- Attractions by Region -
World heritage sites, famous hot springs and highland resorts — experience Tochigi's charm in one compact itinerary.
World Heritage: Nikko Toshogu Shrine
A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate. Admire the gorgeous Yomeimon Gate, the famous "Sleeping Cat" carving and countless details that let you feel 400 years of history and craftsmanship.
Nasu Highlands — Nasu Onsen Area
A resort plateau at around 1,000 m above sea level. Relax in hot springs with a 1,300‑year history while taking in majestic views of the Nasu mountain range. Ranches and leisure facilities are scattered throughout the area, so you can easily spend a full day here.
Oya History Museum & Oya Stone Underground Quarry
A vast underground space on the outskirts of Utsunomiya City. Walk through a light‑up stone labyrinth where you can learn about the history of quarrying and enjoy a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere.
A brilliantly colored shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, centerpiece of the World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko".
The artistic beauty of Yomeimon Gate and the Sleeping Cat
The complex features 5,173 carvings created by master craftsmen of the early Edo period. Yomeimon Gate is so densely decorated with carvings of plants, animals and immortal sages that it is nicknamed "Higurashi-mon" — you could gaze at it until sunset and never grow tired of it. The vivid colors, restored in the recent Heisei‑era renovation, shimmer differently depending on the angle of the sunlight.
The famous "Sleeping Cat" is said to be the work of sculptor Hidari Jingoro. On the back you will find two sparrows, symbolizing a peaceful world where even natural enemies can relax together. The cat's slightly arched back suggests it is ready to spring up at any moment, hinting at a hidden readiness behind the peaceful scene.
During the grand spring and autumn festivals, more than a thousand warriors in armor parade through the grounds. The yabusame (horseback archery) and "Hyakumonozoroe Sennin Gyoretsu" procession recreate the pomp of the Tokugawa shogunate and court culture, offering a rare chance to experience this grandeur up close.
One of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, dropping 97 m straight down from Lake Chuzenji.
An elevator ride into the roar and mist
A dedicated elevator carved into the rock descends roughly 100 m — almost the same as the height of the falls — at 3 m per second. The viewing platform at the bottom often reaches nearly 100% humidity, and even in midsummer the temperature can drop to around 15°C, creating a natural "air‑conditioner". Looking up at the entire water column from the basin is overwhelming; your camera lens may fog up instantly from the spray.
In autumn, the surrounding maples and shrubs blaze in red, orange and yellow, creating a "burning curtain" of color behind the white waterfall. Around 9 a.m., with the sun behind you, the foliage looks its most vivid. Later in the day, backlighting increases the chances of rainbows forming in the mist.
At the end of the Meiji era, the double tragedy of poet Tazawa Inashu and philosopher Fujimura Misao, known as the "Kegon Falls double suicide", shook society. Fujimura's farewell writing "Gan-tou no Kan" is still cited as a masterpiece of Japanese romantic literature. Today, safety fences and a quiet offering spot remind visitors of this history.
A refreshing highland resort area from 600 to 1,800 m around the Nasu mountain range.
A summer resort with an Imperial villa
The gentle slopes of the Nasu volcanic range have been a premier summer retreat since the Nasu Imperial Villa was established in 1899. Even in midsummer, average temperatures stay around 22°C. Birch forests and pastureland stretch across the hills, inspiring the nickname "The Switzerland of Japan". The area is filled with riding clubs, golf courses, cheese dairies and small museums you can hop between all day long.
In autumn, the peaks of Mt. Chausu, Mt. Asahi and Mt. Sanbon-yari ignite in a cascade of colors starting from 1,800 m. The ropeway cars become wrapped in three layers of color — green below, yellow and red in the middle and deep crimson on top — creating a spectacular "reverse foliage" scene as the colors descend the mountain. Spring brings skunk cabbage flowers, summer sees fiery azaleas, and in winter you can enjoy rime‑ice and snow‑covered trees.
Along the Nasu Highlands road network, a series of roadside stations runs a popular soft‑serve stamp rally. Flavors like Jersey milk, Tochigi's famous "Tochiotome" strawberries and highland blueberries compete for your attention. Collect stamps from 5 spots and you earn a "Nasu Ice Cream Road Master" certificate — a hot topic on social media.
A thrilling mountain road with 48 hairpin curves climbing up to Oku-Nikko.
Curves named after the "Iroha" syllabary
The First (downhill) and Second (uphill) Irohazaka together have 48 numbered curves matching the 48 syllables of the traditional "iroha" poem. Each bend has a signboard with a corresponding character, so drivers feel like they're tracing a giant live alphabet chart. The maximum gradient on the Second Irohazaka is about 10%, climbing roughly 440 m in elevation in just 10 minutes.
