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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Nikko Countryside Cycling Experience
Go beyond the touristy areas around the World Heritage sites of Nikko and experience life in the farming villages at the foot of the mountains.
Nikko City Tourism Association
Nikko is known across the world for its temples and shrines, which are registered UNESCO World Heritage sites. This tour takes you from this historical area to a more hidden side of Nikko, following an off-road cycling route along the Daiya River.
Pedal through farming villages, terraced rice fields, and by clear streams, immersing yourself in the scenery of the Satoyama, areas in the foothills of Japan’s mountains.
Feel the connection between the landscape and its inhabitants during lunch at a traditional farmhouse, chatting to the owner while having a homemade meal that features rice grown in Nikko’s terraced rice fields that is grown using the pure water from the Daiya River.
On your way back to base, you will get to bike along the cedar-lined trail of the former Nikko Highway, following in the steps of pilgrims and travelers of yore.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Utsunomiya Station (about 50 minutes). Switch to the Nikko Line and ride to Nikko Station (about 45 minutes). From there, take the Tobu Bus to Yasukawacho Bus stop (about 10 minutes). A 5-minute walk from the bus stop will take you to the meeting spot.
Free shuttle service is available from nearby hotels and Nikko Station.
3-11 Hon‐cho, Nikko-shi, Tochigi-ken
