Overview of the Furukawa Ashio History Museum Ashio Copper Mine is one of the most important copper-producing sites in Japanese history. Discovered during the Sengoku period (1550), it was later mined under the direct control of the Edo shogunate. It once served as an essential source of material for Kan’ei Tsūhō, the currency of the time. As output later declined, the mine was taken over by the Furukawa family during the Meiji period. Due to advances in technology, new ore veins were found, and under the then national policy of enriching the country and strengthening the military, the mine prospered, making the Furukawa family magnates of the mining industry.   The Furukawa Ashio History Museum tells the stirring story of that industrial dawn. In addition to models of the Ashio Mining Office and stories of successive managers, it also exhibits the various tools used by miners in those days, recounting the history of the Ashio area.

In 1870, Dr. James C. Hepburn, an American medical missionary, visited Nikko and stayed at the house of Zenichiro Kanaya, who was a member of Gagaku (an ancient imperial court music) orchestra of the Toshogu Shrine. Foreseeing an increase in the number of foreign tourists to Nikko, Dr. Hepburn suggested that Kanaya open a hotel for foreigners. Following Hepburn’s advice, Zenichiro remodeled his house and opened “Kanaya Cottage Inn” in 1873.   Kanaya’s house was originally a residence of samurai warriors during the Edo period. For its unique architectural characteristics, Kanaya Cottage Inn was called “Samurai House” by its foreign guests.   In 1893, Zenichiro relocated his business and opened “Kanaya Hotel” on the top of the hill that overlooks the River Daiya. It was Japan’s first full-fledged western-style resort hotel and has been in operation at the same place to date.   The Kanaya Samurai House and warehouse were registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2014 and opened to the public as the Kanaya Hotel History House in 2015.

The Nasu Teddy Bear Museum exhibits teddy bears created by 100 artists from all over the world in order to further cultivate teddy bear culture. The museum building is modeled after a British manor house. You’ll find a collection that includes “artist bears” based on artists from around the world, as well as antique bears and Teddy Edward, the teddy bear that has traveled the most around the world. There are also planned exhibitions. The teddy bear museum features the works of Studio Ghibli into the museum as well as famous teddy bears. One of the museum highlights is the full-sized Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro. Unlike the Ghibli Museum that can only accommodate small children on the cat bus, even adult tourists can hop on and take pictures of this iconic bus. In addition, there’s a museum shop with a variety of teddy bear goods, as well as a tea room with teddy bear-themed menu items."

One of the Imaichi area’s most popular events is its annual fireworks display， Over 5000 Shot Fireworks， which various types of fireworks decorate the night sky over the Daiya River.  

This classic hotel resort hotel was established in 1878 and represents Japan. Please relax and enjoy our fusion of Japanese and Western cultures.

Koshigoe Fishing Port is located in the south-western part of Kamakura City, a place famous for seafood from Sagami Bay. Many of the restaurants here use the local seafood in their dishes. The fishing port is open to the public so come and not only enjoy the seafood but also the famous Enoshima and world heritage site, Mt. Fuji!

Kodosan Hon-Butsuden is a Buddhist temple built on Mt. Kodo with a commanding view of the urbanized international port city Yokohama and its Minato Mirai district. The temple has a two-story pagoda, Shariden hall, main hall and other halls within its grounds atop the mountain, and 250 cherry trees fill with blossoms in spring.

Steak House Jyuraku serves Tochigi Wagyu. Tochigi Wagyu is a Japanese Black breed carefully raised in the grand nature of Tochigi. It is brand beef that has received the Award of Excellence many times at the national Wagyu fair in Japan. The steak house purchases Tochigi Wagyu directly from its producers and thus has full confidence in the meat quality. You will never forget the fine and delicate meat texture and its aromatic fat once you try it. Jyuraku’s recommendation is A5 Tochigi Wagyu steak. The Sirloin has beautiful marbling, a rich taste, and a texture that melts in your month. The Fillet is red meat that is very tender and moist. Please come and try the Wagyu steak that Jyuraku proudly presents.