Midway up, the Akechidaira Ropeway climbs another 86 m in about three minutes. From the viewpoint you can capture Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji in a single frame. During the autumn foliage season, a special early‑morning timetable starts as early as 5 a.m., allowing visitors to beat the crowds.
The road surface uses special polymer paving to reduce winter icing, yet snowy days are still stunning — the hairpin turns and frosted forests create an "icy labyrinth". Winter driving enthusiasts love an early‑morning challenge with studless tires.
A remote hot spring inn founded in the Edo period, famous as a filming location for the movie "Thermae Romae".
The mixed-bathing "Swimming Bath" you can actually swim in
The mixed outdoor bath "Oyogi-yu" (also the women's indoor bath) is about the size of a 20 m pool with a depth of around 1.2 m. The white, slightly milky sulfur hot spring flows directly into the bath with no heating or additional water. Overnight guests are even allowed to bring their own float rings. The tengu (goblin) statue guarding the source sits where the water temperature is about 43°C, while the main pool is around 39°C, ideal for long, relaxing soaks.
The three‑story wooden main building was constructed in the early Meiji era. The wooden floors in the corridors are gently warmed by the hot spring heat below, and at night the lantern‑lit halls create a nostalgic atmosphere. Meals are centered around simple yet satisfying local fare such as salt‑grilled river fish and miso‑glazed tofu. Conversations around the irori (sunken hearth) deepen the sense of traveling back in time.
The last kilometer to the inn is along an unpaved forest road and a steep stairway; cars cannot go all the way. Day‑trippers walk along a mountain stream for a built‑in "adventure hike" that heightens the feeling of remoteness. In winter, deep snow makes simply reaching the inn feel like an expedition, making the reward of soaking in a snow‑view bath all the more special.
A "Little Edo" townscape where black‑plastered warehouses line the river, preserving the legacy of a prosperous merchant city.
White walls and black tiles reflected in the Uzuma River
From the Edo to Meiji periods, Tochigi prospered as a key river port transporting safflower and cotton to Edo (Tokyo). Along about 500 m of the riverbank remain rows of kura (storehouses) built with black plaster as fireproofing, many of them combined storehouses and residences. From the sightseeing boats you can photograph these 20 m‑long kura from water level while listening to the boatmen's traditional songs.
Inside town, the Tochigi Dashi Kaikan (festival float museum) displays 7 m‑tall carved festival floats. Every other October, the "Kura no Machi Chochin Dashi Matsuri" sees eleven floats parading through the night under a sea of lanterns. The blend of traditional lantern light and modern LED effects has earned it the nickname "Japanese Retro Night Festival".
Many old kura have been converted into stylish cafés. Sip coffee with fine wasanbon sugar while bamboo lanterns cast soft light on the white walls. The main street has been used for numerous period dramas such as "Rurouni Kenshin" and "The Pass: Last Days of the Samurai," so simply strolling the town can feel like stepping into a film set.
A 1,300‑year‑old sulfur spring born from a white deer legend, famous for its 48°C hot bath that leaves you fully refreshed.
The art of "kaburi‑yu" and short, intense hot soaks
The main baths are divided into six temperatures from 41°C to 48°C. The traditional way is to first pour 100 scoops of hot water from a wooden ladle over your head and body to acclimatize, then soak in the hottest bath for no more than two minutes. Regulars repeat a cycle of "2 minutes in the hottest bath → 30 seconds in cold water → outdoor air bath" three times, achieving a blissful state that rivals any sauna session.
Although it is a sulfur spring, the water is a rare pale yellow‑green rather than milky white. Rich in metaboric acid, it has strong antibacterial properties and is reputed to help with acne and atopic skin conditions. If you lean close to the source, a strong egg‑like sulfur smell is followed by a surprisingly lemony acidity on the tongue.
The wooden bathhouse dates back to 1883 and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Beneath the floor lies an "ondol"‑style underfloor heating system powered by hot springs, keeping your feet warm even in winter. The bathhouse sells unique "yuno‑hana" hot spring salt candies whose subtle sulfur aroma becomes unexpectedly addictive.
A theme park where world‑famous buildings and World Heritage sites are recreated at 1/25 scale — travel the globe in one stroll.
20,000 bonsai trees recreate the world's seasons
Many of the plants are real: cacti by the pyramids, crape myrtles that bloom three times a year in front of the Taj Mahal, and more. This combination of delicate models and living plants creates a surprising sense of realism. Staff members act as both gardeners and "world heritage restorers," touching up the models with fine brushes every day.
In the New York zone, the Yankee Stadium model seats a crowd of about 45,000 miniature fans. Hidden among them are tiny panda dolls in place of the famous "hidden Mickey" motif, giving visitors a treasure‑hunt element as they explore.
From November to February, the illumination event transforms the park at night. Landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower appear side by side against the same night sky, creating a dreamlike "collaboration skyline" that makes for stunning photos and an easy way to feel like you have traveled abroad.
A flower theme park famed for its 1,000 m² wisteria trellis and spectacular winter illuminations.
A "must‑see before you die" view picked by CNN
The great wisteria tree, over 160 years old, has a trunk circumference of 3 m and a canopy equivalent to 600 tatami mats. At peak bloom the flower clusters can reach up to 1.8 m in length, creating a purple rain overhead. An automatic misting system keeps the blossoms from drying out, and the night lighting gradually changes from purple to white to yellow to mimic the shifting seasons of the wisteria.
In late May, the double‑flowered wisteria appears. Each cluster is densely packed with petals and releases a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts swarms of bees, often likened to "flying jewels" as they dance in the air. After the blossoms fall, a limited wisteria‑flavored soft‑serve ice cream is sold on site, with a delicate muscat‑like aroma.
From late October to mid‑February, the "Garden of Illuminated Flowers" event uses around five million LEDs and is recognized as one of the three great illuminations in Kanto. The wisteria trellis lights are programmed to recreate the opening, full bloom and falling of the blossoms through color and motion, set to original music arranged from melodies by Tochigi‑born composer Funamura Toru.
One of Kanto’s leading hot spring resorts, known for its beautiful gorge views and gentle alkaline water.
From exclusive domain bath to popular spa town
Discovered in 1691 by a monk on pilgrimage to Nikko, the spring was once called "Taki no Yu" and could only be used by feudal lords and monks with special permission from the shogunate. After the opening of the railway in the Meiji era, it quickly developed, and by the late Showa era it even boasted the highest annual number of overnight guests in Japan, earning the nickname "the Atami of the East".
The water is a mildly alkaline simple hot spring with a pH of about 8.2, rich in metasilicic acid. Research has shown that skin moisture retention increases by an average of 25% after bathing. A riverside footbath park is free and open 24 hours a day, and in the evening many people enjoy local sake while watching the illuminated gorge.
The 40 m‑high Kinutateiwa Suspension Bridge nearby has a heart‑shaped "Lover's Rock" motif at its center where couples can fasten padlocks. According to local lore, doing so "shields your bond like a shield". In autumn, the mirroring of the red foliage in the river below creates perfect photo opportunities, especially on still early mornings.
A thrilling 40‑minute cruise down the Kinugawa Gorge in traditional wooden boats.
Six kilometers of rapids between bizarre rock formations
Narrow wooden boats about 2 m wide are piloted using a single long pole, traveling 6 km from near the Kinutateiwa Suspension Bridge above the hot spring town down to the Kinugawa Onsen Otaki area. As the boats shoot through churning stretches, spray splashes into the boat while sheer cliffs and oddly shaped rocks like Byobu‑iwa (folding screen rock), Tengu‑iwa (goblin rock) and Kaeru‑iwa (frog rock) loom overhead. In spring you’ll see mountain cherry blossoms, in early summer fresh green foliage, and in autumn brilliant leaves reflected in the water, with departures every 20 minutes offering different light and scenery.
Life jackets are provided for everyone, and rain ponchos are handed out on wet days. When the water level is high, waves grow larger even in calmer sections, and boatmen turn it into a playful "natural splash time," deliberately steering into waves to delight passengers. Emergency routes and wireless communication systems are in place, keeping safety standards high.
At the boarding area, a "Rapid Current Gacha" vending machine sells capsules that contain small stones from the gorge and handwritten "rapid current charms" from the boatmen. Miniature pole‑oar keychains are also sold as limited‑edition collectibles, and more than 80% of repeat visitors build up their own collections.
A former military tunnel converted into a 600 m‑long natural low‑temperature cellar for aging premium sake.
A time capsule of sake inside a cave
The tunnel, dug in the early Showa era without using concrete, maintains a steady temperature of around 8°C and 80% humidity throughout the year. Around ten thousand bottles of daiginjo and aged sake rest in this environment. Visitors don helmets for guided tours, and deep inside the cave you can try sake in a dimly lit "echo‑free" tasting area where the silence makes the aroma and flavor stand out even more.
Along the route you will also find a small gallery showcasing retro sake cups and tableware from the Showa period: Noritake porcelain tokkuri, lacquered jubako boxes, and beautiful amber‑colored glass bottles that glow when light hits them. The collection of 1950s colored‑glass bottles is especially beloved by vintage glassware fans.
The brewery's popular "Cave‑Aged Sparkling Sake" uses secondary fermentation in the bottle to produce fine bubbles. Tour participants can order personalized bottles with their names and the length of aging printed on the label — a service that has made the sake a sought‑after gift for anniversaries and special occasions.
