Nikko - Definition and Overview

This article is about Nikko the city; see Nikko (priest) for the founder of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.

Nikkō (日光市; -shi) is a city located in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is a popular destination for Japanese tourists, housing the mausoleum of famed shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (Nikko Toshogu) and that of his grandson Iemitsu, as well as the Futarasan Jinja, a shrine which dates to the year 767. There are also many famous hot springs (onsen) in the area. The mountains west of the city are part of Nikko National Park and contain some of the country's most spectacular waterfalls and scenic trails.

The lavishly decorated Yomeimon Gate of Toshogu Shrine	Carving of the god of thunder in the Nitenmon Gate of Taiyuin-byo Shrine	Carving of the Three Wise Monkeys on a stable in Toshogu Shrine

As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 16,751 and a density of 52.19 persons per km². The total area is 320.98 km². The city was founded on February 1, 1954.

Statues of Jizo in Nikko

Kegon Falls

Nikko Toshogu, Futarasan Jinga, and Rinnoji form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

External links

• Official website (http://www.city.nikko.tochigi.jp/) in Japanese
• Wikitravel: Nikko (http://wikitravel.org/en/article/Nikko)

Tochigi Prefecture
Cities
Ashikaga | Imaichi | Kanuma | Kuroiso | Mooka | Nikko | Otawara | Oyama | Sano | Tochigi | Utsunomiya (capital) | Yaita
Districts
Aso | Haga | Kamitsuga | Kawachi | Nasu | Shimotsuga | Shioya