1
Nikko-san Rinno-ji Temple

Famous cherry trees over 500 years old that usher in spring to Nikko-san

It is also one of the three head temples of the Tendai sect. The main hall, the "Sanbutsudo" (Three Buddha Hall), is the largest wooden structure in Nikko-san, built during the Heian period and designated as an Important Cultural Property. Located in the front garden of this main hall is the "Kongo-zakura." The variety is a mutation of the wild cherry tree (Yamazakura), which blooms with large, white flowers. The elegant scenery of the vibrant cherry tree and the majestic "Sanbutsudo" delights the eyes of tourists every spring.
Another point of interest is the tree's rare shape, with four new branches having grown after the Kongo-zakura was transplanted during the Meiji era. An admission ticket is not required if you are only viewing the cherry tree (limited to visiting hours).

[Flowering Period] Usually early April
[Best Time to View] Usually mid-to-late April
[Cherry Tree Variety] Yamazakura (mutant variety)

Nikko-san Rinno-ji Temple

• 2300 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
• About 10 minutes by car from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Railway Tobu Nikko Station.
• Take a bus from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Railway Tobu-Nikko Station, get off at "Shinkyo," and walk for about 5 minutes.
• April–October: 8:00–17:00; November–March: 8:00–16:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
• Treasure Hall/Shoyoen Garden: Closed periodically about 10 times a year for exhibit changes or Rinno-ji Temple events.
• Sanbutsudo Hall Ticket: Adults 400 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 200 yen
  Taiyuin Ticket: Adults 550 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 250 yen
  Treasure Hall/Shoyoen Garden Ticket: Adults 300 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 100 yen
  *Set tickets available
• 0288-54-0531
• Paid
• No admission fee is required to view the Kongo-zakura cherry tree
  
  

2
Nikko Kaido Road

Rows of cherry trees in full bloom along the historic Nikko Kaido Road

The "Nikko Kaido" (current National Route 119) is one of the five major roads established during the Edo period. This row of trees was created in 1951 when villagers along the road planted Yamazakura seedlings purchased with donations. Approximately 1,500 magnificent, large trees line a 16km stretch heading north from Kamitomatsuri in Utsunomiya City to the vicinity of Yamaguchi in Nikko City. During the full bloom, many visitors from outside the prefecture enjoy driving through the "cherry blossom tunnel." There is a sidewalk along the road, making it possible to view the cherry blossoms on foot. Not only is it beautiful at full bloom, but the "sakura fubuki" (blizzard of falling petals) when they begin to scatter is also deeply moving and full of atmosphere.
Beyond the cherry tree-lined road, the cedar-lined path continues, leading to the World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," allowing you to fully enjoy a stroll along the ancient road while reflecting on the Edo period.

[Flowering Period] Usually early April
[Best Time to View] Usually early to mid-April
[Cherry Tree Variety] Yamazakura

Nikko Kaido

• Kamitomatsuri 3, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture to Yamaguchi, Nikko City MAP
• Approx. 25 minutes by car from JR Utsunomiya Station
• Take a bus from JR Utsunomiya Station and get off at "Kamitomatsuri-sho Iriguchi"
• 028-632-2445 (Utsunomiya Convention & Visitors Association)

3
Kinugawa Park

A beautiful competition of weeping cherry trees in varying shades of pink

About a 3-minute walk from Kinugawa-Koen Station. Cross the railroad tracks via the pedestrian bridge to approach the park. The park's plaza features an outdoor stage and serves as a relaxing space also used as a venue for festivals and events. The weeping cherry trees that line the perimeter of the plaza are a spectacular sight when they all bloom at once during the peak season. The weeping cherry blossoms have a deep color when they first open, which fades to a lighter shade as they reach full bloom, allowing you to enjoy various gradations of pink depending on the stage of blooming. There are Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the grounds of the adjacent Kinugawa Elementary School, allowing you to compare the two types of cherry blossoms. In addition, dogtooth violet flowers bloom on the grounds in spring, allowing you to enjoy the rich nature at a leisurely pace.
The park also has a day-trip bathing facility. You can enjoy a 100% natural hot spring in a garden-style open-air bath. It is an alkaline simple hot spring, which is reputed to be gentle on the skin.

[Flowering Season] Mid-April in a typical year *Varies by year
[Best Time to View] Mid-April in a typical year *Varies by year
[Types of Cherry Blossoms] Weeping cherry (Shidarezakura)

Kinugawa Park

• Fujiwara, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Tobu Railway Kinugawa-Koen Station
• 0288-22-1525 (Nikko City Tourism Association)
• None

4
Kinugawa Onsen Gokoku Shrine / Onsen Shrine

The cherry blossom illumination against the night sky is well worth seeing

A shrine located about 1 km southwest of Tobu Railway's Kinugawa-Koen Station, next to the "Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway." Both "Gokoku Shrine" and "Onsen Shrine" are located on the same grounds. After passing through the first torii gate, you will find an approach surrounded by Somei Yoshino cherry trees. From the stone steps beyond, you can see the cherry blossoms decorating the second torii gate and the precincts of Gokoku Shrine, making it an excellent photo spot.
The "Kinugawa Onsen Night Cherry Blossom Illumination - Kinugawa Mangekyo -" (formerly the Night Cherry Blossom Grand Banquet), held on the grounds of the two shrines, is a major event in the Kinugawa Onsen area. The venue is enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere by the illuminated cherry blossoms, and music and dance performances are held using the Kagura-den (sacred dance pavilion).

