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.
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.
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.
The spectacular Yudaki Waterfall is located immediately south of Lake Yunoko. Nice colors can be observed in combination with the waterfall around mid 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in Nikko, B&B Izumi Nikko provides 2-star accommodation with access to a garden and a terrace. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the bed and breakfast free of charge. Fitted with a balcony, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries. A fridge and kettle are also featured. An ? la carte, American or Asian breakfast is available daily at the property. Popular points of interest near B&B Izumi Nikko include Rinno-ji Temple, Futarasan Shrine and Nikko Jiunji Temple. The nearest airport is Ibaraki Airport, 121 km from the accommodation.
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.
Featuring a garden, Midorian is located within Nikko National Park. The property is around 1.5 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, 8 km from Kegon Falls and a 16-minute walk from Futarasan Shrine. The guest house features mountain views, a terrace, and free WiFi is available throughout the property. On-site parking is available free of charge. Guest rooms in the guest house are fitted with a kettle. A shared kitchen comes with a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. At Midorian, every room comes with a shared bathroom with a hair dryer. Cycling and hiking are among the activities that guests of the accommodation can find nearby. Rinnoji Temple is 1.6 km from Midorian.
Sumica apartmens offers accommodation in Nikko, 900 metres from Nikko Toshogu Shrine and 9.3 km from Kegon Falls. The property features views of the city and is 18 km from Nikko Yumoto Hot Spring. The accommodation is only a 2-minute stroll to Shinkyo Bridge, known as the entrance to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kitchenette is fitted with a microwave. Towels and bed linen are offered at sumica apartmens. Nikk?-kokuritsu-k?en is 22 km from sumica apartmens, while Rinnoji Temple is 600 metres from the property.
Just a 3-minute walk from JR Nikko Train Station, Guesthouse Sumica offers beds in dormitory rooms, as well as Japanese-style private rooms. It features a shared kitchen and free tea and coffee. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the whole building. The Sumica Guesthouse is a 5-minute drive from the Nikko Tosho-gu shrine, and a 30-minute drive from both Lake Chuzenji-ko and historical theme park village Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edomura). JR Nikko Train Station is a 3-minute walk away. Nikko Guesthouse Sumica is a completely non-smoking hotel. It offers luggage storage, and it has a curfew at 23:00.
Homely rooms with mountain views, free Wi-Fi and a private bath await guests at Villa Revage, 350 metres from Nikko Botanical Garden. It is completely non-smoking, and free private parking is available on site. Rooms at Nikko Akarinoyado Villa Revage are heated and come with simple furnishings and art on the walls. An LCD satellite TV is included. Both a hairdryer and toiletries are provided. You can relax on the sun terrace, enjoy the garden or unwind in one of the private reservable baths. A Western breakfast is served at the dining room, which boasts a high ceiling and forest views. The hotel is 4 km from JR Nikko Train Station and Tobu Nikko Train Station. Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is 800 metres away, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 2 km away.
Boasting open-air natural spring baths that look out to the surrounding mountains, Asaya provides chic Japanese accommodation that displays flower arrangements throughout. A bus stop is located right in front of the property, and shuttle buses are available from Utsunomiya Train Station, an hour away, at an additional fee. Featuring a relaxing ambience, each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a telephone and a fridge. Asaya Hotelfs front desk is open 24 hours, and massages are available at an additional cost. Karaoke facilities and a gift shop are on site. Some of the hot spring baths can be reserved for private use for a fee. A tour to Edo Wonderland can be arranged upon request. The hotel is a 13-minute walk from Kinugawa Koen Train Station. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a 40-minute drive away, and Edo Wonderland Nikko theme park is a 10-minute drive from the property. A buffet is served at one of the on-site restaurants. The dinner buffet serves about 80 various dishes ranging from Chinese, Japanese and Western meals, while the breakfast buffet provides about 60 variations, mainly Japanese and Western dishes.
Just 1 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Turtle Inn Nikko offers value-for-money accommodation with river views. Hot spring baths are available and breakfast is offered. Nikko Turtle Inn offers easy access to the historical temples and beautiful nature of the Nikko area. Chuzenji-ko Lake and Kegon-no-taki Waterfall are a 40-minute bus ride away. The Nikko temples are less than a 15-minute walk away. The cosy rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs. Guests can fall asleep to the calming sound of the Daiya River. Staff at Nikko Inn Turtle speak English and are always happy to help with sightseeing or other requests. Breakfast are served in the dining room and require an extra fee. Breakfast includes eggs, fruit and bread.
Set in Nikko, within 1.6 km of Tobu Nikko Station and 2 km of Nikko Station, Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko offers accommodation with a terrace and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. With a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 2.4 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. All guest rooms at the hotel come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Kegon Falls is 20 km from the accommodation, while Rinno-ji Temple is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Ibaraki Airport, 119 km from Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko.
Guests can enjoy soaking in the indoor and outdoor public hot-spring baths at Nikko Senhime Monogatari. Massages can be requested and a sauna room is available for an extra relaxation. A free shuttle is available from JR Nikko Train Station and Tobu Nikko Train Station, which is a 5-minute drive away. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. A safety deposit box is provided and the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Guests can purchase local products at the gift shop. Travel assistance is provided at the tour desk and photocopying services are available at the front desk. A traditional multi-course meal is served for dinner, and Japanese-style meal is served for breakfast. All meals are served at the dining room. Monogatari Senhime Nikko is a 10-minute walk from Nikko Toshogu Shrine and a 25-minute drive from Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
