Tochigi · City guide

What's on in Nikko.

The shrines and temples of Nikko, a UNESCO site in the mountains north of Tokyo: Toshogu's carved shrines, the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji above the town, and autumn colour that peaks earlier than the capital's.

Things to do in Nikko

On in Nikko

Oct32026

Nikko Autumn Leaves Season

Nikko, Tochigi · Seasons and nature · Sat 03 Oct to Tue 17 Nov 2026

Colour descends by altitude over six weeks, from Okunikko's lakes to the Toshogu shrine woods.

Expected window

Jan292027

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

Nikko, Tochigi · Snow and winter · Fri 29 Jan to Sun 28 Feb 2027

Hundreds of candle-lit miniature kamakura along the Sawaguchi riverbed in the hot spring town of Yunishigawa, a designated Japan Night View Heritage site.

Expected window

May172027

Nikko Toshogu Spring Grand Festival (1,000 Samurai Procession)

Nikko, Tochigi · Religious · Mon 17 to Tue 18 May 2027

Re-enactment of the 1617 transfer of Tokugawa Ieyasu's remains: 1,200 men in samurai armour escort three mikoshi down the cedar-lined avenue, preceded the day before by yabusame horseback archery.

Expected window

Oct162027

Nikko Toshogu Autumn Festival (Shuki Taisai)

Nikko, Tochigi · Religious · Sat 16 to Sun 17 Oct 2027

Autumn grand festival at Nikko Toshogu Shrine with yabusame horseback archery and a procession of about 1,200 participants.

Confirmed dates

More in the prefecture: What's on in Tochigi (2 more events).