Tohoku & Nikko - Snow Monkey Resorts

Tohoku & Nikko

Tohoku is a vast region to the north-east of Tokyo, famous for its beautiful landscapes including rugged coastline, historic ‘onsen’ villages, festivals, food and a couple of good ski resorts. Six prefectures – Fukushima, Yamagata, Miyagi, Iwate, Akita and Aomori – make-up the region; a region relatively unknown and overlooked by international visitors. Those who do venture to Tohoku discover an enticing blend of natural attractions – including some of Japan’s best national parks – and distinct local identity most clearly expressed through its boisterous festivals and rich food culture; and while the World Heritage shrines of Nikko lie just outside the region’s boundary, they are easily incorporated into any journey into Tohoku – a lavish beacon calling you to leave Tokyo and keep moving north.

(Tour)

1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park

Get out of Tokyo and step back in time to Tochigi prefecture and explore the world famous heritage site and national park of Nikko! If you want to see some of Japan's most beautiful and culturally significant temples, shrines, traditional architecture and natural landmarks, then this tour is for you. With Nikko being two hours from Tokyo, it is the perfect day trip outside of the capital! Granted World Heritage status in 1999, Nikko is …

(Destination info)

Two Days in Nikko : How to Spend 48 Hours in Japan’s Historic City

The historic and mountainous landscape of Nikko is home to some amazing scenery and culturally rich attractions. Most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage status, National Park and for being an Onsen (Hot Spring) resort area, you can have a well balanced stay of relaxation, culture and nature. Two days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Nikko to do some exploring and see most of what Nikko can offer you. To help …

(Destination info)

20 Things to Do Around Nikko & Where to Stay

Afforded World Heritage status in 1999, the shrine and temple complex of Nikko ranks as one of Japan’s most beautiful and popular cultural attractions, while the area also boasts beautiful natural attractions within Nikko National Park and multiple hot spring towns that offer escape and relaxation. On this page you will find the following information: -- Where is Nikko? -- 20 Best Things to Do In & Around Nikko -- Where to Stay In & …

(Access)

Tohoku Shinkansen Timetable

The Tohoku Shinkansen line runs from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station and connects to the regional Yamagata, Akita and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines. It is the longest shinkansen line in Japan. On this page you will find the following information: Covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, the Tohoku Shinkansen is one of the best ways to move to and from destinations in north-eastern Japan. Running from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station, many services on the …

(Destination info)

Best Places to Stay in Zao Onsen

Known for its striking snow-wrapped trees - the legendary 'snow monsters' of Zao - Zao Onsen is a good-sized ski resort serviced by a traditional hot spring village. As such, there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from when planning your visit to Zao. On this page you will find the following information: -- Where to Stay in Zao Onsen? -- Aizu & Tohoku Ski Resorts: The Stats & Facts -- How to Get to Zao …

Plan Your Visit

(General / Tips)

Two Days in Nikko : How to Spend 48 Hours in Japan’s Historic City

The historic and mountainous landscape of Nikko is home to some amazing scenery and c…

(Access / General / Things to do)

20 Things to Do Around Nikko & Where to Stay

Afforded World Heritage status in 1999, the shrine and temple complex of Nikko ranks …

(General)

Best Places to Stay in Zao Onsen

Known for its striking snow-wrapped trees - the legendary 'snow monsters' of Zao - Za…

(General / Tips)

Culinary Adventures in Nikko : What to Eat

Nikko is best known for its World Heritage site, shrines and temples, and stunning sc…

(General)

Best Aizu & Tohoku Ski Resorts: Bandai, Inawashiro, Zao Onsen, Geto Kogen & Appi Kogen

Of Japan's major ski regions, Tohoku including the multiple resorts of Aizu, are the …

(General / Tips)

Nikko : The Best Souvenirs and Local Crafts to Buy

Nikko is famous not only for its UNESCO Heritage Site, onsen and beautiful nature, bu…

(General / Tips)

Nikko : A Must Visit for Samurai History and Cultural Heritage

Nestled amongst the mountains of Japan is Nikko, an area steeped in rich cultural her…

(General / Tips)

Nikko’s Festivals and Seasonal Events

Due to its extensive historical past and its stunning natural landscape, Nikko has ma…

(General / Things to do)

Adventure for Amazing Autumn Leaves in Nikko

Waterfalls, lakes, and more! Head out to Nikko to bask in and be surrounded by beauti…

