Nikko

The official mausoleum of dynasty founder Tokugawa Ieyasu and the most extravagant temple in Nikko, constructed in 1634 on the order of his grandson Iemitsu, though not his actual resting place.

Founded by Shodo Shonin, the monk that introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. Known for its three large Buddha figures (at the Sanbutsudoh Hall portion of Rinnoji Temple) and for the beautiful and peaceful Shōyō-en Garden (逍遥園)…

Iemitsu, the 3rd Tokugawa Shogun and grandson of Ieyasu, is buried here. Smaller, although much more beautiful than Tōshōgū. The main hall and mausoleum can only be viewed from outside.

A small museum of artifacts related to Tōshōgū and the Tokugawa dynasty. The introductory video is quite good, and the fascinating half-Japanese, half-Western suit of armor that Ieyasu is said to have worn at the Battle of Sekigahara is…

The Hall of the Medicine Buddha is known for a dragon painting on the ceiling. A monk is usually on hand to speak (Japanese only, some broken English if you're lucky) and strike a special block which produces a sharp, piercing echo if…

An incredibly ornate gate with over 400 carvings squeezed in. To the right of the main hall is the way to Ieyasu's tomb. Look out for another famous carving, this time of a sleeping cat (nemuri-neko).

from Nikko st., take a bus or you can also take a taxi

Home arena of Nikkō Ice Bucks of the Asia League Ice Hockey. No competition day, play ice skating.

By car: from Tokyo take Tohoku Highway to the Nikko Utsunomiya Toll Road about 2½ hours. Get off at the Imaichi IC. It takes about 20 minutes from Imaichi to Woodsmans Village. By train: From Asakusa, Tokyo Take the Limited express on the Tobu Railways (Nikko Line) to Shimoimaichi Station, this takes about 1½ hours. Then you have two options: walk to the Imaichi JR station (about 10 minutes) and take the Okorogawa Bus or you can also take a taxi, which should cost about ¥4,500.

Woodsman's Village is a place in the beautiful hills of Nikko, where one can rent a log cabin for a certain length of time to stay in. Also, there is an option for renting a barbecue grill.

810-1 Shimohatsuishimachi

Roughly at the halfway point of the long slog between the shrines and the train stations, Gen-an features homemade soba noodles, hot or cold, with your choice of tofu skin, chicken or tempura shrimp.

150m south from the world heritage site entry

Either stop for a quick break with a hot beverage and some of their sweets, or go all in and taste yuba in various forms by ordering the yuba festa ("monk's diet"). Other dishes include ramen, curry, toast and more.

3-4 minutes taxi from Nikko Station

Wagyu (Japanese beef) steak restaurant. Reservation needed. The dress code is not too strict, but no sandals, no running wear.

follow the main road from Tobu-Nikkō station towards the world heritage site, the store is on the left

If you're searching for dinner in Nikkō, you might very well end up here as it's one of the few places with a lot of space that's open in the evening. The ramen may not be the cheapest, but the bowls are big and they taste good.

On main street just before the shrines.

Enshrined in Lonely Planet, every other foreign tourist to Nikko seems to stop here for yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and noodles, so you might as well join the crowd.

Sannai 2335

A traditional Japanese guest house walking distance to the UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples. The staff are helpful and friendly. The rooms are very clean, and the futons are comfortable.

2828-5 Tokorono

This laid-back, friendly and unapologetic lodge is about 20 minutes' walk from the town center, although the owner is happy to provide rides to and from the train stations (and to the temple area in the morning).

8-28 Takumi-cho

About 15 minutes on foot from Shinkyō Bridge, in a quiet area near the Kanmangafuchi Abyss; includes a hot spring bath and internet access.

Minami Okorogawa

A remote hostel, surrounded by nature on the riverside with an ambient chillout lounge overlooking the river. Great Western breakfast.

5-12 Aioi-cho

A traditional Japanese guest house, located a few minutes from the Tobu and JR stations. Friendly owners.

216 Takumi-cho

About ten minutes to the temple area; includes a hot spa bath and internet access.