3rd day : Nikko

This is our 2nd time in Nikko. Reason we want to go back is we really like the place. Also I have to get back to Lake Chuzenji as I missed it in the first try.

Nikko is 2 hours from Asakusa. We took the 630 AM limited express train from Asakusa to tobu-Nikko station and arrived 820 AM.

We have our Nikko All pass area already so we just lined up at the bus stop in front of the train station.

Our first stop is Ryuzu falls and it's a 45min drive from the train station. You need to line up for the bus bound to Yumoto onsen and not Chuzenji.. As Chuzenji bus will just take you to the chuzenji area. (We actually made this mistake and the driver dropped us off at the 2nd bus stop and waited for the right bus.

Outside the Tobu-Nikko station. Note that a few mins from this spot is the JR-Nikko Station. That one was where we alighted the first visit because we used our JR pass for Nikko.

                                       

We started our tour from the top going downtown to avoid worrying about not making to the train station on time for the return trip.

So, first destination is Ryuzu falls.

📍 Ryuzu Falls

Ryutonotaki Bus Stop No. 37

Ryuzu falls is a 45min drive from the train station. You need to line up for the bus bound to Yumoto Onsen (Bus stop 2A)and not Chuzenji onsen. Chuzenji Bus will take you up to the chuzenji area only( Bus stop 26). We actually made this mistake and the driver dropped us off at the next bus station.

The name Ryuzu meaning dragon's head came from the large rock at the basin splitting the water into two streams.

Before going to Nikko we already know that Ryuzu and Kegon (other falls in the itinerary) is already past peak according to Autumn reports. This means no autumn colors.

Vantage point for the Falls is behind the little shops so don't be shy to get inside to get the view. We missed this in our first visit.

For more of the view of the waterfalls, head outside the store and just go up. You will be able to see a flight of stairs. It will take you to a viewing spot, 

Next stop is Chuzenji Onsen and the next bus arrives in 30mins so we killed the time by taking photos.

                                             

TIP: Before heading to the tourist spot.  Take a picture of the bus stop opposite from where you alighted so you'll be able to budget your time well.

📍 Kegon Falls (Chuzenji Bus stop no. 26)

                 This falls is bigger than Ryuzu Falls and is 318 ft in height and 23 ft in width.

For a fee, you can view the falls in all its glory. You need to go down the elevator and pay. We opted the free one where you can see it from the observation deck and capture a bird's eye view.

It looks prettier in peak season for autumn.. see photo from my first Japan trip.

We took our lunch here (picture above) at a small resto being serviced by an old couple. Food is nice and we have already eaten here before. The place is just across the bus stop.

📍 Lake chuzenji (Chuzenji Bus stop no. 26)

Same bus stop as the Kegon falls. We just have to walk 2 to 3mins from the restaurant. There is a nice torii gate and an amazing view of the lake. On cold weather like this, you can also try chilling the hour at a coffee shop just across this street.

Took the bus to downtown Nikko for our next stop. It was 30+mins ride.

📍 Toshogu Shrine (Nishisando Iriguchi Bus stop No. 9)

We just went uphill and reached the pagoda of the Toshogu Shrine.

Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868.

I missed this place the first time we were here because we don't to pay the entrance fee.. 😂 And to stop us from wondering what is inside, we took the bait on the 2nd time.. If you are into architecture you'd enjoy going inside. The Shrine is lavishly decorated with gold leaves (so I read) And the resting place where the Shogun was laid was cast in a mixture of bronze, silver and gold. It was never opened since he was interred there.

Pic taken is for going back to the entrance gate.. It's as steep as the stairs going to Chureito Pagoda in Fuji area.

📍 Futarasan Shrine

Upon exiting the Toshogu Shrine area make a right turn for this nearby shrine. I like this one as it's free. And has a charm on its own.. Go down the stairs to the other Torii gate and find yourself in the highway on your way to the next stop.

📍 Shinkyo Bridge (Bus stop No. 7)

Located one kilometer from the shrine grounds, the Shinkyo Bridge also belongs to Futarasan Shrine.

We just followed the highway going downtown and took the underpass near bus stop 8 and went left for Shinkyo Bridge. The other way, is for the kanmangafuchi Abyss. The Abyss is way nearer Bus stop 11 for Tamozawa imperial villa. But just in case you have time and you get to see this underpass, you might want to take this route to kanmangafuchi.

There are other bus stops worth visiting if you have the time.. You might want to check first before making a stop.

Below are other pictures taken in Nikko: