Travel / Tourism 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...

  • 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.

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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。

  • 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.

  • 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...

  • 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。

  • 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.

  • Nikko-Kirifuri Highland Ozasa Farm
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    4.0
    13 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Seno Ogasawara 3405
    This dairy cattle ranch in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture has a great view of the Kanto Plain. It's a great spot for fun in the midst of nature with a petting zoo, an adventure playground, a huge sled, and a pasture. Their butter and ice cream making workshops are popular. Don't miss their mutton barbecue, the ranch's specialty.

    奥鬼怒に行った帰りにお昼ご飯で寄りました。 山間部での食事は、さかながメインになってきますが、ここではジンギスカンが食べられました。 2000円弱と少々高めのお昼ご飯でしたが、ご飯もいっぱいよそってくれましたし、肉の量もほどほどにあったので満足できました。テーブルにはめ込み式のガスコンロがついていました。食券を購入し、カウンターでご飯と肉をもったお盆を受け取ると、係の人がテーブルをアレンジして案内...

  • Kotoku Farm
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    4.0
    49 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2452
    Located within Nikko National Park in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, this farm has cows and horses roaming free in the spacious pasture. Famous for its fresh milk and milky-rich ice cream, it also has a restaurant with popular steaks and burgers. There is a walkable path around the farm, so you can stroll and enjoy some pastoral views of cows grazing.

    彼女と行ってきました アイスや 牛乳 美味しかったです もっとたくさんの体験したいですか最高です皆さんも行かないと損しますよ皆さんも言ってください 行ったら分かりますよ チャンネル登録 高評価 よろしく

  • Lake Chuzenji Boat House
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    4.0
    35 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2485-8
    The boat house is a rest area facility built along the Japan Romantic Road in Chugushi, Nikko City. In the building which has been restored from the old Nikko Kanko Hotel built in 1947 is displayed a boat donated from the Belgian Embassy Villa on the banks of Lake Chuzenji. There are many embassy villas situated here and visitors can get a sense of the history of Lake Chuzenji which was popular as a summer resort until the early Showa period.

    昭和20年代をイメージしたレトロ調な建物です。中は種々展示物、テラスは湖畔を望める休憩所となっています。巨大なレイクトラウトの剥製は迫力あり。道路の反対側の駐車場の楓の紅葉が素晴らしかった。

  • 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...

  • Kanaya Hotel History House (Samurai Residence)
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    4.5
    44 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Honchou 1-25
    The Kanaya Samurai House and warehouse were registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2014 and opened to the public as the Kanaya Hotel History House in 2015. The buildings have been preserved for over 140 years in the same location. It is a valuable Historical Cultural Property portraying the type of accommodation facility used for non-Japanese, opened by a young man who lived in Nikko in the early Meiji period. It is approximately nine minutes by car from Nikko Interchange on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road.

    KANAYA HOTEL HISTORY HOUSE WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP TO NIKKO. Originally the Inn where the famous 1800s British traveller, writer and photographer Isabella Bird stayed at in 1878 with her guide...

  • Senjogahara Plateau
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
    Senjogahara Plateau is located in Oku-Nikko which is home to abundant nature, which was formerly a lake but has been transformed into a wetlands, and it is a vast area which is proportionate to the size of 85 Tokyo Domes. The god of Mt. Nantai and the god of Mt. Akagi had a battle here and thus the origin of the name of “Senjo” (battlefield) wetlands. There is a nature exploration route maintained, which you can walk through in about two hours. You can enjoy as many as 350 varieties of plants and numerous birds.
  • Ryuzu Waterfall
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
    This is a sightseeing spot which is representative of Oku-Nikko and is considered to be one of the three great falls in Nikko. The highlight is the appearance of water running down over the roughly 200 meter expanse of lava rock which formed during the eruption of Mt. Nantai. It is said that the naming of Ryuzu Waterfall (dragon head waterfall) is because the waterfall looks just like a dragon’s head with white bubbles streaming down, and due to the waterfall being split into two by a large rock near to the basin under the waterfall. Between May and June is a particularly popular season when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom.

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.

Tochigi Photo Album

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