(General)

Best Places to Stay in Appi Kogen

Located in Iwate Prefecture, Appi Kogen Ski Resort takes time to get to but those who…

(General / Tips)

Nikko : The Perfect Getaway for Nature Lovers

Nikko is a fantastic destination for anbody wanting to experience Japan and the beaut…

(General)

Best Places to Stay in Bandai

Operated by the Hoshino Resorts group, Bandai is a small to medium-sized resort desig…

Tours

Small Group

(Day Tour)

1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park

Spots:: Tokyo Nikko
Pick-up:: Tokyo
Drop-off:: Tokyo

¥24,900

New Tour

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Sendai: Sendai Daikannon Statue and Yamadera Temple – Spiritual Pilgrimages of Tohoku

Spots:: Sendai Yamadera
Pick-up:: Sendai
Drop-off:: Yamagata

¥19,800

New Tour

(Day Tour)

Half-Day Tour in Sendai: Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue – Day of Zen

Spots:: Sendai
Pick-up:: Sendai
Drop-off:: Sendai

¥12,800

New Tour

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Sendai: Matsushima Bay — Highlights from One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views

Spots:: Matsushima
Pick-up:: Sendai
Drop-off:: Sendai

¥19,800

New Tour

(Day Tour)

Half-Day Walking Tour in Sendai: Retro Alleyways and Specialty Foods

Spots:: Sendai
Pick-up:: Sendai
Drop-off:: Sendai

¥14,800

New Tour

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour in Sendai: Zuihoden Mausoleum, Sendai Castle Ruins, and Osaki Hachimangu Shrine – Date Masamune’s Legacy

Spots:: Sendai
Pick-up:: Sendai
Drop-off:: Sendai

¥17,800

Access

(Destination info)

20 Things to Do Around Nikko & Where to Stay

Afforded World Heritage status in 1999, the shrine and temple complex of Nikko ranks …

(Destination info)

How to Get to Nikko

Located around two hours to the north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, the World Herit…

(Destination info)

How to Get to Bandai, Inawashiro, Zao Onsen, Geto Kogen & Appi Kogen - Aizu & Tohoku Ski Resorts Info

The ski resorts of Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai, Inawashiro, Zao Onsen, Geto Kogen and…

(Access)

Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo--Sendai--Morioka--Shin-Aomori) inc. Yamagata, Akita & Hokkaido Shinkansen

The Tohoku Shinkansen is the longest of Japan's legendary 'Bullet Train' lines. Runni…

(Access)

Tohoku Shinkansen Timetable

The Tohoku Shinkansen line runs from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station and connect…

(Access)

Yamagata Shinkansen Timetable

The Yamagata Shinkansen line runs off the Tohoku Shinkansen line from Fukushima Stati…

(Access)

Akita Shinkansen Timetable

The Akita Shinkansen line runs off the Tohoku Shinkansen line from Morioka Station to…

(Access)

Utsunomiya Station

Utsunomiya Station is the main station in the city of Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefectur…

(Access)

Koriyama Station

Koriyama is a station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line and nearest major station to the …

(Access)

Yamagata Station

Yamagata is a station on the Yamagata Shinkansen line and the nearest major station t…

(Access)

Sendai Station

Sendai Station is a major station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo. S…

(Access)

Morioka Station

Morioka is a major station located in Iwate Prefecture. A stop on the Tohoku Shinkans…

(Access)

Appi-Kogen Station

Appi-Kogen Station is the nearest train station to Appi Kogen Ski Resort. It is a sma…

(Access)

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

Most international visitors coming to and from Nagano will make at least one journey …

(Access)

JR East Pass

Japan’s 'Shinkansen' network – often referred to as the ‘Bullet Train’ by internation…

(Access)

How to Get to Sendai

Located around 90 minutes north of Tokyo via shinkansen (or 25 minutes by train from …

Explore Travel Options

Activities

(Top Attractions / Temple & Shrine)

Nikko Toshogu Shrine Complex

Toshogu Shrine is arguably the most impressive and beautiful of all the temples and s…

(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture)

Futarasan Shrine

Located in the World Heritage area of Nikko, Futarasan Shrine is one of the top attra…

(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture)

Shinkyō Bridge

For many people, Shinkyō Bridge is the symbol of Nikko. The bridge was constructed in…

(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Health & Well-being)

Kanmangafuchi Abyss

A beautiful and serene gorge off the beaten path in the heart of Nikko, Kanmangafuchi…

