Here are the top best hiking trails here in in Nikko Japan.

Grade I: One to two hours of actual hiking time –

  1. Toyama / Sotoyama / To Mountain / Soto Mountain 4.3km 2hr Class 1 *
  2. Lake Yu (Yunoko) 3.0km 1hr Class 1 *
  1. Onsen Temple 1km 1hr Class 1 *
  2. Takino Path / Shiraito Waterfall Class 1

Grade II: Less than half a day of actual hiking time –

  1. Sasamekura Class 2 [see the restaurant at the base of the trail, Seryuin Yamagoya Cafe]
  2. Suginamiki Park (walking, not hiking) Class 1

Grade III: Half a day of actual hiking time –

  1. Senjogahara (sometimes spelled Senjougahara) 6.3km 2:30 – 5 hr Class 1 *
  2. Odashirogahara : See Senjogahara 7.2km 2:30hr Class 1 *
  3. Lake Sai (sainoko) / via Senjugamana or Odashirogahara 7.0km add 3:00hr Class 2 *
  4. Akechidaira Plateau 4hr (Lake Chuzenji Trailhead via Chanokidaira Plateau) Class 2 *
  5. Mt. Hangetsu 5hr (Lake Chuzenji Trailhead via Chanokidaira Plateau) Class 2 *
  6. Takayama Class 2 *
  7. Daiya River Park Class 1

Grade IV: Full day of actual hiking time –

  1. Nantai Mountain 5km 6:30hr (Southern Trail Head at Futarasan Shrine on Lake Chuzenji) Class 3 *
  2. Lake Kirikomi / Lake Karikomi 9.7km 4:20hr Class 2 *
  3. Lake Chuzenji – section 1 (circumnavigate) : Shobugahama to Senjugahama 4:00hr Class 3
  4. Lake Chuzenji – section 2 (circumnavigate) Senjugahama to Mujinakubo (Hangetsu Mountain trailhead) 12.6km 5:00hr Class 2 *
  5. Shirane Mountain 8:30hr Class 3 *
  6. Taro Mountain Class 2 *

Grade V: Two day (both can be full day hikes if you have a 4WD vehicle to navigate this portion)

  1. Nantai Mountain 10:00hr (northern trail from Kotoku (Sleep at free cabin : Shizu Hut) Class 3
  2. Nyoho Mountain 10:00hr (sleep at free cabin : Shizu Hut) Class 3

a (*) means that the hiking trail is in Nikko National Park

nikko historical Unesco walking mapDownload
Nikko Hiking MapDownload

Hiking in Nikko Japan offers an array of trails catering to different levels of experience and time commitment. Grade I trails can be completed in one to two hours, while Grade II trails require less than half a day. For those seeking a longer trek, Grade III trails offer a half day’s worth of hiking, while Grade IV trails provide a full day of adventure. The most challenging option, Grade V, spans two days and necessitates a 4WD vehicle for navigation. Explore these magnificent hiking trails in Nikko Japan and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.