Akechidaira Plateau (明智平) is located near the top of the ascending Irohazaka Winding Road. At the plateau, there is a parking lot with a free observation area that offers nice views onto the Irohazaka and the valley below. During autumn, this becomes a popular autumn color spot as fall colors spread across the landscape.

A rest house stands beside the parking lot, serving as a souvenir shop, cafeteria and the lower station of the Akechidaira Ropeway. In three minutes, the ropeway carries visitors to an observation platform further up the mountain for spectacular views over Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenjiko. Outside of winter, it is also possible to reach this upper observation deck in about two hours (one way) via a hiking trail from Lake Chuzenjiko. The trail also connects to Mount Hangetsuyama.

Getting there and around

The Akechidaira Plateau is located along the ascending road of the Irohazaka Winding Road and cannot be accessed from the descending road. Two-way traffic between Chuzenji Onsen and the Akechidaira Plateau was abolished in 2019.

From JR or Tobu Nikko station, take a Tobu bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen and get off at the Akechidaira bus stop (35 minutes, 1250 yen one way, 3-4 buses per hour). Buses in the opposite direction do not stop at Akechidaira.

Akechidaira tends to get very crowded during the autumn color season in October and early November with traffic congestion and a lack of parking lots, especially on weekends and national holidays.

How to get to and around Nikko

Hours and Fees

Akechidaira Ropeway

Closed

Hotels around Nikko

Top rated in 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 hotel’s 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