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Nasu Onsen

Nasu Onsen

Nasu Onsen-kyo is a spread out hot spring resort on the slopes of Mt. Nasudake,the main peak of the Nasu mountains. The origin of the Onsen-kyo is “Shikanoyu” discovered in the 7th century.The “Shikanoyu(deer spring)” was named after locals witnessed an injured deer completely heal after jumping into the steaming pool. It's been renowned for its healing powers ever since. Historic visitors include Yoritomo Minamoto,a great samurai of 12th century,and Basho Matsuo,a famous poet of 17th century. Onsen styles vary from modern hotels in the highland to traditional wooden baths where you can try bathing in more than one spot to feel the difference.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple

Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple

The history of the Nikko-zan Rinno-Ji Temple started over 1250 years ago, when Shodo Shonin (Saint Shodo), who firstly served as the head priest of Nikko, founded the Shihonryuji Temple. Sanbutsudo Hall is one of the largest wooden architectures in Nikkosan, and houses Buddhist statues respectively symbolizing honchibutsu (original Buddhist divinity), of the holy three mountains in Nikko, such as Senju-Kannon (Kannon with a thousand arms: honchibutsu of Mt. Nantai), Amidanyorai (Amitabha Tathagata: honchibutsu of Mt. Nyoho), and Bato-Kannon (Kannon with a horse head: honchibutsu of Mt. Taro), are 8m tall.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Arai Castle Ruins Park

Arai Castle Ruins Park

Surrounded by bamboo groves, this quiet park is a place for relaxation. In spring, a weeping cherry blossom party is held when the trees are in bloom. The contrast of pink and green during the day and the weeping cherry blossoms illuminated at night are fantastic. The trees are usually illuminated in late March or early April. Please check before you go.The weeping cherry blossoms are usually lit up from late March to early April. We recommend that you check before visiting.

Nature & Views Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Hiking Trails in Hakone with a Volunteer Guide

Hiking Trails in Hakone with a Volunteer Guide

For those seeking solace in Hakone's nature, those fascinated by its terrain and history, and those eager to enjoy hiking—check out this course tailored to your personal preferences and fitness level, and adjust the course itself day-of according to weather and your physical condition.Come and experience Hakone's charm at a relaxed, leisurely pace, without overexertion. The following hiking course examples can be walked in either direction, or you can choose to walk all or just part of them.Easy:① Lake Ashi Lakeside Stroll (Hakone Checkpoint - Onshi Hakone Park - Hakone Shrine - Hakone-en Park - Kuzuryu no Mori Park - Kojiri)② Sengokuhara Grasslands Stroll (Hakone Visitor Center - Kojiri Water Gate - Former Farming and Grazing Site - Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands)③ Old Kamakura Road Stone Buddha Tour (Ashinoyu - Shojingaike Pond - Rokudo Jizo Statues)Moderate:④ Stone-paved Old Tokaido Road Stroll (Motohakone - Amazake Chaya - Hatajuku)⑤ Two Waterfall Tour (Hatajuku - Hiryu Falls - Yusaka Trail - Chisuji Falls - Kowakudani)Hard:⑥ Mt. Kintoki Climb (Popular among hikers)⑦ Mt. Kamiyama (Hakone's highest peak) and Mt. Komagatake Climb (Ropeway available)⑧ Mt. Myojingatake and Mt. Myojogatake Climb (The mountains for Gora's Daimonji-yaki - lighting torches to in the shape of the character Dai)

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Mount Nantai

Mount Nantai

Mount Nantai is one of the representative peaks of the Nikko Mountains, standing at 2,486 meters. Towering over the northern shore of Lake Chuzenji, it offers magnificent scenery. Since ancient times, the mountain has been revered as a sacred object of worship. At its summit stands the Okumiya Shrine of Futarasan Shrine. Mount Nantai is also called “Futarasan.” The name “Futarasan” originates from the Buddhist term “Fudaraku.” Every year, a mountain-opening festival is held on July 31, and from midnight on August 1, many worshippers begin their pilgrimage from Futarasan Shrine’s Chugu Shrine, heading toward the summit to greet the sunrise. In addition, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, and the surrounding grasslands and fields at the foot of Mount Nantai were all formed by volcanic activity of the mountain. The official climbing season runs annually from April 25 to November 11. Starting from Futarasan Shrine’s Chugu Shrine, the climb to the summit takes about 6 to 8 hours round-trip. ※Climbing fee is 1,000 yen per person.※Reception hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.※Entry is not permitted after 12:00 noon.※Please bring your own bear bell.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
THE RITZ-CARLTON, NIKKO

THE RITZ-CARLTON, NIKKO

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, the luxury hotel in Nikko National Park, is the first Ritz-Carlton where guests can enjoy a hot spring. Baths source hot spring water from the historic Nikko Yumoto Onsen. Its soft, milky warm water makes you feel the blessing of the nature of Okunikko. Each suite features a private balcony from which you can enjoy the view of scenic Lake Chuzenji and majestic Mount Nantai, both of which are the symbols of Nikko National Park. You will be sure to lose track of time in these spacious guest rooms, which come with a traditional engawa porch and the décor that blends minimalist and traditional Japanese styles together. For dinner, you can have a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal prepared with fresh ingredients produced in Tochigi Prefecture for you to explore the intricate world of Japanese cuisine. The hotel, being amid the grand nature of Nikko, also offers activity programs including hiking and skiing. 【About the hot spring】 Water color: milky white Spring water type: hydrogen sulfide-type simple sulfur spring water Efficacy: alleviates nerve pain, joint pain, and fatigue, and boosts skin metabolism by removing substances causing atopy Note: people wearing a fashion tattoo are permitted

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Japan Heritage Certification (Oyama Shrine Visit)

Japan Heritage Certification (Oyama Shrine Visit)

Mount Oyama has long been firmly believed to be a mountain of spirits. During the most prosperous period of Edo, 200,000 people were recorded to visit this mountain every year. Back then, shrine visiting, beginning with the pilgrimages to Ise Shrine, was extremely popular among the people. Among the many travel destinations, Oyama was loved by many for being only two or three days away from the cities of Edo. A popular route was to have fun at Enoshima after visiting Oyama. This sight was portrayed in the classic rakugo, Oyama Mairi. In April 2016, Oyama Mairi qualified as a Japanese heritage.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA