Spots in Nikko / Kinu River / Lake Chuzenji Area

  • Kegon Falls
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    4.0
    1658 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2479-2
    This is a magnificent waterfall which cascades down the 97 meter high sheer cliffs in a flash, and is one of Japan’s top three most famous waterfalls. If you go down to the observation deck by elevator which requires the payment of a fee, you will be able to experience up close the intensity of the water falling down which rises from the waterfall basin with a splash. You can enjoy the magnificent fresh greenery and the figure of Asian house martins flying around in the vicinity of the waterfall in the early summer, crimson foliage in the autumn and in winter, the frozen small falls or the twelve falls as they are called located half way up the waterfall provide us with a beautiful display. It is a waterfall which provides us with picturesque scenery from season to season.

    Was in town and took the bus all the way up to the onsen final destination for the day and made a few stops along the way including Kegon falls. I didnt expect much and thought gee one of the most...

  • Lake Chuzenji
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    4.0
    992 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
    Lake Chuzenji, located in the west of Nikko in Chugushi, Nikko City. The lake, with circumference of 25 kilometers, was formed with the eruption of Mt. Nantai in the north. With an elevation of 1,269 meters this is the highest lake in Japan. During the Meiji and Taisho periods many European embassies built vacation houses around the lake, and they remain to this day. The lake is a pretty scenic spot with Mt. Nantai in the background where visitors can enjoy pleasure boats and of course the beautiful autumn leaves.

    Given an hour here to explore on foot and was lucky to catch some last late blooming sakura near the Futaarasan Shrine, another one that is. There are activities available by the lake such as riding...

  • EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
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    4.0
    678 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Karakura 470-2
    This Edo-period theme park is located in Karakura, Nikko City. You’ll find authentic-feeling replicas of everything from merchant district to warrior homes, ninja villages, and many other areas inspired by Edo-period townscapes. There’s a facility where visitors can dress up as Edo-period townspeople and warriors, as well as a playhouse, restaurant, and Edo artisanal experiences, allowing them to truly feel like they’re in the Edo period. Many seasonal events are held as well.

    Very good place. Who like samurai and ninja must visit here. Very recommended place to visit. You can change your clothes to become ninja or samurai or etc.

  • Shinkyo Bridge
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    4.0
    917 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kamihatsuishimachi
    The Shinkyo Bridge is a beautiful bridge that hangs at the entrance into the mountains of Nikko, and is a structure which belongs to Futarasan Shrine. At the end of the Nara period, on the occasion of Shodo Shonin founding a temple, he sought divine assistance from gods and Buddhas as he was blocked from crossing the Daiya River. Thereupon, Jinja-ou (the God of the River) had appeared and released two snakes. Legend has it that mountain sedge sprouted from the backs of those two snakes and they turned into a bridge which is the Shinkyo Bridge. The bridge was built in its current vermillion-lacquered form in 1636. Thereafter, it was washed away by a flood, but it was rebuilt in 1904. It is an Important Cultural Property of Japan and it was also registered as a World Heritage site in 1999. The Shinkyo bridge is regarded as one of the three most eccentric bridges in Japan.

    Nice spot to take pictures. You can pay to walk the bridge, but I didnt feel the need to. Better to take the pictures of the bridge.

  • Tobu World Square
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    4.0
    585 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kinugawaonsenohara 209-1
    You’ll find this theme park in Kinugawaonsen-ohara, Nikko City along National Route 121. There’s an exhibit featuring miniature versions of 102 famous structures throughout the world, including 46 World Heritage Sites, built at 1/25 the size. In addition to photo opportunities, you’ll find full-scale Statue of Liberty footprints and other features that allow you to compare the size of the miniature replicas.

    2,800 yen for adults. Quite a big park to walk about and admire the mini sized architectures. There’s is winter illumination after sunset during autumn and winter. If you look close enough you will...

  • Futarasan Jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    584 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2307
    This shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three most sacred mountains and highest peaks of the Nikko mountain range. Besides the main shrine is Chugushi at the shore of Lake Chuzenji, a rear shrine that stands at the summit of Mt. Nantai, and associated shrines Hongu Jinja and Takio Jinja Shrine. The establishment of Futarasan Jinja Shrine is said to have begun in 762 when Shodo Shonin built a small shrine as a Hongu Jinja shrine. Now the shrine is popular for its associations with good luck and the god of marriage. 11 buildings of the shaden (main shrine area) including the honden (main shrine) with its “yatsumune” style of construction and haiden (hall of worship) with its gabled, hipped roof have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. The lantern called “Bake-doro” in the shrine gardens is one highlight worth seeing.

    世界遺産『日光の社寺』を構成する神社の一つ。山岳信仰の聖地の一つでもあり、日光三山を構成する『男体山』『女峰山』『太郎山』を御神体としている。一方で輪王寺には、これらの山を仏として見立てた仏像が三仏堂に安置されていることからも分かるように、日光の社寺と日光三山の関係性は切っても切れないことが分かる。 二荒山神社の由来は諸説あり定かではない。一説には『男体山』と『女峰山』の二つの神が由来となっており...

  • Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2301
    A shrine located in Sannai, Nikko City. It was founded in 1617 as a shrine dedicated to the Tosho Daigongen (Tokugawa Ieyasu). There are many buildings including eight National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties in the shrine grounds as well as the beautifully adorned and richly colored carvings of the Three Wise Monkeys—Mizaru, Iwazaru and Kikazaru (see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil)—and the Nemuri-neko (sleepy cat) attributed to Hidari Jingoro. Nikko Toshogu is also registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.
  • Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
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    4.5
    330 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Honchou 8-27
    This is a Tochigi prefectural urban park which was landscaped in 1899 as a place of convalescence for Emperor Taisho. One part of the former Akasaka homestead of the Edo daimyo, Kishu Tokugawa was moved to its current location at the wealthy person’s villa which formerly existed here. Even after that, additional buildings were added but the overall harmony was retained. The building has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and it is possible to tour the interior of the building. You can enjoy the various scenery from season to season starting with the 400-year-old weeping cherry tree in the garden.

    The Villa is very well maintained and surprisingly large. Not as old as some in Japan but full of traditional architecture and styling. The gardens are beautifully maintained and well worth a wander...

  • Kinugawakanaya Hotel
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    4.5
    172 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kinugawaonsenohara 1394

    Given The Kinugawa Kanaya is a classic luxury hotel that more than holds its own against newer competition. Three areas allow it to stand out:the food, the view and the service. We were pleasantly...

  • Ashio Copper Mine
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    4.0
    130 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Ashiomachitsudou 9-2
    The Ashio Copper Mine in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture was once the mining capital of Japan. It supplied the nation’s copper industry for about 400 years until closure. A portion of the mine is open to visitors, and a trolley train lets you tour the inside and learn about the mining industry through the ages, the history of the mines, and the mining process.

    The Ashio Copper Mine is a theme park where visitors can comprehensively learn about the Ashio Copper Mine, which was once one of the largest copper mines in Japan. There are many such facilities...

  • Takino Jinja Shrine
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    4.5
    118 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2310-1
    Associated with Futarasan Jinja Shrine, this shrine is located approximately one kilometer from the main shrine. Tagorihime-no-Mikoto, the princess of Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, is enshrined here. The shrine is encompassed by a fence and is built in a quiet space amidst the trees where Tagorihime is said to have descended to earth. Sights to see include the Kodane-ishi, where visitors offer prayers for conception and easy childbirth, the Enmusubi-no-Sasa, and the Undameshi-no-torii, a stone torii gate where it is customary to try your luck tossing stones through the small hole near the top. Shiraito Falls located nearby is also a must-see.

    We did the temples, shrines and the Imperial Villa, but this was the best thing we did in Nikko. The trail starts near the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge and proceeds up the mountain past the Toshogu Shrine...

  • Nikkosan  Chuzen-ji Temple
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    4.0
    95 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2578
    This temple belonging to the Tendai sect located near Lake Chuzenji in Nikko City is a branch temple of Nikko Rinnoji Temple. It began when Shodo Shonin, the founder of the Nikkozan religious sites witnessed Senju-kannon (the thousand arm Kannon goddess) appearing on the lake and carved an image of the Kannon in a standing tree or “tachiki,” which became the principal object of worship at the temple. It is the eighteenth temple in the Bando pilgrimage circuit (comprised of 33 Kannon temples in the Kanto region). People worship the Tachiki Kannon in the hondo (main temple building) as the shoganjoju Buddha, which is believed to grant people’s requests of various kinds, and the mido hall which enshrines Hashiridaikokuten is often visited by people praying for safe childbirth, the return of runaway family members, and to prevent their partner from having an affair.

    There is a very famous and historical big statue of Buddhist Goddess of Mercy with Thousand Arms, which is called Senju Kannon in Japan. This temple registered in UNESCO. When i went here, i was so...

  • Kinugawa River Boat Cruise
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    4.0
    121 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kinugawaonsenohara 1414
    On the Kinugawa River Boat Cruise visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery traveling downstream in a boat skillfully oared by the boatman. The boating experience is in operation daily between mid-April to late November. The rare and oddly shaped rocks and scenery throughout the seasons are magnificent and the cruise thrilling. If there are seats available visitors can board the boat without prior reservations.

    It was a pleasant and relaxing boat ride down the river. Despite not able to understand the boatmans introduction of the scenery along the river. We had truly enjoy the scenery.

  • Roadside Station Nikko Highway Niko-Niko Honjin
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    4.0
    72 Reviews
    Transportation
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Imaichi 719-1
    This roadside station is located in an urban area on the side of National Route 119. It features a wide variety of facilities including a produce market that offers Nikko produce, a restaurant that offers some of the area's specialties, and more. Another one its attractions includes the Toru Funamura Memorial Museum. The station is located near attractions such as the shrines and temples of Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen, and Kawaji Onsen, and is visited by many tourists.

    県民割のクーポンは使えるので行ってみました。 野菜もお土産も品揃えはなかなか良かったです。 甚五郎煎餅が本店と同じ値段で売っていたのでクーポンを使って買いました。

  • Nikko Kanaya Hotel
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    4.0
    443 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Kamihatsuishimachi 1300

    The hotel is more like a museum :). You can admire every room and every thing :) You will see a table lamp at the reception, which has been standing there since 1907, in the lobby you will see...

  • Roadside Station Yunishigawa
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    4.0
    75 Reviews
    Transportation
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Nishikawa 478-1
    "This roadside station located on the side of National Route 121 is connected directly to Yagan Railway Yunishigawa-onsen Station. The roadside station features a day spa offering baths fed by free-flowing hot spring, bedrock bath, free foot baths, and more. It also features a restaurant that offers ""dam curry,"" a shop, and other facilities. The station, which also serves as the terminal for amphibious bus tours, is visited by many tourists."

    川治ダムから湯西川ダムへ向かう途中にあった道の駅。 目の前には湯西川、そして会津鬼怒川線の線路・橋が見えました。 営業時間前でしたが、ここは足湯・天然温泉に入れる素敵な道の駅でした。 お食事の「もみじカレー」なる鹿肉のカレーが気になりましたね。 これらが目的なら9時以降に来ないと駄目のようです。

  • Nikko Hanaichimonme
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    3.5
    39 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kosagoe Sakashita 800
    This botanical garden is one of the largest north of the Kanto area. Its more than 13,000 square meter grounds blossom all year long with flowers representing around 600 varieties in some 8,000 planters. The garden also has a restaurant offering items such as its original begonia soft-serve ice cream. The flower-covered walls and ceilings of the restaurant create a space that has captured the imaginations of many of the park's visitors.

    雨だったので屋根付きで濡れないのが助かったのと、お花が沢山並んでいて綺麗でした。 ただ、小動物たちの飼育環境があまりにも酷く、うさぎを狭いゲージに3匹押し込まれている様子は可哀想で胸が痛みました。また、身体が糞で汚れて茶色くなっている子もいました。 100円で購入するにんじん、キャベツをあげましたが必死で食らい付いて取り合いをしている様子が飢えているようにも見えました。痩せてはいないとは思います...

  • Hatcho no Yu (Okukinu Onsenkyo)
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    4.5
    73 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kawamata 876
    A day-trip hot spring in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. This 100% free flowing natural hot spring is known as Kanto's final secret hot spring. Come enjoy their open-air bath which first opened in 1929 as well as their mixed bathing bath and ladies only waterfall bath. They are known for their gentle water quality which soaks into the skin and is less irritating and less of a burden to the body.

    Very far from Kinugawa hot spring station, 1.5 hours local bus and 30min shuttle bus by this ryokan. We went to this place for 2-days family reunion at early April. We enjoyed absolutely fantastic...

  • Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway
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    3.0
    49 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kinugawaonsentaki 834
    A ropeway for tourists located in the Kinugawa Onsen hot spring resort village. The ropeway connects Kinugawaonsen-Sanroku Station at the base of a large hill to a scenic overlook at its summit. Also known as “Osaru no Yama” (“Monkey Mountain”), several Japanese macaques are kept at the scenic overlook. Visitors can purchase food to give to the monkeys. Onsen-jinja Shrine stands at the rear of the scenic overlook and enshrines a portion of the deity which the Toyokawa Inari-jinja shrine houses. Viewed as a god of both business prosperity and hot springs, many locals come here to pray for good luck.

    A large cage filled with relaxed looking monkeys and nothing else. Walking path was closed due to bear threat. 5 minute activity but costs around 1000 yen.

  • Rinnoji Homotsuden
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    4.0
    27 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2300 within Ring Oji temple
    Nikkosan Rinnoji’s Homotsuden is next to the Sanbutsudo. This building houses approximately 30,000 temple treasures that represent Nikkozan’s more than 1,200-year history and the building contains many National Treasures, important cultural properties, and important works of art. In addition to the approximately 50 pieces that are always on display, visitors can also see paintings related to the Tokugawa family thanks to the cooperation of the Tokugawa Memorial Foundation. Visitors can also enter the Shoyoen Japanese garden located directly nearby.

    輪王寺の宝物殿の南側に位置する日本庭園です。庭園へ行くには宝物殿に入る必要があり、宝物殿の入館料で、この庭園も利用することが出来ます。 典型的な回廊式の庭園で、小径にはところどころに起伏があるため、庭園の様々な表情を楽しむことが出来ます。庭園としての規模はそれほど大きくないため、周遊するだけであれば20分程度で済みます。非常にきめ細かく手入れされており、輪王寺界隈は観光客が多いにも関わらず庭園の外...

Tochigi Areas

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Most visits to Tochigi revolve around Nikko, a small city home to the spectacular, lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine and Nikko National Park with its mountains, lakes, waterfalls, onsen, and wild monkeys. Neighboring Oku-Nikko is an extension of the fantastic scenery famous for its autumn leaves, while Tochigi’s capital, Utsunomiya, is the only place in the world where you can find oya stone beautifully exhibited in temples and the Oya History Museum.

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