A nostalgic animal performance where the "human‑like" behavior of trained monkeys steals the show.
Pioneers of two‑legged monkey performance
Originating in the 1970s as a street performance troupe, the Saru Gundan have been active for over half a century. They now perform more than 50 different acts and have even achieved success in overseas tours as the world's first "all‑monkey circus". One veteran performer, Miwa, earned the nickname "one‑thousand‑ryo actor" after setting a near world‑record tightrope walk at age 14.
In the ninja show, monkeys perform feats like catching thrown shuriken and running across water on floating platforms, often prompting gasps from the audience with their agility that rivals human acrobats. Behind the scenes, each monkey has a dedicated air‑conditioned waiting room, and in summer staff prepare special ice treats to prevent heatstroke — a setup that pays careful attention to animal welfare.
The attached "O-Saru Land" offers experiences such as bottle‑feeding baby monkeys and taking high‑five photos. A monkey's grip strength is roughly that of an adult human, and the gentle handshake experience is surprisingly heartwarming. The gift shop's "Saru Gundan Kawara Senbei" biscuits are sold in special show‑limited packaging that collectors love.
Known for the golden Three Buddha Hall and the magnificent mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu.
A vast main hall with soaring beams
The Three Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden temple buildings in Japan, standing about 35 m high and 40 m deep. Inside sit three gold‑leaf statues — the Thousand‑Armed Kannon, Amida Nyorai and Bato Kannon — representing the sacred mountains of Nikko. When the hall lights are dimmed, the golden figures seem to float in the darkness, creating an atmosphere of profound mystery.
Next door lies Taiyuin, the mausoleum of the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. Out of respect for his grandfather Ieyasu, its decorations are slightly more restrained than those of Toshogu, yet still richly elaborate, with a unique "dark and chic" color scheme. The four guardian figures at the Nio Gate have tiny glass beads set in their eyes; as you move, their pupils seem to glint and follow you.
The temple café offers vegetarian curry and matcha lattes, with a terrace overlooking a 400‑year‑old cedar avenue. The forest bathing effect helps reset your body after a long day of sightseeing. In autumn, a limited "yuba matcha soft‑serve" ice cream — topped with local tofu skin ― sells out quickly and is a hidden specialty.
A highland leisure park where you can enjoy both lake activities and farm experiences all day long.
A zipline that skims the lake surface
The 150 m long "Zipline KAKKU" swoops down so close to the water that your feet nearly brush the surface, and in summer the fine spray cools you like mist. On the lake you can also ride swan boats and water buggies, surrounded by views of the surrounding mountains that crank your adrenaline up to maximum.
In the animal area you can meet alpacas, sheep and ponies, as well as rarer animals like tapirs and capybaras. A kids' program rewards successful feeding experiences with "staff stamps," providing a fun, educational element that parents appreciate.
The rich soft‑serve ice cream is made from milk produced at the on‑site farm and processed within three hours of milking. By carefully controlling the amount of air mixed in, the ice melts slowly and holds its shape longer for photos. In summer, a nightly "Fireworks Symphony" launches about 300 fireworks over the lake, with beautiful reflections doubling the spectacle.
A volcanic rock tied to the nine‑tailed fox legend, in a gas‑filled landscape that feels like another world.
The nine-tailed fox and the "broken death stone"
According to legend, the evil fox spirit Tamamo‑no‑Mae, who seduced Emperor Toba in the late Heian period, was slain and turned into this rock, which then released deadly toxic gas that killed any living creature approaching it — hence the name "Killing Stone". In March 2022 the stone naturally split in two due to weathering, leading social media to explode with talk that the fox's seal had been broken.
The surrounding area is part of the Nasu volcanic gas belt, and on days when hydrogen sulfide levels are high, access is restricted. White steam rises from vents all around and the rocks are stained yellow by sulfur, while warning signs line the paths — a scene straight out of a Buddhist hell painting. At the same time, delicate alpine plants such as rhododendrons bloom at your feet, creating a striking contrast between life and death.
Every May, a torchlight procession from Nasu Onsen Shrine to the stone forms part of the "Goshinka Festival". Participants in fox masks and white robes beat drums and chant as they march under flickering flames, culminating in a 3 m‑high sacred bonfire. The spectacle invites visitors into a world of ancient myths and folklore.
A high‑elevation wetland at 1,230 m, home to many rare alpine plants.
An alpine biotope in the sky
This 12.5 ha basin is covered with sphagnum moss wetlands. From June to August, flowers such as daylilies, cotton grass and wild orchids bloom in succession. A 1.2 km wooden boardwalk loop with only about 10 m of elevation change makes for an easy wetland hike, and slopes are provided so wheelchair users can also enjoy the scenery.
The surrounding Hinode‑daira area is famous for sunrise views. When low clouds fill the valleys, the wetland and nearby peaks appear to float like islands in a sea of clouds — a scene photographers dream of capturing. In autumn the grasses turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and in winter rime‑covered trees create a completely different yet equally magical landscape, inspiring many repeat visits.
At the parking‑lot shop, the popular "Marshland Soft‑Serve" is topped with local honey and mountain grape sauce. At the start of the boardwalk stands a small bell; legend says that if you ring it while eating your ice cream and again after you finish, your wish will come true. Photos of visitors attempting this "happy soft‑serve challenge" are widely shared on social media.
A vast former mine that once produced about 30% of Japan's copper from the Edo through Showa eras.
A "time tunnel" through mining history by trolley train
The tourist route follows about 700 m of underground tunnels, reached by a small trolley train that takes around five minutes. The temperature in the mine is a constant 12°C, pleasantly cool in summer and warm in winter. Exhibits show hand‑dug tunnels from the Edo period, dynamite blasting marks from the Meiji era, and electric drill traces from the Showa era, letting you see industrial history at a glance.
Industrialist Furukawa Ichibei took over the mine in 1877 and introduced one of the world's largest continuous ore‑roasting furnaces. At its peak in the 1880s, the mining town had a population of 30,000 and seven movie theaters, earning it the nickname "the greatest mining city in the East". Above ground, a museum displays models of company housing, uniforms worn by female workers, and period photographs.
Ashio is also central to Japan's environmental history as the site of the Ashio Copper Mine pollution incident. Exhibits explain activist Tanaka Shozo's historic direct appeal to the Emperor and the long struggle that followed. Upstream in the Matsuki Valley, treeless mountains scarred by earlier pollution remain as a reminder, and volunteer tree‑planting efforts are ongoing to restore the forest.
A theme park where you can dress as townsfolk, samurai or ninja and experience Edo‑period culture with all five senses.
The oiran procession — a fashion show of old Edo
On the 120 m long "pleasure quarter" street, a high‑ranking courtesan (oiran) parades in a gorgeous procession. Walking in tiny 8 cm steps in the traditional "uchihachimonji" style, she wears an outfit weighing roughly 30 kg and is accompanied by attendants, recreating the social elite of the time. Audience seating is arranged theater‑style, and spectators can call out encouraging phrases just like in an Edo‑period playhouse.
The ninja trick house has a slanted‑floor design that confuses the sense of balance; because the angles of the floors and walls don’t match what your brain expects, simply standing still feels like walking uphill. Children and adults alike find themselves stumbling and laughing as they try to keep their balance.
Costume rentals cover over 30 types including samurai, town girls, wandering swordsmen and police constables. Professional kimono dressers adjust the tightness of the waist cords and the angle of the collars according to Edo fashion. Dressed up, you can ride rickshaws, eat soba noodles and wander the streets — it’s easy to feel like an instant influencer in your photos and videos.
A 320 m pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Shiobara Gorge — the longest of its kind on Honshu.
Scenery, thrills and a "lover's sanctuary"
The bridge deck hangs about 50 m above the lake surface. At the center, even a gentle 3 m/s wind can make the bridge sway up to 50 cm side to side by design, providing a thrilling experience. Jump‑shot photos with both your feet off the deck have become a trend on Instagram; captured mid‑air, you appear to be floating above the canyon.
In spring the fresh green foliage reflects vividly on the water, while in autumn the bright red maples create a "mirror‑image foliage" on calm days. If you catch the lake perfectly still in the early morning, your photos can capture an entire frame filled with a wreath of color. During special night openings, the bridge is lit up in rainbow colors, turning it into a glowing arc over the dark valley.
A heart‑shaped monument at the center of the bridge marks a designated "lover's sanctuary". Couples can purchase padlocks at the adjacent shop, have their initials engraved and secure them to the monument. Those who do receive a "lover's certificate" that can be used for small perks at nearby Shiobara hot spring inns.
A dramatic gorge carved by the Kinugawa River over 22 million years, with a scenic 4 km hiking route to Nijimi Falls.
Rock art said to be carved by a dragon god
The bright emerald‑green "Dragon King Pool" and white froth of the rapids form a striking contrast. Named pools such as "White Dragon" and "Purple Dragon" appear in sequence, and because the rock and water colors change dramatically with weather and light, many visitors return at different times of year. On sunny days, the water glows a luminous cobalt blue; on cloudy days, it turns a deep green.
Oddly shaped rocks like "Flying Squirrel Rock" and "Rabbit‑Jump Rock" showcase columnar joints in basaltic andesite up close, making the area popular for geology fieldwork. The striped patterns etched into the rock faces tell the story of ancient volcanic activity and erosion.
