Nikko and Oku-Nikko travel guide for dialysis patients

A central stop in Nikko's shrine and temple district, with ornate buildings and carvings including Yomeimon Gate and the three monkeys.

mapAccess overview

From Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station, take the World Heritage Tour bus to Omotesando. Check the current timetable and boarding point before travel.

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Choose the parts of the shrine you plan to visit and check return transport. On a treatment day, allow separate time for travel and the visit; recheck admission hours and prices on the official site.

A shrine forming part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko World Heritage site. This page covers the Main Shrine in the Sannai area, a different location from Chugushi by Lake Chuzenji and Okumiya at the summit of Mount Nantai.

mapAccess overview

From JR Nikko or Tobu-nikko Station, take the World Heritage sightseeing bus for about 15 minutes; the shrine is a short walk from the Taiyuin–Futarasan-jinja-mae stop. Buses toward Chuzenji Onsen use the Nishi-sando-iriguchi stop, about 10 minutes on foot. By car it is listed as about 10 minutes from Nikko IC.

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Visiting hours are 8:00–17:00 from April through October and 9:00–16:00 from November through March, with reception ending 30 minutes before closing. Admission to the Main Shrine garden is charged. Visiting several Sannai shrines and temples involves walking between sites and within their grounds, so allow for that movement and check current reception times and fees in the official information.

The main hall of Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple, part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko World Heritage site. This area centres on Sanbutsudo Hall, which enshrines three principal Buddhist images. Rinnoji has other halls at separate locations, so this page uses the Sanbutsudo area as its location reference.

mapAccess overview

From JR Nikko or Tobu-nikko Station, use the Tobu Bus World Heritage sightseeing service. Rinnoji parking is available for drivers, but conditions may change because of events, congestion or snow.

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Visiting hours are 8:00–17:00 from April through October and 8:00–16:00 from November through March, with reception ending 30 minutes before closing. The official estimated visit for Sanbutsudo is 10–20 minutes. Events and preparations can make the hall unavailable at certain times, so check same-day information. Allow extra travel time when combining it with Taiyuin or other separately located halls.

A vermilion-lacquered historic bridge over the Daiya River at the entrance to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko World Heritage area.

mapAccess overview

Take the World Heritage sightseeing bus from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station for about seven minutes and get off at Shinkyo.

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Plan separately for viewing the bridge and entering the paid crossing area. Check seasonal admission hours and current crowd information, and estimate additional walking separately if continuing to nearby shrines and temples.

A memorial park preserving a former imperial villa used from the Meiji through early Showa periods, with historic buildings and gardens open to visitors.

mapAccess overview

Take a bus from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station toward Chuzenji Onsen and get off at Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park.

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The official guide lists loan wheelchairs for indoor and garden use, but this does not guarantee access along every visitor route. Check opening hours, closure dates, accessible areas and expected movement before visiting.

A highland lake at the foot of Mount Nantai, serving as a base for lakeside walks and nearby Oku-Nikko sights.

mapAccess overview

Take a bus from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station toward Chuzenji Onsen. The best stop depends on the part of the lake you plan to visit.

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The shoreline is about 25 km around, so choose a specific area rather than assuming a full circuit. Straight-line distances use the official representative map point and do not apply to the entire lake. Check return buses and road conditions.

A major Oku-Nikko stop where visitors view the waterfall flowing from Lake Chuzenji from designated observation areas.

mapAccess overview

Take a bus from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen, then walk about five minutes. Check the current timetable before travel.

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Allow separate time for the bus journey and the visit, and check weather, road conditions and observation-facility operations. The official guide notes that the free ground-level viewing area has a ramp, with assistance recommended on steep sections.

A prefectural museum presenting the nature and history of Oku-Nikko through exhibitions and providing information on local conditions and walking routes. It is in the Chuzenji Onsen area near Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.

mapAccess overview

From JR Nikko or Tobu-nikko Station, take a bus toward Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen to the Chuzenji Onsen stop, then walk about one minute. By car it is listed as about 50 minutes from Kiyotaki IC via Irohazaka. Paid parking includes the Kegon No. 1 and No. 2 lots.

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Hours are 9:00–17:00 from 1 April to 10 November and 10:00–16:00 from 11 November to 31 March, with admission ending 30 minutes before closing. From December through April, Monday and New Year closures apply. Winter travel requires preparation for snow and ice, and the Konsei Road closes in winter. Plan the indoor exhibits separately from the museum's outdoor tours.

A cascading stream waterfall counted among the three noted waterfalls of Oku-Nikko, flowing for approximately 210 metres over stepped rock. Its name is traditionally linked to the way the flow divides near the plunge pool.

mapAccess overview

From JR Nikko or Tobu-nikko Station, take a bus toward Yumoto Onsen for about 65 minutes, then walk about two minutes from the Ryuzu-no-taki stop. By car it is listed as about 30 minutes from Kiyotaki IC.

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The saved coordinates identify the named visitor point by the plunge pool, reached on foot from the bus stop. Consider viewing the falls from the pool separately from walking the path alongside the cascade. Official tourism information does not specify every step, gradient or winter surface condition, so check the weather and conditions on the day and choose a manageable route. The autumn foliage period attracts many visitors.

A roadside station in central Imaichi combining visitor information, shopping, dining and rest facilities for planning travel around Nikko.

mapAccess overview

About a five-minute walk from JR Imaichi Station or Tobu Shimo-Imaichi Station.

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Opening hours and closure days vary between the visitor information desk, shops and restaurants. Check the specific facility you plan to use, and contact medical providers directly for dialysis-related arrangements.