Three-day World Heritage tour of Nikko and Standup paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Chuzenji

Nikko is home to 3 of the 5 ice houses or “Himuro” that currently exist in all of Japan.
(“Hi” means “ice”，”muro” means “room”.)
The other ice houses are found in Chichibu and Karuizawa.
Nikko’s natural water is frozen for 2 weeks and preserved in an ice room year round.
The shaved ice is soft and won’t give you a headache even if you eat it quickly!
Each shop in Nikko has its own shaved ice specialty.
Try ujikintoki with maccha (powdered green tea)，syrup and bean jam on top.
Maybe strawberry or melon syrup is more your style? Why not try them all!

Nikko, the land where the gods lives.

Nikko has been an important area for “Mountain Beliefs” since the Japanese monk Shodo Shonin became the founder of Nikko in 766. Many temples and shrines have been established in the Nikko area, making Nikko an extremely important center of faith and a place where spiritual energy meets.

After Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Edo Shogunate, was named “Tosho Daigongen” and buried in Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shinto Shrine, Nikko was honored and cared for by the Shogunate, and became a well-known religious shrine. With the support of the Shogunate, many of Nikko’s temples were properly maintained, and even the carvings on the buildings are lavish and beautiful, crystallizing the traditional craftsmanship of the whole of Japan.

World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”

The “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”, which was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1999, consists of three temples and shrines, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Shrine, and has a total of 103 buildings (9 National Treasures and 94 Important Cultural Properties).

Nikkō Tōshō-gū is famous for honoring Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, and there are many splendid and delicate carvings inside the shrine, which are said to be the masterpieces of the best craftsmen from all over Japan. Today, this traditional art has been passed down from the descendants of these craftsmen to the local Nikko traditional art of Nikko Bori (Nikko carving).

Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple, originally founded by Shodo Shonin, has a long history in Nikko. In addition to the main hall of the temple, which is known for being the largest wooden complex in the entire Eastern Japan region, the “Taiyuin Temple,” dedicated to Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Edo Shogunate, also attracts travelers with its intricate and beautiful carvings.

Nikko Futarasan Shrine was also built by Shodo Shonin and has been called “Shimono Province’s first Shrine (present-day Tochigi Prefecture)” since ancient times. In addition to managing Mt. Nantai, which is a symbol of mountain beliefs, Nikko Futarasan Shrine also holds the “Yayoi Festival” every year, which symbolizes the visit of spring to the Nikko area and is a must-see festival for tourists.

In the temple town of Nikko’s World Heritage Site, Shrines and Temples of Nikko, there are many attractive restaurants that can be enjoyed even at night. They offer a wide variety of menus, from traditional Japanese cuisine to creative dishes, and offer exquisite dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Please spend a special time with local sake and specialty products in a warm atmosphere.

Discovered more than 300 years ago， these venerable Onsen were open only to monks and daimyo samurai visiting Nikko at that time. Since opening to the public in late 19th century， the hot springs have had many visitors and developed into a great spa resort. The hot spring water is smooth and gentle on the skin with a light alkalinity， and is thought to help nerve pain and stiff shoulders， relieve tiredness and promote good health. There srounded many theme parks or sightseeing spots， and good place for the base to go sightseeing in Nikko.

Edo is the former name of Tokyo used until the late 19th century. This theme park authentically recreates town life in the Edo period. The huge village consists of rows of merchant houses， a samurai mansion， a Ninja village and much more. The culture of the Edo period comes alive through the townspeople and events， you can even put on a costume and join in yourself! The cultural park offers a real experience of the life and culture of the Edo period via their seven theatres， museums on history and culture and even Edo-style restaurants.

Just a 2-minute walk from Lake Chuzenji and a 4-minute drive from Ryuzu Falls. Famous for its French cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients and the outdoor spa with a “Soraburo” onsen. Enjoy a superior balcony- or deck-view of Lake Chuzenji from any room.

Sup! Sup! offers a unique standup paddle-boarding yoga experience and a memorable guided tour of the beautiful nature surrounding Nikko’s Lake Chuzenji. We have plans for both beginners and experienced guests!
（Please make reservations via our website)

Ryuzu Falls cascades 210 metres down 10-metre wide terraces of volcanic rock from a historic eruption of Mount Nantai. The name “Ryuzu” (dragon’s head) comes from the presence at the base of the falls where a huge rock splits the waterfall in two. The area is popular for its stunning views of red and purple azalea blossoms from May to June as well as the autumnal red leaves in late September. The viewing platform offers the best view of the waterfall surrounded by the colours of the season. Ryuzu Falls is a popular location for visitors and is known as one of the five best falls in Nikko，along with Kegon Falls，Kirifuri Falls，Urami Falls， and Yudaki Falls.

A peaceful Onsen town on the northern shore of Lake Yunoko, situated in the heart of Nikko National Park. It is said that the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, who first built a temple in Nikko about 1200 years ago to introduce Buddhism to the area discovered the Onsen. The milky-white sulphur-infused water is said to help with neuralgia and rheumatism. You can try it out in the foot bath known as “Anyo-no-yu” available free of charge in the town.(Closed for winter)

Taking in the tranquil landscape of the lake and mountains beyond clouds of steam, the Onsen provides a relaxing soak in the midst of some great nature.

This branch temple of Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple was founded in 784 by Shodo， the first head priest of Nikko. The wooden statue for which it’s named—which represents Kannon， the thousand-armed goddess of mercy—is said to have been carved by Shodo himself. The temple is also home to several historically significant Buddha statues. It is also the 18th stop on the 33 Kannon Temple Bando Pilgrimage route， so many pilgrims visit to see it.“

Kegon Falls is the most famous of Nikko’s 48 waterfalls. Water from Lake Chuzenji falls 97 metres straight down to the rocks below creating a dynamic and artistic work of nature. A special lift takes visitors to the basin where the force and roar of the water can be witnessed close up!

Kegon Falls offers stunning views every season. Deep green in early summer, red and yellow leaves in autumn.
in winter, the water freezes as it drops creating beautiful ice shapes almost like beautiful pieces of art.

Kanuma’s native species of brown buckwheat has characteristically small seeds with a relatively thick, aroma-rich hull. Grown to full ripeness in Kanuma’s large, rainy forests, it has a profound flavor.
Kanuma soba is prepared using locally-sourced water and buckwheat flour, giving it a unique sweetness and aroma that are popular among its fans. Soba is a staple food in Kanuma, and nira soba was born out of the local tradition of using nira (garlic chives) to both add volume to and spice up their soba.

Yatai-no-Machi Central Park is home to the Yatai Museum， Tourism and Local Products Centre and “Kikusuien”， one of three famous gardens in Kanuma. The Yatai Museum’s exhibits include three hand-carved wooden floats – official local cultural properties – and videos on the Kanuma Autumn Festival which is designated an Important Folk Cultural Property. Take a close look at elaborate carvings on the floats and learn about the history of this famous festival.

Built in the early 1900s， “Kikusuien” was known as one of three outstanding gardens in Kanuma at that time. Many cultural elites such as Sumio Kawakami (a printmaker) visited and loved this Japanese garden. Nowadays many people come to the restored garden for its fantastic autumn leaves in late November.

The Tourism and Local Products Centre is a hub for tourism offering a selection of brochures about destinations in Kanuma in addition to a wide range of local products. At the Konjac café， visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes hand made from the local all-natural Konjac potatoes.