(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture)

Taiyuin Temple Complex

A sub-temple of the nearby Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuin Temple is the temple of the third …

(Arts & Culture)

Nikko Toshogu Museum

The museum was opened in 2015 to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of Tokugawa Iey…

(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink)

Hongu Cafe

We at Snow Monkey Resorts love to try new cafes, and this cafe in Nikko is a must vis…

(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture)

Rinnoji Temple and Shoyoen Gardens

Located within the World Heritage area of Nikko, Rinnoji Temple and Shoyoen Gardens a…

(Nature & Adventure / Wildlife)

Akechidaira Ropeway

Akechidaira Ropeway and Lookout Observation is a great scenic point which offers pano…

(Nature & Adventure / Wildlife)

Kegon Falls

Nikko is full of amazing nature and attractions, and one of the top places to go is t…

(Arts & Culture)

Tamozawa Imperial Villa

This beautiful villa has a rich history when Shogunate and Royalty used to walk its h…

(Arts & Culture / Entertainment)

Edo Wonderland

If you love Samurai history and traditional Japanese culture then we recommend headin…

(Top Attractions / Historic & Castle / Drink)

Kanrantei Tea House

Kanrantei Tea House is a historic chashitsu (tea room) that originated in Kyoto but w…

(Top Attractions / Temple & Shrine / Autumn Leaves)

Entsuin Temple

Entsuin Temple is a gorgeous Buddhist temple known for its various traditional Japane…

(Top Attractions / Nature & Adventure / Historic & Castle / Temple & Shrine / Local Food & Drink / Summer Activities)

Matsushima

Matsushima is a bayside town just a 40 minute train ride from Sendai Station. It is r…

(Top Attractions / Nature & Adventure / Temple & Shrine / Autumn Leaves)

Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera)

Yamadera is an iconic Buddhist temple located in Yamagata Prefecture. It is just a sh…

(Top Attractions / Temple & Shrine)

Zuiganji Temple

Zuiganji Temple is a Rinzai Sect Zen Temple located a 40 minute train ride north of S…

(Top Attractions / Temple & Shrine)

Sendai Daikannon Statue

The Sendai Daikannon Statue (White-Robed Colossus) is an impressively large Buddhist …

(Top Attractions / Historic & Castle)

Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins)

Sendai Castle (also known as Aoba Castle) was home for the illustrious Date Clan, the…

Find Activities

Hotels

Zao Onsen Ski Resort Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Appi Kogen Ski Resort Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Chuzenji Onsen Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Bandai Ski Resort Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Kinugawa Onsen Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Nikko-Yumoto Onsen Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Shiobara Onsen Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Nikko Station Area

: Tohoku & Nikko

Travel Tips

(General / Tips)

Two Days in Nikko : How to Spend 48 Hours in Japan’s Historic City

The historic and mountainous landscape of Nikko is home to some amazing scenery and c…

(General / Tips)

Culinary Adventures in Nikko : What to Eat

Nikko is best known for its World Heritage site, shrines and temples, and stunning sc…

(General / Tips)

Nikko : The Best Souvenirs and Local Crafts to Buy

Nikko is famous not only for its UNESCO Heritage Site, onsen and beautiful nature, bu…

(General / Tips)

Nikko : A Must Visit for Samurai History and Cultural Heritage

Nestled amongst the mountains of Japan is Nikko, an area steeped in rich cultural her…

(General / Tips)

Nikko’s Festivals and Seasonal Events

Due to its extensive historical past and its stunning natural landscape, Nikko has ma…

(General / Tips)

Nikko : The Perfect Getaway for Nature Lovers

Nikko is a fantastic destination for anbody wanting to experience Japan and the beaut…

Itineraries

(Tour / Public Transportation)

5 Day History Lovers Itinerary with Tokyo, Nikko, Kawagoe, and Odawara March - October

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Tokyo
Spots:: Tokyo, Kawagoe, Nikko
Theme:: Top Attractions, Historic & Castle
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

(Tour / Public Transportation)

5 Day Heritage and Culture Itinerary with Tokyo, Yokohama, Nikko, Kawagoe, Narita and Sawara March - October

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Tokyo
Spots:: Tokyo
Theme:: Top Attractions, Historic & Castle
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

Find Itineraries

News

April 14, 2026
(Information)
Area:
Tohoku & Nikko
Tohoku in May 2026 - What to Know

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