Many would agree that few places capture Japan's mix of beauty and spirituality quite like Nikko. Located just a couple of hours north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, this mountain town feels like a world away from the capital's pace. It's a favorite day trip or weekend escape for both locals and travelers alike, and offers misty forests, steaming hot springs, and some of the most intricate temple architecture in the country.
Now, Nikko's charm has caught international attention. A recent list reported on by Forbes and compiled by luxury travel network OvationNetwork has named it one of the world's six top destinations to visit in 2026. The list focused on places that deliver authentic and culturally rich experiences, and Nikko fits the description perfectly.
Set against a backdrop of cedar-covered mountains, the town is home to the UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine, the lavish resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. If you're planning a visit soon, autumn is an especially breathtaking time of year in Nikko—it's when the surrounding hills are filled with colorful changing leaves, and the air takes on that crisp mountain coolness that makes a soak in an onsen feel even more rewarding.
To learn more about things to see and do in Nikko, please visit our dedicated page here.
