Nikko Kaido Road: a route to Nikko Shrines

The Nikko Kaido road from Tokyo to Nikko is one of Japan’s oldest historical routes. Once borrowed by the feudal lords of the Tokugawa clan, it is now known for its magnificent cherry trees that border the road for nearly 16 kilometers. This route, punctuated with historical relays and major cultural sites, offers a stunning dive into Japanese history, while being one of the best places to admire the sakura in the spring.

Interactive map of Nikko Kaido

History and origin of the Nikko Kaido road

The Nikko Kaido road was built at the beginning of the Edo period in 1617 to allow the official processions to go to the Tōshō-gū shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu resides. It was one of five main axes starting from Edo (former name Tokyo), designed to connect the capital to strategic points in the country.

Unlike Tokaido (around Kyoto) or Nakasendo (crossing the Japanese Alps), the Nikko Kaido had a mainly ceremonial function. It was used for imperial processions, pilgrimages and the movements of daimyōs, the feudal lords. Over time, the relays (shukuba) along the road became active towns, some of which preserved architectural remains of that time.

A tunnel of flowers in spring

The current reputation of Nikko Kaido is largely based on its cherry trees. Each spring, between the end of March and the beginning of April depending on the area, about 1,500 cherry trees flourish along this historic road. Flowering is slightly shifted from Tokyo, making it an excellent alternative if you missed the first blooms in the capital.

The most emblematic segment lies between Utsunomiya and Nikko. For nearly 16 kilometres, cherry trees are planted in double rows, creating a pink tunnel effect that attracts many visitors every year. This floral panorama is particularly appreciated by photographers and hikers.

The main stages of Nikko Kaido

Nikko Kaido crosses several prefectures, each offering interesting stops, both from the historical and landscape point of view.

From Tokyo to Saitama

The starting point is Nihonbashi, in the Chūō district of Tokyo, the origin of all major Edo roads. From the first kilometers, you cross Senju-shuku in Adachi, a former relay shared with Mito Kaidō.

When entering Saitama Prefecture, several relays deserve attention:

• Sōka-shuku, known for its shopping street recreating the atmosphere of the Edo era.
• Koshigaya-shuku, which preserves some traditional buildings.
• Kasukabe-shuku, with interesting local museums on feudal transport.
• Satte-shuku, renowned for its cherry trees and peaceful atmosphere.

Ibaraki relays

In Ibaraki, the Nikko Kaido crosses among others Koga-shuku, a fortified town at the time, which was able to preserve certain houses of merchants. There is also Nakada-shuku, a passageway without large remains but surrounded by relaxing agricultural areas.

Through Tochigi, until Nikko

Tochigi Prefecture concentrates the most important sites of the route. The successive relays of Oyama, Shimotsuke and Utsunomiya make it possible to discover a rural Japan, dotted with shrines and secondary temples.

The final stages, from Tokujirō-shuku to Imaichi-shuku, announce Nikko’s approach. The architecture becomes denser, the mountains emerge on the horizon, and the giant cedars mix with cherry trees.

Points of interest around Nikko

Arriving at Nikko by the Kaido, it is access to a concentration of historical and natural heritage classified at UNESCO. The city is famous for its sacred triad:

• Tōshō-gū Shrine, built in honor of Tokugawa Ieyasu, famous for its finely carved decorations and the famous Yomeimon door.
• Rinno-ji Temple, center of Tendai Buddhism in the region.
• Futarasan-jinja shrinededicated to the local deities of the mountains.

In addition, the region offers several natural wonders accessible by bus:

• Kegon Falls, impressive waterfall of nearly 100 meters high.
• Lake Chūzenji, lake of altitude offering beautiful views in any season.

Practical tips for traveling the Nikko Kaido

When to leave

The best time to explore the road is spring, from late March to mid-April, when cherry trees bloom. A second peak of beauty can be observed in autumn, when foliage tints with red and gold.

How to get there

The road is accessible from Tokyo by train via the railway station of Utsunomiya (line JR Tohoku Shinkansen or Utsunomiya Line). From there, local buses reach the relay villages and the Nikko shrines. The best known flower section is well served by tourist bus lines.

For those wishing to follow the historical route on foot or by bike, portions were restored for the walk, especially around Utsunomiya.

Accommodation along the road

If you want to take the time, some ryokan or minshuku hostels are still active in old relays like Sōka, Oyama or Imaichi. Nikko also offers a wide range of accommodation, from traditional ryokan to modern hotel.

Combining history and nature

This course is ideal for travellers who want to get off the beaten track without getting too far from Tokyo. It makes it possible to combine heritage discovery, observation of cherry blossoms, and immersion in the everyday life of Japanese medium-sized cities.

Suggested route for a day or weekend

For a one-day getaway from Tokyo, a good route consists of:

• To Utsunomiya by train in the morning.
• Take a bus to discover the flowery section of the road.
• Visit the Tōshō-gū shrine and the Rinno-ji temple.
• Enjoy an onsen or a walk by Lake Chūzenji if time permits.

For a weekend, you can add a night to Nikko and explore the surroundings by bike or hiking, with a stop in a ryokan.

Explore the road of Nikko Kaido during the season of cherry blossoms, it is to offer a suspended moment, mixing poetic landscapes, testimonies of the past and peaceful atmosphere. This historic journey, still little known to international travellers, reveals another facet of Japan, accessible, authentic and deeply rooted in its collective memory.

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