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)

This modern art museum was created by transforming an old rice stone warehouse, redesigned by internationally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma. The building itself is a beautiful space composed of stone, water, and light, making it not only a cultural site but also a popular photo spot. In winter, as the daylight fades, the lights from each building—divided by a flowing waterway—create a magical and dreamy atmosphere, offering a breathtaking seasonal view. Kengo Kuma (born 1954) is one of Japan’s most celebrated architects, known for projects such as the Nezu Museum in Aoyama, Tokyo, and GINZA KABUKIZA. More recently, he gained worldwide recognition for designing the new National Stadium in Tokyo. His architectural style, which features natural materials and lattice designs, is highly praised both in Japan and abroad. After a renewal in November 2024, the museum reopened with several new features. A café now adjoins the entrance, offering drinks brewed by a professional barista using an espresso machine. The revamped “Stone Lounge” invites visitors to relax while enjoying furniture designed by Kengo Kuma. The roof of the main gallery—the largest of the museum’s three historical stone warehouses—has also been renovated using Ashino stone, the same material as the building’s exterior. The entrance area is freely accessible without an admission ticket, allowing guests to enjoy shopping or a casual drink even without entering the exhibition area.

One of the biggest Satsuki Bonsai Festivals in Japan is held from the end of May to the beginning of June. Kanuma is Japan's ultimate source of Kanuma soil, and Bonsai made with Kanuma soil are famous. Among many kinds of Bonsai, be sure to see the Satsuki Azaleas. They are a single tree whose blossoms are mysterious and beautiful and whose flowers have various colors and shapes. During the festival is being held, there are numerous events, such as Satsuki workshop and present of Satsuki saplings, a music concert, and a folk entertainment.

The town of Nogi is a popular tourist spot thanks to its beautiful flowers and the Nogi-machi Brick Kiln. The town hosts a summer “Sunflower Festival” in late July. Visitors can enjoy walking through 4.3 hectares of fields where two hundred thousand sunflowers are in full bloom.

In Tsurumi, a lot of people hailing from Okinawa moved into the area around the Nakadori Shopping Street. It’s called “Little Okinawa” as a result. Shops serving Okinawa Soba, Okinawan Cuisine, and Okinawan products line the street.

The Headland, a T-shaped pier and the Boardwalk, an estimated 1km long promenade, are places where the locals relax, have a walk or a jog. Here, you can enjoy the sea breeze while gazing at the magnificent scenery of the Sagami Bay. This is a place where you can also see the Eboshi Rock at its largest, and is a local recommendation to visitors of Chigasaki.

Dive into Waterfalls and Pools – Experience the Wonders of Nature In the Kinugawa Onsen area, one of the most popular outdoor activities is canyoning, offered by the NAOC team. Equipped with professional gear, participants slide down natural waterslides, jump into pools, and climb through streams, immersing themselves in the untouched beauty of the Kinugawa Gorge. From splashing waterfalls to thrilling plunge pools, exciting challenges await at every turn, making it one of the most sought-after summer adventures. The activity lasts about three hours and includes free transportation, full equipment, and friendly guidance, making it suitable for families and beginners. Held annually from June to October, it’s an unforgettable way to challenge yourself and connect with nature during the summer season.

The Lake Chuzenji Boat House comprises buildings restored precisely from the time they were built as the waterfront resort around 1950 by the Chuzenji lakeside known for its prosperous history as an international summer resort. It is a recess facility to enjoy the rich nature and water of the lakeside as well as enjoying the relaxing moment in the beautiful landscape of Lake Chuzenji.

Nasu Bettei KAI is a ten-guest-room hot spring inn on 6,600m2 of land surrounded by lush green forests. It is right near the Nasu Imperial Villa and stands at the foot of the Nasu Mountain Range in Nikko National Park. The interior, furnished using traditional Japanese materials, is functional and matches the modern lifestyle to provide comfort to guests. All guest rooms come with a tub filled with natural hot spring water from the local historic spring source, Omaru Hot Spring. Guests are invited to enjoy the bath anytime while feeling the season of Nasu. For dinner, you will be served a satoyama kaiseki multi-course meal, cooked to perfection to bring out the taste of ingredients such as Tochigi Wagyu raised on the land of Nasu, ayu fish harvested from the clear Naka River, and fresh farm products. Nasu Bettei KAI is a very special inn that maintains connections with the local history, culture, and personality. 【About the hot spring】 Water color: clear Spring water type: simple spring water Efficacy: beautifies skin, alleviates nerve pain, sensitivity to cold, sore muscles, fatigue, and so on