Chuzenji Temple was established by Shodo Shonin in Nikko-zan in 784. Enshrining Nikko’s oldest Buddha statue, which is six-meters tall and was carved in a standing Japanese judas tree, the temple is a prayer temple (where visitors pray to the Buddha). Juzu, or prayer beads on a string, is one of the ritual items that people use to count how many times they have read a sutra or recited Buddha’s name. According to Siddhartha Gautama, praying to the Buddha repeatedly will remove earthly desires from people and make them happy. Those who visit to pay respect to the temple can join the prayer beads craft workshop. They can choose beads of their taste, made of natural stone and/or natural wood, with a wish in their minds to create a bracelet-shaped juzu. Their juzu becomes nenju when monks offer a prayer at the gomadan (fire ritual platform), and they can take it home as a wearable lucky charm.

Commonly, shakyo and shabutsu involve copying of the whole sutra or the whole image of the Buddha, but at Chuzenji Temple, we have prepared sheets of a sutra and an image that you can finish tracing within 15 to 20 minutes. In 16-character shakyo, you will trace a part of the Kannon Gyo sutra, written in light gray, with a brush pen. In shabutsu, you will trace the central area of the image of the Buddha, drawn in light gray, with a brush pen. In both practices, you will receive blessings by having your mind connected with the Buddha, feel relaxed both mentally and physically, and have the time to familiarize yourself with the Buddha and reflect on yourself. Time thus spent will be a priceless experience for you. After shakyo and shabutsu, you will be given a special red stamp as proof of paying respect to the temple and submitting the sutra/image. ※You can borrow a brush pen from the temple.

Lake Chuzenji is the largest lake in Tochigi， framed by 25 kilometres of incredible nature. The area used to be a popular summer resort for foreigners in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The villas of French and Belgian embassies can still be found here. You can enjoy seasonal charms by the lake. Walking trails surround the water’s edge and there is an excursion boat available on the lake. The views from the lake are spectacular， particularly when the cherry blossoms or azaleas are blooming or when the autumn leaves are turning. The “Koyo-meguri” tour， enjoying autumn leaves reflecting on the lake， is highly recommended.

Located in the Okunikko area, Zen Resort Nikko is an outdoor activity-oriented commercial complex where you can enjoy dining at a restaurant and glamping. The restaurant serves beef hamburger steaks with a wonderful umami taste and texture achieved only because they are made of 100% Wagyu beef. You can also savor a dish featuring Itadakimasu, a brand of freshwater rainbow trout developed in Nikko. The dinner (reservation required) is prix fixe, so you can choose dishes of your preference for each course. Enjoy alcohol beverages and food in the slow flow of time. In addition to accommodation facilities for glamping and camping, Zen Resort Nikko offers a rich lineup of seasonal activities such as SUP for summer and snow activities in winter.

"South No. 4 Classic" café is located on the second floor of the former British Embassy Villa in the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park. From its spacious veranda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji while savoring scones and tea sets supervised by the British Embassy Tokyo's chef. Limited-time and quantity events are held monthly.   〈Menu〉 British Cultural Experience Mini Afternoon Tea A set featuring British Embassy Tokyo's original scones, sandwiches, and tea. Plain and nut (walnut and almond) scones are served with generous portions of locally crafted jam from Tochigi Prefecture and clotted cream. Enjoy this one-plate set of sandwiches and seasonal fruits with premium British tea.   〈About the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park〉 Originally built in 1896 as the private villa of British diplomat Ernest　Satow (1843-1929), this facility has been restored after serving as the　British Embassy villa for many years. The facility features exhibits about its history as an international summer　resort and British culture of the time. From the second-floor veranda,visitors can enjoy the "picture-perfect scenery" of Lake Chuzenji that Satow loved.