This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Nikko.
Kyoto doesn't have the monopoly when it comes to cultural Japan; there are more places to travel in the Land of the Rising Sun for those who want to learn and get a glimpse of Japan's heritage and past. One of them is the city of Nikko in Tochigi prefecture, one hundred forty kilometers from the capital city of Tokyo.
What awaits you here? Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to temples, shrines, and gardens that date way back to Japan's first emperors. There are many temples in the city and the most popular is the Toshogu Shrine. The shrine is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu -- founder and first shogun of the Tokogawa Shogunate. The Tokogawa is one of the longest and most significant shogunate in Japanese history. His mausoleum is a feast for the eyes -- it is lavishly decorated with impeccable designs.
Another must-visit in Nikko is the Rinnoji Temple. The Tamoza Villa is another famous attraction being the former summer residence of Japan's Imperial family. Nikko does more than bring you back to the past, it is also an outdoor destination. The city and its surrounding areas offer hiking; trekking; or simply communing with nature courtesy of its mountains, lakes, and hot springs.
Nikko is one of the Japan's most visited places and international tourists should not shy away from this destination. Even frugal travelers and backpackers must include Nikko on their list to visit while in Japan. There are quite a few affordable accommodations in the city. Hostels in Nikko have good locations. Many of them are within minutes of walking from train stations. Hostels in Nikko also offer different amenities -- some even have air conditioners and restaurants, while others offer basic services like a communal kitchen for you to create your own meals.
Many hostels have Japanese-style rooms and these are perfect to have that holistic Japanese culture experience. There are also hostels in Nikko that offer Western-style rooms, like those country-style rooms. Staying in these Nikko hostels will not only give you savings, but let you meet other travelers. Prior to your stay, call and reserve in advance. Some Nikko hostels do not accept credit cards, so inquire about this prior to your travel.
Written by local enthusiast for Nikko hostels
vcaulin