Shinkyo Bridge in the fall really looks like a postcard! The bright red bridge against the maple-covered mountains, with reds, yellows, and oranges all blending together, looks gorgeous from every angle.
Standing by the bridge and taking in the scenery while watching the stream flow gently by made me feel completely relaxed. Although there were quite a few visitors, the view still made it well worth it.
If you're visiting Nikko for the fall foliage, be sure to include Shinkyo Bridge in your itinerary. Whether you photograph it from afar or up close, you'll come away with beautiful fall memories.
Shinkyo Bridge | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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Narita International Airport
The international airport and gateway to Tokyo, visited by 44 million travelers each year (as of 2019). Opened in 1978, this world-famous airport (airport code NRT) has ferried over 6 million flights both in and out of Japan. The airport grounds include 3 different passenger terminals, a freight terminal and is currently planning to open a new runaway in addition to its two runways currently open.
On this trip to Tokyo, we stayed in Oshiage. Getting there from Narita Airport was very convenient. We took the Narita Sky Access Line straight to Oshiage Station without having to drag our luggage around while transferring, which saved time and made the trip easy.
After leaving the airport, we enjoyed the scenery of Tokyo's suburbs along the way as we gradually entered the city. Once we arrived in Oshiage, we could go straight to the hotel and rest. The biggest advantage of staying in Oshiage is being close to Tokyo Skytree. Transportation in the area is convenient, making it easy to get to Asakusa, central Tokyo, and other attractions. For families traveling with children, one less transfer and a little more convenience really make it a great place to stay! -
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Senjogahara Marshland
Located within Nikko National Park, Senjogahara Marshland is an expansive 400-hectare wetland. It was once a lake, but volcanic sediment gradually accumulated, allowing aquatic plants to take root, eventually forming a marshland under the region’s cool climate. The name "Senjogahara" (meaning "Battlefield Marsh") comes from a legend in which the deities of Mount Akagi and Mount Nantai transformed into a giant centipede and a great serpent, respectively, and fought over control of Lake Chuzenji.
Senjogahara Marshland is a very famous natural attraction in Nikko. Compared with the bustling Toshogu Shrine, it feels more expansive and peaceful. When I visited in the fall, the entire marshland had turned golden, with mountains in the distance creating a spectacular view.
Walking along the wooden boardwalk with the cool mountain breeze, I saw endless grasslands and natural scenery, which made me feel especially relaxed. Although there are no ornate buildings, the soothing feeling of nature left a deep impression. Besides seeing the fall foliage, this is a highly recommended stop when visiting Nikko. -
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Nikko Toshogu
Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Nikko Toshogu makes you gasp in amazement as soon as you walk in! The entire shrine is dazzlingly ornate, and the carvings are so detailed that every corner is worth taking the time to admire.
The most famous sights are the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” carving of the three monkeys and the magnificent Yomeimon Gate. Every part has the atmosphere of classical architecture.
I visited in the fall, and the maple leaves covering the mountains made the entire grounds even more captivating. The intermingling red and yellow foliage complemented the ancient buildings beautifully, truly making it worthy of being a World Heritage Site.
Toshogu not only has a wealth of history and culture, but its fall scenery is also so beautiful that you won't want to leave. It's a classic attraction that you have to include on a trip to Nikko. -
