30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
Established by 30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
Read More Reviews
Bravo!
Auswalk Walking Holiday rated "excellent" by232 travellers
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SELF-GUIDED
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4 DAYS
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Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 1,080 per person
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
$ 340 per person
WALK MENU
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Embark on a scenic train journey from Tokyo into the captivating mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. Explore on foot the atmospheric UNESCO Nikko Toshogu Shrine and national park that now serves as the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nikko not only offers a rich historical and cultural experience but is also celebrated for its diverse and breathtaking natural beauty.
Following the exploration of the central area you will venture deeper into the diverse landscapes of Nikko’s Oku (“inner”) region. Here, you can relish invigorating hikes through lush marshlands, via Yudaki waterfall that leads to Nikko Yumoto Onsen, a charming hot spring village with cosy inns. You spend an additional two days immersing yourself in the stunning surroundings.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Wonderful 2-3hr scenic train trip from Tokyo
- Walks through Buddhist and Shinto history together with an immersive Japanese cultural experience
- The magnificent temples and shrines at Nikko
- Soaking up the breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls
- Revelling in the antics of monkeys in their natural habitat
- The authentic Japanese onsen village of Nikko Yumoto
ITINERARY
DAY one
Tokyo to Nikko
Travel by train from Tokyo (this is included) stopping at Nikko to explore the temples and national parks. The buildings are now UNESCO world heritage sites. The Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined here – he is renowned for reunifying Japan at the start of the 17th Century and bringing 300 years of peace after a long period of civil war. Toshugu Shrine, Taiyun Maseleum, Rinnoji Temple and a host of other magnificent sites make up today’s first walk in the park.
Part 2 of today is an easy walk along the river to the Narabi Jizo statues. These statues hold special spiritual significance as protectors of children and travelers. The walk ends at the iconic red Shinkyo Bridge. This walk can be done on the last day if you are pressed for time today.
If you’re up for more walking, wait for the crowds to leave at about 5 pm and go back into the park as the sun goes down. It’s a different experience and quite wonderful. In the evening enjoy an onsen or walk through town and soak up the fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Ryokan or Japanese-style hotel in Nikko
Meals: Dinner
Walking: 12.8km/ 5 to 6 hrs
Elevation: +381m/ -379m
DAY two
Walk from Ryuzu Falls to Yumoto Onsen
Start your day with a short bus journey that will take you deep into the enchanting Oku Nikko mountains. The forest, peaks and lakes have had a profound spiritual importance for the Japanese for more than a millennium. There is an opportunity to stop on the way and explore Kegon Falls if you wish.
The hike from Ryuzu Falls to Yumonto Onsen via Yadaki Falls is a relaxed initiation to the area as you meander along the tranquil path tracing the Yukawa River. The stunning track leads you to the authentic Japanese onsen village of Nikko Yumoto, where you’ll be spending the next two nights. Savour the breathtaking beauty of the two splendid waterfalls, Ryuzu and Yudaki Falls, and the serene Japanese countryside. You are remote tonight but the accommodation has an onsen, which is an essential part of the experience.
Accommodation: Ryokan or Japanese-style hotel in Yumoto Onsen
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: 8.5km – 10km / 3hrs 20 min to 4hrs 20 mins
Elevation: +312m /-108m
DAY three
Yumoto Onsen over Oku Nikko plains
Today’s hike is a cracker. A short walk up the mountainside creates the opportunity to enjoy exceptional views over the valley and the lake. The walk traverses around Mnt Orugura, Mnt Mitsudake and Karikomi Lake. This area is less visited so you are likely to have the walk and the lake to yourself, providing a good opportunity to relax and take a swim. Tribes of monkeys make their home here, spending their days plundering the fields, providing no end of entertainment. Deer sightings are also common. The walk has you visit Yadaki Falls once again, but you will walk the other way around the lake this time, with stunning views over the lake and mountains.
Accommodation: Ryokan or Japanese-style hotel in Yumoto Onsen
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: 13.6km/ 4hrs 30 mins to 5 hrs 30 mins
Elevation: +577m/ -602m
DAY four
Further exploration of Nikko and return to Tokyo
After your last traditional Japanese breakfast, return to Nikko. Choose to explore the many temples and shrines of Nikko further or take the train back to Tokyo.
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: Easy / 1 -7 km at your own pace
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- The best 3 walks in and around Nikko over 4 days explore magnificent shrines, temples and countryside
- 4 day Nikko travel pass including return 2 hr scenic train trip from Tokyo and all travel at Nikko ( Upgrade to express may incur an extra cost)
- 3 nights accommodation in traditional Japanese lodgings, some with in-house onsens
- Walk pack free with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
- Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day on the walk
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive track notes and maps
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
Each night, you will be staying in a lovely Ryokan or Japanese-style accommodation
Ryokans are Japanese guest houses that come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden structures to more of a modern hybrid hotel.