Along the hiking trail, the "Kawaji Yubatake" area features patches of ground where geothermal heat keeps the surface around 40°C. In winter, steam rises constantly, creating a mini version of a hot‑spring hell valley. Footbath benches allow weary hikers to soak their feet while listening to the sound of the river.
A highland lake at 1,269 m created by the eruption of Mt. Nantai.
The blue mirror of an international summer resort
From the late 19th century, lakeside villas were built here by the British, Italian, Belgian and other embassies, forming Japan's first "diplomatic summer house" district. Today the former Italian and British Embassy villas are open as parks and museums, where you can view original furnishings and learn about the social salons that once took place there.
Sightseeing boats run a 50‑minute loop course on the lake. From the open deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as they change through the seasons — pale pink wild azaleas in spring, deep blue waters under summer skies, fiery foliage in autumn and snow‑covered peaks in winter.
Near the lake bottom the water temperature stays around 4°C year‑round, creating a habitat for the rare cold‑water fish "himemasu" (kokanee salmon). Local specialty sushi made from this fish has beautiful pale red flesh and a fine, delicate fat content, earning it the nickname "the toro of freshwater fish".
A vast bamboo forest the size of five Tokyo Domes, famous for its magical night illuminations.
A "bamboo safari" experience
This 100‑year‑old bamboo shoot farm opens about 24 ha of bamboo grove to visitors. Around 20,000 culms of moso, madake and other varieties grow here. The ground is covered in wood chips, releasing a pleasant scent with every step, and the sound of the wind rustling the leaves provides natural healing.
In winter, the "Bamboo Winter Lights" event strings up roughly 1,500 bamboo lanterns and projection mapping displays, earning recognition as one of Japan's Night View Heritage sites. A biomass boiler fueled by thinned bamboo provides power and heat, reducing CO₂ emissions and making the farm a model case of sustainable tourism introduced at international conferences.
Relax in a bamboo hammock for a "floating meditation" experience, or sip hot bamboo‑cup soup made from freshly harvested bamboo shoots. At the "Bamboo Night Salon" champagne bar, the green gradations of the forest reflect on your glass, making it feel like you are "drinking the bamboo grove" itself.
A hidden hot spring said to have been protected by Heike fugitives, famous for its snowy igloo festival.
Heike legend and "samurai house" stays
According to legend, survivors of the defeated Taira (Heike) clan fled here after the Battle of Dan‑no‑ura. The townscape still features thatched‑roof farmhouses and wooden bridges across the river. At a 350‑year‑old samurai residence, you can stay overnight and enjoy charcoal‑grilled yamame trout and venison hotpot around a central hearth while listening to recitations of Heike tales.
In winter, the "Kamakura Festival" creates more than 800 snow huts of all sizes along the river and in open spaces around town. At night, candles are lit inside each igloo, turning the white valley into a sea of warm orange lights. Despite temperatures sometimes dropping to –10°C, the area is lively with hot‑air balloon rides, snow BBQs and other photogenic events.
The hot spring water is a weakly alkaline simple spring rich in bicarbonate ions, known as a "skin‑cleansing" bath that gently removes sebum and roughness. Locals traditionally combined bathing with drinking the naturally carbonated cold spring water to care for both the inside and outside of the body.
A "hot spring heaven" with 11 distinct onsen areas dotted along a scenic gorge, plus the famous Momiji Valley Suspension Bridge.
Eleven hot springs and a stamp rally for secret baths
With more than 150 sources and a variety of spring types including simple, bicarbonate and sulfur springs, Shiobara is often called a "hot spring museum". The local tourism association issues stamp books; collect stamps from five different baths and you receive a hand‑carved wooden plaque listing your very own hot spring ranking.
Founded in 1923, "Fudo no Yu" is a mixed outdoor bath right on the riverbank. In spring, fresh greens frame the baths; in autumn, red and yellow leaves; in winter, snow piles up around you. Beneath the tubs, natural carbonated gas bubbles up to create a lightly fizzy "sparkling bath" that promotes circulation and warms you to the core.
From Momiji Valley Suspension Bridge (320 m long), you can take in views of the Nasu mountain range and emerald‑green reservoir. Recognized as a "lover's sanctuary", the bridge attracts up to 5,000 visitors a day during peak foliage season, making it the must‑visit photo spot of the area.
A vast high‑altitude marsh at 1,400 m, crossed by easy boardwalks and renowned for star‑filled night skies.
Myths of warring deities and a treasure trove of science
Legend says the gods of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Akagi fought here over control of the lake, and a lone "Upside‑Down Cedar" tree in the marsh represents a battle banner planted in the ground. Senjogahara is part of a national park and home to rare alpine plants such as cotton grass, meadowsweet and sundew, making it an important site for ecological research.
