R E C O M M E N D E D
Destinations on this area
Toshogu Shrine
Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Shinkyo Bridge
The Shinkyo Bridge (神橋, Shinkyō, "sacred bridge") stands at the entrance to Nikko's shrines and temples, and technically belongs to Futarasan Shrine. The bridge is ranked as one of Japan's three finest bridges together with Iwakuni's Kintaikyo and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture. The current Shinkyo was constructed in 1636, but a bridge of some kind had marked the same spot for much longer, although its exact origins are unclear. Kegon FallsThe almost 100 meter tall Kegon Waterfall (華厳の滝, Kegon no taki) is the most famous of Nikko's many beautiful waterfalls. In fact, it is even ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful falls.
Kegon Waterfall is the only exit for the waters of Lake Chuzenji. It can be seen from a free observation platform that is easily accessible on foot, as well as from a paid platform at the base of the falls. The paid platform is accessed via a 100 meter deep elevator and offers more impressive views. The sight of Kegon Waterfall in combination with Lake Chuzenji can be enjoyed from Akechidaira Observatory, which is accessible by ropeway from Akechidaira Plateau. Kegon Waterfall is also a popular autumn color spot. The trees around the waterfall are usually most colorful from mid to late October. In the winter the waterfall is impressive as well when it freezes almost completely solid. |
Chuzenji Lake
Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖, Chūzenjiko) is a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko. It is located at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji about 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the lake's eastern end where the small hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. The town is also the site of Kegon Waterfall, the most famous of several waterfalls in Nikko National Park. Another popular waterfall, Ryuzu Waterfall, is located at the northern shores of Lake Chuzenji where Yukawa River discharges into the lake. Ryuzu no Taki (Waterfall)Ryuzu Waterfall (竜頭ノ滝, Ryūzu no Taki) means "dragon head waterfall" in Japanese. The name comes from the shape of the falls, which resembles the head of a dragon. The waterfall is located on Yukawa River, shortly before the river discharges into Lake Chuzenji.
Ryuzu Waterfall is flanked by many trees which turn yellow and red during the autumn leaf season, adding to the fall's fiery, dragon-like appearance. Probably because of its shadowy location, Ryuzu Waterfall is one of the first spots in Nikko to see autumn colors. It is usually best in early October. Edo Wonderland
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a history theme park recreating Japanese town life during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The park is really a small town built in Edo style architecture and populated by townspeople in period costume, and has been used as the setting for period tv dramas. Park guests have the opportunity to dress up as well (costumes can be rented for a fee) and tour the town's historically based shops and museums, participate in games and see live shows and theater. Entrance fee: http://edowonderland.net/en/access/general/ |
Tobu World Square
Tobu World Square is a theme park in Kinugawa Onsen that exhibits 1/25th scale replicas of famous buildings from around the world. The models include ancient monuments, cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are reproduced with great detail all the way down to cars, trains and miniature people populating the sites, and with gardens that change with the seasons. Entrance fees: http://www.tobuws.co.jp/en/time_price/ Nikko Yumoto Onsen/Ski Park Yumoto (湯元, literally "origin of hot water") is a small hot spring town in the back of Okunikko and part of Nikko National Park. The town is attractively located next to Lake Yunoko (lit. "hot water lake") and consists mainly of ryokan with hot spring baths.
North of the town stands Onsenji, a Buddhist temple with a small hot spring bath open to the public. Next to the temple is Yunodaira Marsh, where most of the town's hot water bubbles up from the ground. Some hot water is also bubbling along the northern shore of Lake Yunoko, and a pleasant sulfur odor hangs over the whole town. |