Ryokans have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. A few of the Ryokan hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms will have ensuites and be prepared for a little luxury because many accommodations have heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when it’s located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender. In Yomoto Onsen, your accommodation is a dedicated onsen accommodation.
From a Western point of view, meals are elaborate affairs served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is usually offered. At the larger Ryokans, there is sometimes the option of a buffet. This is dangerous if you love Japanese food. At least you can walk it off the next day!
GENERAL INFO
HIGH SEASON CHARGES
In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.
NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY
GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY
OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)
Please speak to the office to get a quote for the above times
AVAILABILITY
This walk is available from April to October, as snow and uncomfortable cold may be encountered from November to February. Many people prefer to walk in spring to see the cherry blossoms, and in autumn because of the beautiful autumn colours and the good weather.
TRANSPORT
Your package includes a 4 day all areas Nikko Pass. This will allow you to travel between Asakusa Station in Tokyo and Tobu Nikko Station in Nikko. There are trains that go every 30 to 40 mins. There are express trains that reduce travel time, but these can incur extra costs.
The pass also allows you to catch the bus in Nikko for free.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
This walk starts and ends in Tokyo. Nikko is a short 2hr train trip from Tokyo. A 4 day train pass is included in the package.
By Air: By far, the best option is to fly into Tokyo and take the train to Nikko. Return back to to Tokyo via train.
By rail and bus: Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s very easy to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan on trains is a seamless experience, and it is not always necessary to pre-purchase tickets. There’s plenty of rail staff who speak English well enough to direct you the right way and to converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.
You will find the following website Japan Transit Planner really useful for catching trains in Japan. You can search train and bus timetables, departure and arrival stations, times and prices.
WALKING
This 36km walk is easy to moderate with options for more walking if you wish. Full-day walks average about 12 km with 4 –6 hours walking each day. The walking is over well-maintained paths but expect each day to start with some reasonable elevation gains.
This route has many temples and shrines to admire along the way in Nikko. For much of the time, you are walking under a forest canopy.
For what to bring, please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
WEATHER
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer it’s quite warm and humid but still good for walking as the area is mountainous and cooler than Tokyo. If you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream then summer is a great time to walk.
The walk is not offered in winter. However, in autumn and early spring soaking in an outside onsen in the cool of the night is one of those real authentic Japanese experiences that you can look forward to after a big day on the track.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For over 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants, or if you have specific track-related questions ask for Brett or Maika who have walked the tracks. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@stroll.com, or call us on +44 808 304 8701.
DEPARTURE DATES
sections
Overview
Embark on a scenic train journey from Tokyo into the captivating mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. Explore on foot the atmospheric UNESCO Nikko Toshogu Shrine and national park that now serves as the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nikko not only offers a rich historical and cultural experience but is also celebrated for its diverse and breathtaking natural beauty.
Following the exploration of the central area you will venture deeper into the diverse landscapes of Nikko’s Oku (“inner”) region. Here, you can relish invigorating hikes through lush marshlands, via Yudaki waterfall that leads to Nikko Yumoto Onsen, a charming hot spring village with cosy inns. You spend an additional two days immersing yourself in the stunning surroundings.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Wonderful 2-3hr scenic train trip from Tokyo
- Walks through Buddhist and Shinto history together with an immersive Japanese cultural experience
- The magnificent temples and shrines at Nikko
- Soaking up the breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls
- Revelling in the antics of monkeys in their natural habitat
- The authentic Japanese onsen village of Nikko Yumoto
Itinerary
DAY one
Tokyo to Nikko
Travel by train from Tokyo (this is included) stopping at Nikko to explore the temples and national parks. The buildings are now UNESCO world heritage sites. The Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined here – he is renowned for reunifying Japan at the start of the 17th Century and bringing 300 years of peace after a long period of civil war. Toshugu Shrine, Taiyun Maseleum, Rinnoji Temple and a host of other magnificent sites make up today’s first walk in the park.
Part 2 of today is an easy walk along the river to the Narabi Jizo statues. These statues hold special spiritual significance as protectors of children and travelers. The walk ends at the iconic red Shinkyo Bridge. This walk can be done on the last day if you are pressed for time today.
If you’re up for more walking, wait for the crowds to leave at about 5 pm and go back into the park as the sun goes down. It’s a different experience and quite wonderful. In the evening enjoy an onsen or walk through town and soak up the fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Ryokan or Japanese-style hotel in Nikko
Meals: Dinner
Walking: 12.8km/ 5 to 6 hrs
Elevation: +381m/ -379m
DAY two
Walk from Ryuzu Falls to Yumoto Onsen
Start your day with a short bus journey that will take you deep into the enchanting Oku Nikko mountains. The forest, peaks and lakes have had a profound spiritual importance for the Japanese for more than a millennium. There is an opportunity to stop on the way and explore Kegon Falls if you wish.