The main 3.5 km boardwalk route is almost flat, with wheelchair‑friendly sections. Early mornings often bring ground fog, turning the marsh into a series of floating islands in a sea of clouds. From June to July, fluffy white cotton grass covers the marsh like fallen snow, rippling in the breeze to create a dreamy landscape.
At night, Senjogahara is a mecca for star photography. On moonless nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible with the naked eye. Guided "stroll under the stars" tours invite visitors to lie on the boardwalk and gaze up while listening to stories of the constellations; here, your chances of catching a shooting star are unusually high.
A twin‑stream waterfall whose shape resembles the head of a dragon, one of Oku‑Nikko's signature sights.
Two strands of water forming a dragon's beard
Of its total 60 m drop, the last 10 m sees the stream split in two around a central rock. The rock forms the dragon's head while the twin streams become its whiskers, and the spray in the plunge pool is likened to the dragon's breath. The volcanic bedrock causes the water to foam, making the falls look like a frothy latte that photographers jokingly call "waterfall cappuccino".
At the teahouse next to the falls, the specialty is "Ryuzu Manju" buns. Black sesame filling wrapped in bamboo charcoal‑dyed dough evokes dragon scales; the freshly steamed buns are pleasantly chewy. In autumn a limited edition red bean version inspired by the surrounding foliage sells up to a thousand pieces a day.
A riverside trail connects Ryuzu Falls with smaller cascades upstream and eventually Yudaki Falls, making it possible to enjoy a one‑hour "three‑falls hike". Different flowers mark each season — rhododendrons in May, gentians in September and rich fall colors in October — ensuring that every visit feels unique.
A lakeside shrine dedicated to Mt. Nantai and Lake Chuzenji, best known for its spectacular boat festival.
A sacred procession that unfolds on the lake
The highlight of the annual Mt. Nantai Climbing Festival from July 31 to August 7 is the "Ofune Matsuri" boat festival. During the day, a portable shrine is loaded onto a traditional wooden boat and ferried across the lake by a flotilla of 36 rowboats. At night, around 500 fireworks are launched above the water, and their reflections form an enchanting "upside‑down fireworks" display.
Next to the main hall stands the "Meoto Sugi" (married couple cedar), a rare pair of cedar trees whose trunks join at the base. Walking around the trees while holding hands is said to bring blessings for love and marital harmony, and on weekends the line for photos can be quite long.
The inner shrine lies at the 2,486 m summit of Mt. Nantai. The climb includes rocky stretches with chains and loose volcanic gravel, making it a demanding route, but those who reach the top can receive a special "sky‑view goshuin" stamp not available anywhere else. Coffee brewed with sacred spring water at the summit tastes exceptional, and on clear days you can even see Mt. Fuji rising above a sea of clouds.
One of the largest amusement parks in northern Kanto, drawing thrill seekers with its ten major roller coasters.
Roller coasters you can ride with your dog
On special pet‑friendly days, the park operates a "Wan‑coaster" outfitted with miniature seats for small dogs. Wearing protective goggles and secure harnesses, dogs ride alongside their owners — videos of their flapping ears and happy faces often go viral online.
The six‑story "GiGaMo" 3D maze stretches over 1,200 m of pathways. Participants search each level for stamps and earn a limited medal when they complete the full maze, which takes an average of 40 minutes. Emergency exits and shortcut routes are available for those who tire out midway, making it safe for families with small children.
From late July to mid‑August, about two million sunflowers bloom in a maze‑like planting scheme. Viewed from the top of the Ferris wheel, the field reveals a giant smiling face created in flowers. At night, a "Extreme Night Festival" combines fireworks, laser shows and live DJ performances, keeping the excitement going well into the evening.
One of the three great "Yakuyoke" temples of Kanto, attracting around two million visitors a year for misfortune‑warding rituals.
Birthplace of omikuji and a giant rake for good fortune
The temple enshrines a statue of monk Jikaku Daishi from the Heian period and is said to be the birthplace of Japan's first written omikuji fortune slips. At a special booth beside the main hall, you can try the original bamboo‑tube style: shake the tube until a numbered stick falls out, then receive a slip containing classical Chinese verses and interpretations, believed to boost academic luck.
During New Year’s, a massive rake the size of ten tatami mats is displayed in the grounds, symbolically "raking in" good fortune for the year. At the Setsubun bean‑throwing ceremony, local professional baseball players often appear as celebrity guests. The lucky beans are a mix of peanuts and gold‑leaf‑wrapped beans, causing a good‑natured scramble as people try to catch them.
The temple approach is famous for its "imo fry" (deep‑fried potato skewers) and "mimi udon" (ear‑shaped udon noodles). Locals say that biting into the crispy potato and slurping the chewy noodles helps you "crunch and wash away" bad luck, making this combo the classic meal after paying your respects.
