Nikko, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Nikko, Japan? If you're planning to go to Nikko, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Nikko, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Nikko, Japan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Nikko, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Nikko, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Nikko, Japan by month

January

If you go to Nikko in January, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

If you go to Nikko in February, you will notice that it is frigid. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

March in Nikko can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

April in Nikko is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

May in Nikko is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

If you vacation in Nikko during June, you may notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

Traveling to Nikko in July, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

If you visit Nikko during August, you might find that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September in this region is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

October is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

If you go to Nikko in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December in Nikko is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Nikko. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Rinnō-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to Nikko Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Nikko, Japan

Nikko is a small town located in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, ancient temples and shrines, and traditional Japanese culture. If you are planning a trip to Japan, then Nikko should definitely be a part of your itinerary. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Nikko.

1. Toshogu Shrine - One of the most famous shrines in Japan, Toshogu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and decorative paintings.

2. Lake Chuzenji - A beautiful lake located in the mountains, Lake Chuzenji offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. There are many hiking trails around the lake, as well as opportunities for boating and fishing.

3. Kegon Falls - One of the most famous waterfalls in Japan, Kegon Falls is a 97-meter waterfall that drops into a deep gorge. Visitors can take an elevator down to the base of the falls for an up-close view.

4. Nikko National Park - A vast natural park that stretches across the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike through the park to see waterfalls, hot springs, and stunning views of the mountains.

5. Futarasan Shrine - A beautiful shrine located in the mountains, Futarasan Shrine is dedicated to the three deities of Nikko, including the god of Mt. Nantai. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

6. The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa - Once the summer residence of the Japanese royal family, the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can see the beautifully preserved architecture and gardens of the villa, as well as learn about the history of the royal family.

7. Shinkyo Bridge - A beautiful red bridge that spans the Daiya River, Shinkyo Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nikko. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains.

In conclusion, Nikko is a beautiful town that offers a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty. From ancient shrines and temples to stunning waterfalls and mountains, there is something for everyone in Nikko. If you are planning a trip to Japan, make sure to add Nikko to your list of must-see destinations.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Debenham, England, United Kingdom, Narva-Jõesuu, Estonia, Kington, England, United Kingdom, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky, United States of America, Falkenberg, Sweden, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, United States of America, Romney, West Virginia, United States of America, Northwestern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America, Gilbertsville, Kentucky, United States of America, Kuredu, Maldives, and Yamalia, Russia.