The hike from Ryuzu Falls to Yumonto Onsen via Yadaki Falls is a relaxed initiation to the area as you meander along the tranquil path tracing the Yukawa River. The stunning track leads you to the authentic Japanese onsen village of Nikko Yumoto, where you’ll be spending the next two nights. Savour the breathtaking beauty of the two splendid waterfalls, Ryuzu and Yudaki Falls, and the serene Japanese countryside. You are remote tonight but the accommodation has an onsen, which is an essential part of the experience.
Accommodation: Ryokan or Japanese-style hotel in Yumoto Onsen
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: 8.5km – 10km / 3hrs 20 min to 4hrs 20 mins
Elevation: +312m /-108m
DAY three
Yumoto Onsen over Oku Nikko plains
Today’s hike is a cracker. A short walk up the mountainside creates the opportunity to enjoy exceptional views over the valley and the lake. The walk traverses around Mnt Orugura, Mnt Mitsudake and Karikomi Lake. This area is less visited so you are likely to have the walk and the lake to yourself, providing a good opportunity to relax and take a swim. Tribes of monkeys make their home here, spending their days plundering the fields, providing no end of entertainment. Deer sightings are also common. The walk has you visit Yadaki Falls once again, but you will walk the other way around the lake this time, with stunning views over the lake and mountains.
Accommodation: Ryokan or Japanese-style hotel in Yumoto Onsen
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: 13.6km/ 4hrs 30 mins to 5 hrs 30 mins
Elevation: +577m/ -602m
DAY four
Further exploration of Nikko and return to Tokyo
After your last traditional Japanese breakfast, return to Nikko. Choose to explore the many temples and shrines of Nikko further or take the train back to Tokyo.
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: Easy / 1 -7 km at your own pace
What’s Included
- The best 3 walks in and around Nikko over 4 days explore magnificent shrines, temples and countryside
- 4 day Nikko travel pass including return 2 hr scenic train trip from Tokyo and all travel at Nikko ( Upgrade to express may incur an extra cost)
- 3 nights accommodation in traditional Japanese lodgings, some with in-house onsens
- Walk pack free with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
- Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day on the walk
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive track notes and maps
Accommodation & Dining
Each night, you will be staying in a lovely Ryokan or Japanese-style accommodation
Ryokans are Japanese guest houses that come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden structures to more of a modern hybrid hotel.
Ryokans have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. A few of the Ryokan hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms will have ensuites and be prepared for a little luxury because many accommodations have heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when it’s located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender. In Yomoto Onsen, your accommodation is a dedicated onsen accommodation.
From a Western point of view, meals are elaborate affairs served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is usually offered. At the larger Ryokans, there is sometimes the option of a buffet. This is dangerous if you love Japanese food. At least you can walk it off the next day!
General Info
HIGH SEASON CHARGES
In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.
NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY
GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY
OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)
Please speak to the office to get a quote for the above times
AVAILABILITY
This walk is available from April to October, as snow and uncomfortable cold may be encountered from November to February. Many people prefer to walk in spring to see the cherry blossoms, and in autumn because of the beautiful autumn colours and the good weather.
TRANSPORT
Your package includes a 4 day all areas Nikko Pass. This will allow you to travel between Asakusa Station in Tokyo and Tobu Nikko Station in Nikko. There are trains that go every 30 to 40 mins. There are express trains that reduce travel time, but these can incur extra costs.
The pass also allows you to catch the bus in Nikko for free.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
This walk starts and ends in Tokyo. Nikko is a short 2hr train trip from Tokyo. A 4 day train pass is included in the package.
By Air: By far, the best option is to fly into Tokyo and take the train to Nikko. Return back to to Tokyo via train.
By rail and bus: Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s very easy to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan on trains is a seamless experience, and it is not always necessary to pre-purchase tickets. There’s plenty of rail staff who speak English well enough to direct you the right way and to converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.
You will find the following website Japan Transit Planner really useful for catching trains in Japan. You can search train and bus timetables, departure and arrival stations, times and prices.
WALKING
This 36km walk is easy to moderate with options for more walking if you wish. Full-day walks average about 12 km with 4 –6 hours walking each day. The walking is over well-maintained paths but expect each day to start with some reasonable elevation gains.
This route has many temples and shrines to admire along the way in Nikko. For much of the time, you are walking under a forest canopy.
For what to bring, please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
WEATHER
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer it’s quite warm and humid but still good for walking as the area is mountainous and cooler than Tokyo. If you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream then summer is a great time to walk.
The walk is not offered in winter. However, in autumn and early spring soaking in an outside onsen in the cool of the night is one of those real authentic Japanese experiences that you can look forward to after a big day on the track.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For over 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants, or if you have specific track-related questions ask for Brett or Maika who have walked the tracks. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@stroll.com, or call us on +44 808 304 8701.
Departure Dates
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DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDETAILS
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Date1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025AVAILIBILITYAVAILABLEPRICEfrom $ 1080SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 340DETAILS
FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO
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Date1 Apr 2026 - 31 Oct 2026AVAILIBILITYAVAILABLEPRICEfrom $ 1125SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 355DETAILS
FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.