The history, culture and natural beauty of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, two hours from Tokyo, are enjoyed by many Japanese and overseas visitors.

Nikko Shrines and Temples World Heritage Site, Toshogu Shrine

Nikko has long been known as a holy place of mountain worship, with many shrines and temples. Among them, Toshogu Shrine, built in the early 17th century during the Edo period, is historically important as the place where the shogun that ruled Japan at the time is enshrined.

Its construction embodies the technologies of the era, and the beauty of its colorful lacquer and gold leaf has always fascinated people. There are a number of wood sculptures inside the shrine including a sleeping cat, sparrows touching beaks, and three monkeys with their hands over their eyes, ears and mouth. The cat and the sparrows symbolize a peaceful era, and the three monkeys symbolize not seeing, hearing or speaking of evil or personal faults. There are also other historical shrines and temples in Nikko, and those buildings are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beautifully Shaped by Nature

Nikko's scenic beauty is known for its magnificent natural landscape. Notable is Lake Chuzenji, which has a circumference of around 25 kilometers and is located at an elevation of 1,269 meters. It's said that lava from a volcanic eruption that took place about 20,000 years ago blocked a valley and formed the lake. During Japan's four beautiful seasons, you can see azalea blooming in early summer and falling leaves in autumn on the lakeshore that spreads out at the base of a mountain.

Close by Lake Chuzenji, there is Kegon Waterfall. It's a magnificent waterfall with water that cascades straight down from a 97-meter cliff. There's an observation point nearby, so you can see this dynamic scene close up.

Upstream from the Kinugawa River flowing nearby is Ryuokyo (Literally: Dragon King Gorge) and, true to its name, it's a scenic gorge that looks just like a dragon thrashing about. It's said that about 22 million years ago volcanic rock thrown out by undersea volcanic activity was eroded by a river and formed the shape of Ryuokyo.

Japanese Love Nikko's Onsen too

One thing that can't be skipped when talking about Nikko is Kinugawa Onsen (onsen in Japanese can mean a natural hot spring, a spa, or a resort around a hot spring). Japan is one of the world's major onsen countries, and Kinugawa Onsen is especially popular and has many visitors every year.

When Kinugawa Onsen was discovered in the mid-18th century, only high-ranking people were allowed to use it, but in the 19th century it was opened to everyone and it's now a large onsen with ryokan and hotels. The water, which is soft and easy on the skin, is said to be healthful and to relieve fatigue. Also, it can warm you up after a long day of sightseeing.

Natural Kakigori with a Delicate Texture

If you visit Nikko, be sure to try a kakigori (snow cone). Kakigori are finely shaved ice eaten with sweet fruit-flavored syrup on top, and they are a must-try treat in Japan on a hot and humid summer day. Natural ice is used at Nikko, and it's eaten as a huge kakigori. The soft texture of the natural ice melts in your mouth and has a refreshing aftertaste. How about trying a kakigori if you visit Nikko?