Best trails in Nikko National Park

4.4(1,716 reviews)

Japan
:
#4 of 29 national parks

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

#1 - Ryuzu Falls - Yudaki Falls

Ryuzu Falls - Yudaki Falls (竜頭ノ滝 - 湯滝) This tour leads you to two stunning waterfalls in Okunikko, Ryuzu Falls and Yudaki Falls via the famous high-in-elevation marsh Senjogahara.

#2 - Mount Nantai - Nikko Futarasan-Jinja Shrine

4.7(238)

•Hard

•4.6 mi

A sacred mountain representing Nikko, Mount Nantai (男体山) Since the 8th century, Mount Nantai itself has been the object of worship of the area. For the worship, Nikko Firayama Shrine's Oku Shrine is located at the top of the mountain. The route commences from Nikko Firayama Shrine to the summit of the mountains, which offers the great panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji and the green nature of Nikko.

#3 - Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮) The majestic NikkoToshogu Shrine, known as one of the world heritage sites in Japan and is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu (founder/first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate). Most of the current shrine buildings were rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun in 1636. Surrounded by a deep forest, the shrine grounds offer valuable views of nature and historical buildings in every season. The 55 structures on the grounds of the shrine, including 8 national...

#4 - Mount Hangetsu - Lake Chuzenji

4.5(141)

•Hard

•6.7 mi

Mount Hangetsu - Lake Chuzenji (半月山 - 中禅寺湖) Large panoramic landscapes overlooking Lake Chuzenji and the mountains of Nikko attract numerous visitors. Hiking courses are also popular, along with the surrounding sightseeing spots and natural hot springs! This course commences from the Tenbodai Station of Akechidaira Ropeway, continues to the summit of Mount Hangetsu and Hangetsusan Observatory, where you can enjoy impressive views of the area. After the point, let's walk along Lake Chuzenji,...

#5 - Senjogahara - Odashirogahara

Senjogahara - Odashirogahara (戦場ヶ原 - 小田代原) This trekking course takes you to the famous Oku-Nikko marshlands, Senjogahara and Odashirogahara. The name "Senjogahara" is said to come from the myth that this marshland was once the "battlefield (Senjo in Japanese)" where the gods of Mount Nantai and Mount Akagi fought over Lake Chuzenji. There are nature trails around the marshland and hiking trails in the vicinity. It is also known as a habitat for 350 species of native plants and a variety of...

Ryuokyo Gorge - Kawaji Onsen (龍王峡- 川治温泉) A walking tour leads you from the scenic Ryuokyo Gorge to Kawaji Onsen hot spring. As the name suggests, the sceneries of this gorge are reminiscent of a dragon slithering. The spectacular views with its huge rocks and clear streams are truly artworks created by nature.

#7 - Ryuokyo Gorge Walk

Ryuokyo Gorge Walk (龍王峡ウォーク) A walking tour leads you through the scenic Ryuokyo Gorge. As the name suggests, the sceneries of this gorge are reminiscent of a dragon slithering. The spectacular views from the Musasabi Bridge with its huge rocks and clear streams are truly artworks created by nature.

#8 - Kanman-ga-fuchi Loop

Kanman-ga-fuchi Loop (憾満ヶ淵ループ) Kanman-ga-fuchi Abyss, which was formed by lava spewed from Mount Nantai, is famous for a group of about 70 Jizo statues called "Bakejizo" on the south bank. Note: From June to October, be careful of mountain leeches during and after rainy weather.

#9 - Ryuzu Falls - Senjogahara

Ryuzu Falls - Senjogahara (竜頭ノ滝 - 戦場ヶ原) Heads to the scenic waterfalls in Okunikko Ryuzu Falls via the famous high-in-elevation marsh Senjogahara. Enjoy the precious natural landscapes of Nikko National Park.

#10 - Mount Shazan - Chuzenji Temple

Mount Shazan - Chuzenji Temple (社山 - 中禅寺) Starting from a parking lot in front of Chuzenji Temple, this route heads to the company mountain. The mountain and the trail are known for the stunning views of Lake Chuzenji and the surrounding mountains.

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Trail reviews for Nikko National Park

3,045 trailgoers Busiest in October

Sebastian Murphy

Aug 7, 2025•Hiking

A great walk that includes the 2 waterfalls and the Senjōgahara marshland boardwalk. We started from Yumoto Onsen bus stop and walked around Lake Yunoko before this trail. Recommend this way so that the walk is more downhill than uphill. Great views throughout. Highly recommend. They are currently updating parts of the boardwalk with new timber, so this will make the walk even nicer when finished! Tip: add the extra 10 minutes walk from Ryuzu falls at the end to get the 15:50 Shōbugahama ferry back to Chuzenji for 17:00, so you can get an express bus back to Tobu Nikko.

Ryuzu Falls - Senjogahara

Jack Stalnaker

Jul 25, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Stunning. Not crowded. I only went to the top of the stairs as that was the part roped off and more accessible. I did not see any bears but lots of dragonflies, birds, and butterflies. I’m glad I chose this hike for my Nikko trip. Highly satisfied!

Mount Akanagi - Kirifuri Kogen

Sarah Bezer

Jul 13, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

Amazing trail. You go from Nikko center, to Shrines, to complete forest giving ghibli vibes... Basically you get it all. Reallyyyy great trail. GO AND PAY TO VISIT THE IEMITSU mausoleum that you pass by during the trail, completely magnificent and cheap entry fees.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

John Wilder

May 29, 2025

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Spectacular and serene experience in a rarely quiet Japan. Nikko is easily reached from Tokyo in a couple of hours on a train, and then busses run constantly from the station right to the trailhead- takes about an hour on the bus and costs about 1500 yen each way. The trail is not to be taken lightly- it’s probably right at the limit for a recreational hiker to do in a day- it’s one of the steepest trails I’ve done and took almost as long to come down as it did going up- our moving time was 5hrs 45min with another 45 min on the summit and we’re both very experienced and usually move very fast in the Rockies- I’ve done several 14ers in less time. I’d give yourself 7-8 hours round trip if you aren’t super fit/experienced. Strava said this was longer than AllTrails- over 6 miles round trip.

Mount Nantai - Nikko Futarasan-Jinja Shrine

Jérémy Bouville

Apr 4, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

The trail is very well known: it's the marshland section between Nikko and Yumoto. It's very easy to hike, at beginner level, so there's no particular difficulty. If you're lucky in March/early April, you'll still find snow. The waterfalls and lake at the finish are magnificent. Don't hesitate to walk around the lake once you're at the top - it's superb! And while you're up there, don't hesitate to go for an onsen in one of the hotels available. We recommend the Kyukamura Nikko-Yumoto, which is reasonably priced and top-notch!

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Conditions: Snow, Pollen

Ryuzu Falls - Yudaki Falls

Lorraine BACCARIN

Feb 17, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Superb drive to visit Nikko! Lots of roads on the way!

This text has been translated.

Conditions: Snow, No bugs, Well maintained

Oku-Nikko Walk: Yumihari Pass - Senjyugahama

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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 267 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 1,716 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 23 camping trails in Nikko National Park and the most popular is Ryuzu Falls - Yudaki Falls with an average 4.7 star rating from 267 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 35 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.