ji Temple (1.8 km) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine (2.4 km). Guests appreciate the friendly host, balcony, and breakfast provided by the property.
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      Okunikko Guesthouse JUN
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodation

      Okunikko Guesthouse JUN in Nikko offers a 1-star guest house experience with free WiFi, a lounge, and a shared kitchen. Guests can enjoy lake and mountain views from their private or shared bathrooms.

      Convenient Facilities

      The property provides free off-site private parking, slippers, and a lounge area. Shared bathrooms are available for added comfort.

      Local Attractions

      Kegon Falls is a 12-minute walk away, while Nikko Futarasan-Jinja Nantaisan Okumiya lies 500 metres nearby. Other attractions include Nikko Toshogu Shrine (16 km) and Chuzenji Lake (2.3 km).

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated by guests, the property is praised for its lakes, host, and hiking opportunities.
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      Nikko Guesthouse Sumica
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Nikko Guesthouse Sumica in Nikko offers a 1-star guest house experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a tea and coffee maker. Each room features a private bathroom with a city view, tatami floors, and a shared bathroom option.

      Convenient Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen, concierge service, tour desk, and luggage storage. The property is highly rated for its friendly host, excellent public transport options, and convenient location.

      Local Attractions

      Nikko Station is a 3-minute walk away, Tobu Nikko Station 300 metres nearby, and the Urushi Museum a 17-minute walk. Other attractions include Nikko Toshogu Shrine (2.7 km), Kegon Falls (20 km), and Chuzenji Lake (21 km). Ibaraki Airport is 117 km from the guest house.
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      Nanaeyae
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Nanaeyae in Nikko offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, and TV.

      Relaxing Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath and an open-air bath. Additional facilities include a public bath, lift, daily housekeeping service, electric vehicle charging station, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking.

      Dining Experience

      The ryokan serves Asian breakfast with local specialities. Dinner is highly praised by guests for its quality and variety.

      Local Attractions

      Located in the hot spring area, Nanaeyae is a 7-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Fureai Bridge and 1.7 km from Tateiwa Kinu Hime Shrine. Other nearby attractions include Tobu Nikko Station (21 km) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine (24 km).
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      Honke Bankyu
      Luxury
      Established in 1666, Honke Bankyu is housed in a registered historical building. The Japanese rooms feature traditional decor, futon bedding and a flat-screen TV. The hotel has 5 hot-spring baths and serves local specialities for dinner. Shoji paper screens, tatami (woven-straw) floors and views of greenery add to the zen flavour of each air-conditioned room. A yukata robe is provided. All rooms have a private toilet, and some rooms have a private bathroom. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from Yunishikawa-Onsen Train Station. Heike Village Museum is just a 10-minute walk away. Ryuokyo Canyon is a 40-minute drive, and Nikko Toshugu Shrine is 50 km away. A private hot-spring bath can be reserved, for a fee. You can relax at the library, take a stroll in the garden or browse the unique items in the gift shop. Japanese style breakfast and set-menu dinner are served at the hotelfs dining room.
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      The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
      Luxury
      The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko features restaurants, fitness centre, a lobby lounge bar and shared lounge in Nikko situated by Lake Chuzenji and overlooking Mount Nantai. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and ticket service. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, hot spring baths for guests. At The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko all units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a hot tub, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. Featuring a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also offer a mountain view. A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. The onsite restaurants feature Japanese and Western-style cuisines. Guests can relax in the spa and wellness centre, including a hot spring bath, a sauna and a hot tub, or in the garden. The area is popular for hiking and cycling, and car hire is available at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Kegon Falls, Chuzenji Lake and Chuzenji Temple.
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      Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko in Nikko offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy amenities such as a terrace, lounge, and shared kitchen.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hotel provides a shuttle service, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Free off-site private parking is available.

      Prime Location

      Located 1.8 km from Tobu Nikko Station and 2 km from Nikko Station, the hotel is near attractions like Urushi Museum and Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Ibaraki Airport is 119 km away.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Guests highly rate the room comfort, bed comfort, and attentive property staff and service support.
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      Annex Turtle Hotori-An
      Budget-friendly
      About a 20-minute walk from the Nikko shrines, Annex Turtle Hotori-An is situated next to the Daiya river and green forests. It features hot spring baths with river views. Only 1.5 km from the Toshogu and Futarasan shrines at Nikko, Hotori-An Turtle Annex Hotel also offers easy access to local hiking trails. A 40-minute drive brings guests to historical theme park Nikko Edomura. The Japanese-style rooms feature tatami (woven straw) floors and traditional futon beds. Each room includes a private bathroom. Turtle Annex Hotori-An features a gallery showing local Mashiko-yaki pottery. English-speaking staff are available to help with sightseeing. Breakfast features fruit, eggs and bread. Property staff can recommend nearby dinner options upon check-in.
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Experiences around Nikko

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