Ruins of Japan’s oldest comprehensive academic institution, with origins possibly dating back to the Nara period.
Japan's version of the University of Bologna
The school was revived in the Muromachi period by Uesugi Norizane, drawing about 3,000 monks and sons of samurai from across the country, and became an international center of learning. The Confucius Shrine on the grounds houses Japan's largest seated statue of Confucius, and the annual "Sekiten" ceremony in August involves offerings of gagaku court music and kemari ball‑kicking rituals.
In the scripture storehouse, valuable Chinese classics from the Song and Ming dynasties are kept in a revolving book rack. The idea was that by turning the rack once, you would be able to access all the works you should read in a lifetime — essentially an early "book carousel" system designed for efficient study.
The main garden combines dry garden and pond styles, cleverly incorporating Mt. Orihime as borrowed scenery. In autumn, the entire garden turns into a tapestry of red and gold. Photographers who manage to enter at opening time often dash to secure undisturbed shots of the garden at its most breathtaking.
An underground former quarry 30 m below ground, nicknamed a "giant underground temple" for its awe‑inspiring space.
A 20,000 m² stone labyrinth
The quarry's vast underground cavern covers an area comparable to a baseball stadium, with stone pillars up to 30 m high. Lighting design by Okabayashi Izumi highlights the rough stone textures, creating a space reminiscent of ancient Roman ruins. Even in midsummer, the air stays around 8°C, and your breath may turn white as you speak.
Oya stone, used in Frank Lloyd Wright's original Imperial Hotel, is relatively soft and easy to carve yet highly fire‑resistant. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, it became a key material in reconstruction architecture. The museum exhibits tools once used by stonecutters and architectural parts made from Oya stone.
The space is also rented for concerts and weddings; with a natural reverberation time of over three seconds, a single violin note lingers like droplets echoing around the hall. Many musicians have recorded here to capture this unique "natural reverb," and the site has been used as a filming location for movies such as "Rurouni Kenshin".
A seven‑minute ride to a station at 1,684 m on Mt. Chausu, the gateway to sea‑of‑clouds sunrises and panoramic views.
Entrance to a sky‑high geopark
The ropeway climbs about 877 m from base to summit station, where temperatures are typically around 10°C lower than in the plains. Special early‑morning "sunrise" runs allow visitors to watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds, creating the surreal sensation of floating above an ocean in a landlocked prefecture.
From the summit station, a 40‑minute trail leads to the crater rim of Mt. Chausu. The rough volcanic rock landscape looks almost Martian, and at "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley) strong fumaroles send up plumes of white gas, vividly conveying the volcano's living power.
Autumn foliage begins at the summit in late September and gradually descends the slopes. For about one week, the ropeway cars travel through a three‑layer color gradation of red, yellow and green — a period so short that dedicated "ropeway photographers" from all over Japan gather to capture it.
Japan's largest retarding basin, famous for its controlled burns and as a paradise for wild birds.
The fiery festival of the reed burn
On the second Saturday of every March, reeds across roughly 350 ha are set alight in a traditional management practice. Flames up to 10 m high twist into fire whirls and thick black smoke towers into the sky, creating an overwhelming spectacle that also serves to control pests and encourage fresh spring shoots.
The basin is a Ramsar‑listed wetland and an important stopover for migratory birds such as whooper swans, marsh harriers and little terns. Observation hides placed around the lakeshores are often filled with bird‑watchers armed with spotting scopes and telephoto lenses.
A 28 km cycling loop around Yanaka Lake offers a mostly flat, beginner‑friendly ride. Pedaling along as the lake reflects the sunset and the inverted silhouette of Mt. Akagi provides a gentle workout at about 120 bpm — perfect for those who want a relaxed yet rewarding day out.
A highland farm with free admission where you can enjoy animal encounters, hot springs, flower fields and gourmet food all in one place.
Thick soft‑serve made from freshly milked cows
Every morning at 5 a.m. the Jersey cows are milked, and the milk is processed into soft‑serve within three hours. By keeping the air content below 20%, the ice cream has an exceptionally rich, dense texture. On busy weekends when the line stretches 30 m or more, veteran staff show off high‑speed "two‑handed swirling" skills to keep things moving.
The adventure zone features a 310 m zipline and hot‑air balloon rides up to around 40 m. From the "Sky Terrace" you can take in sweeping views of the Nasu range and the Kanto Plain, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. After dark, illuminated ziplines trace glowing lines through the air.
On‑site hot spring baths use milky white sulfur water. Locals recommend the wellness routine of "bath → milk → farm beer" for a full dose of calcium and relaxation. In spring the poppy fields and in autumn the cosmos fields are opened free of charge and often serve as the venue for dog photo contests.