Best trails in Nikko National Park
Nikko National Park, a mountainous region formed by volcanic activity, is home to a variety of tree species, including maples, oaks, and beech. This park is known for its lush forests and spectacular views of bright fall foliage. A diverse ecosystem is maintained, and you may even encounter wildlife such as sika deer and Japanese macaques. You can also enjoy scenic views of waterfalls, wetlands, and beautiful lakes.
Admire the elaborate carvings at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of Japan's most famous temples, or take the Nasu Ropeway to a still-active volcano.
Top trails
- (289)•Easy•3.4 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail follows a well-maintained network of paths and wooden boardwalks. The route connects two famous waterfalls, starting at the gentle, cascading Ryuzu Falls ("Dragon Head Falls") on Lake Chuzenji and ending at the powerful, plunging Yudaki Falls, which flows out of Lake Yunoko. This trail offers a peaceful walk alongside the clear Yukawa River, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, like Mount Nantai.
- (255)•Hard•4.6 miThe trail begins at the Futarasan Jinja Chugushi (Futarasan Shrine), where climbers must register and pay a small fee for climbing. From there, the path is a continuous ascent on a rocky, root-filled, and often muddy trail that cuts directly up the forested mountainside. After emerging from the forest, the final section is a scramble over volcanic scree and rocks to the summit. The summit is the crater rim of the dormant volcano and is home to the inner sanctuary of the Futarasan Shrine. The...
- (172)•Moderate•4.5 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis trail is a walk through Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of Japan's most magnificent sacred sites. The trail takes visitors up a series of broad stone staircases, leading them through a massive, ancient forest of towering Japanese cedar trees. As visitors climb, they pass under multiple, ornate gates, including the Nio-mon Gate guarded by two fierce Nio warrior statues. The main highlight is the shrine complex itself, a stunning display of gold leaf and intricate, colorful wood carvings.
- (151)•Hard•6.7 miThis trail takes hikers up through a beautiful, high-altitude forest of native trees like Japanese beech and kaede. The main destination is the Hangetsuyama Observation Deck near the summit. The reward for the climb is breathtaking panoramic view in all of Nikko. From this high perch, you get a perfect, bird's-eye view of the deep blue waters of Lake Chuzenji far below, with the magnificent, sacred volcano Mount Nantai rising majestically on the other side.
- (105)•Moderate•7.0 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail winds through a vast, open marshland, surrounded by forests of karamatsu (larch) and shirakaba (white birch). The main highlight of the Odashirogahara marsh is the single, iconic white birch tree known as the "Lady of Odashirogahara" or the "Dancing Tree." It's also a prime spot for birdwatching, and you might hear the distinct call of the kakkō (cuckoo) in early summer.
- (89)•Moderate•5.2 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail hike through Ryuokyo Gorge, which famously means Dragon King Gorge. The path is a scenic journey that takes you on a Nature Research Trail through a dramatic volcanic gorge. You will be walking through a beautiful, shady forest of oak and maple trees. The trail is renowned for its distinctive, dragon-like rock formations and its stunning, deep green and blue waters. You will cross several picturesque bridges, including the Flying Squirrel Suspension Bridge, and pass by several...
- (76)•Moderate•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail follows the stunning emerald-green waters of the Kinugawa River. The gorge was carved through volcanic rock, and its name means Dragon King Gorge because its twisting, thrashing shape resembles a giant dragon. You will walk through a shady forest of native oak and maple trees. The trail takes you past several beautiful waterfalls, like the Rainbow Waterfall, and across picturesque bridges, including the Flying Squirrel Suspension Bridge.
- (58)•Easy•2.0 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail is a historic walk through Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss. The path takes you into a deep, mossy canyon carved by the river's volcanic flow. The main highlight is the famous Narabi Jizo. This is a long row of moss-covered stone statues of Jizo, the guardian deity of travelers and children. The entire gorge is a deeply spiritual site that dates back to the Edo period. Hikers will pass the Kanman-ga-Fuchi Waterfall and the remains of the historic stone inscriptions. The trail is heavily...
- (44)•Moderate•3.6 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail is a stunning walk that connects the beautiful Ryuzu Falls to the vast Senjogahara Marshland. This is a scenic walk on well-maintained paths and wooden boardwalks. The journey begins at the narrow, cascading Ryuzu Falls on Lake Chuzenji. From there, the path follows the clear, twisting Yukawa River, taking visitors through a magnificent forest of beech and larch trees. The main highlight of the walk is the vast, open Senjogahara Marshland. Visitors may also spot local birds, such...
- (44)•Moderate•7.3 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrThis trail is a climb that takes you up through a beautiful, quiet forest of native Japanese beech and maple trees. The trail is heavily shaded and offers spectacular views during the autumn foliage season. The mountain is home to the historic Chuzen-ji Temple. The mountain's summit is a sacred site that offers a stunning, panoramic view of the entire Lake Chuzenji and the surrounding mountains, including the towering, sacred volcano Mount Nantai.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Nikko National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Nikko National Park is Ryuzu Falls - Yudaki Falls, which has a 4.7 star rating from 289 reviews. This trail is 3.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 154 ft.
What is the longest trail in Nikko National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Nikko National Park is Nikko - Senjogahara Cycling Tour. This trail is estimated to be 53.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Nikko National Park?
There are 74 trails in Nikko National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 1,820 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Nikko National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Nikko National Park has you covered. Mount Nantai - Mount Nyoho - Mount Akanagi Traverse boasts the most elevation gain with 8,146 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Nikko - Senjogahara Cycling Tour, which will get you 7,014 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Nikko National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 26 camping trails in Nikko National Park and the most popular is Ryuzu Falls - Yudaki Falls with an average 4.7 star rating from 289 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Nikko National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Nikko National Park and the most popular is Lake Yunoko Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 39 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Nikko National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Nikko National Park which is Nikko - Senjogahara Cycling Tour with an average star rating from 0 community reviews.