[Flowering Season] Expected in early April
[Best Time to View] Expected in early April
[Types of Cherry Blossoms] Somei Yoshino
*Subject to change depending on the weather, etc.

▼Kinugawa Onsen Night Cherry Blossom Illumination - Kinugawa Mangekyo -
Date and Time: April 3 (Fri) - April 12 (Sun), 2026, 18:00 - 20:30
Location: Kinugawa Onsen Gokoku Shrine / Onsen Shrine Precincts
Fee: Free
URL: https://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/591

Kinugawa Onsen Gokoku Shrine / Onsen Shrine

• 834-45 Kinugawaonsen Taki, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 15-minute walk from Tobu Railway Kinugawa-Koen Station
• 0288-22-1525 (Nikko City Tourism Association)
• None

5
Yayoi Festival

A festival where gorgeous flower floats (hanayatai) parade, signaling the arrival of spring

The Yayoi Festival is an annual festival of Nikko Futarasan Shrine with a tradition spanning over 1,200 years. It is called the "Yayoi Festival" because it was once held in March (Yayoi). It begins every year on April 13th with the Shinyo-kazari-sai (portable shrine decoration festival) and concludes after the main festival on the 17th. The entire town comes alive, reaching its peak during the Yoi-matsuri (eve festival) and the main festival on the 16th. Elaborate floats (yatai) decorated with artificial Yashio-tsutsuji (azalea) flowers from 11 neighborhoods in the east and west parade through the city streets and the grounds of Futarasan Shrine, playing Nikko-bayashi music as they go.
The sight of the floats rushing up the slopes of Futarasan Shrine during the main festival and the business card exchange that takes place on the shrine grounds are also recommended highlights. This festival, which values old customs, must be conducted strictly according to protocol in every aspect; a single mistake can lead to a "gota" (trouble) between neighborhoods, which is why it is also known as the "Gota Festival." It is designated as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

▼Yayoi Festival
Period: April 13th to April 17th every year
Location: Nikko Futarasan Shrine, Takino Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Hongu Shrine, Nikko City area
Fee: Free
TEL: 0288-22-1525 (Nikko City Tourism Association)
Parking: Paid
Remarks: http://www.nikko-kankou.org/event/26/
URL: http://www.futarasan.jp/yayoi/

6
Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Grand Festival

A spectacular grand festival featuring numerous Shinto rituals that are well worth seeing

This is the largest festival of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, held annually on May 17th and 18th. On the 17th, the "Yabusame Shinji" (horseback archery ritual) is held on the Omotesando Ote-dori street. The archer's skill from atop a galloping horse is magnificent, drawing loud applause from the audience. The Shinyo-togyo-sai (portable shrine procession) on the 18th is a solemn ritual that recreates the procession when the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu was reinterred from Kunozan in Sunpu (present-day Shizuoka Prefecture) to Nikko Toshogu. The "Hyakumono-zoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu" (Procession of 1,000 Samurai), where over 1,200 people including armored warriors, spear bearers, and gun bearers surround the portable shrine as they parade, is the biggest highlight of the festival. You are guaranteed to be captivated by this ancient, elegant historical scroll that departs from Nikko Futarasan Shrine, travels through Nikko Toshogu, Omotesando, and the "Otabisho" (resting place), before returning to Nikko Toshogu.

▼Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Grand Festival
Period: May 17th–18th every year
Venue: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan Shrine, Toshogu Otabisho
Fee: Viewing the Spring Grand Festival is free
TEL: 0288-54-0560
Parking: None
URL: https://www.tochigiji.or.jp/event/e15062

7
Nikko Cherry Blossom Excursion

From famous spots to hidden gems. Tour famous cherry blossom trees and enjoy seasonal delicacies available only during the cherry blossom season

A limited-time event where you can enjoy visiting nearly 30 famous cherry blossom trees located between Nikko Station and Nikkozan Rinno-ji Temple. Start your cherry blossom viewing with an event brochure in hand, available at the station and other locations. Nikko is home to cherry trees over 200 years old, with a wide variety of species. The guide covers everything from the Kongo-zakura at Nikkozan Rinno-ji Temple and the weeping cherry trees at Tobu-Nikko Station to famous trees at private residences like the Takada family's weeping cherry tree, which you might otherwise overlook. Enjoying each of these charming cherry trees while observing proper manners will surely be a memorable experience.
In addition, over 70 long-established shops and famous stores along the main street of the Nikko Kaido (National Route 119) offer limited-time products and menus themed around cherry blossoms. It is packed with spring delicacies that you will want to stop and try while viewing the blossoms.

▼Nikko Cherry Blossom Tour
Period: April 1, 2026 – April 26, 2026 *Times vary by location and shop
Venue: JR Nikko Station / Tobu Railway Tobu-Nikko Station to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine area
Parking: None
TEL: 0288-22-1525 (Nikko City Tourism Association)
URL: https://www.nikko-kankou.org/event/598