Greater Tokyo

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Mt. Kongo Fire-walking Sadhana

Mt. Kongo Fire-walking Sadhana

At Mt. Kongo Zuihoji Temple in Furumine, the "Fire-Walking Sadhana Festival" is held on the last Sunday on May, for burning away afflictions, warding off bad luck, and praying for family safety. The ceremony begins with the sound of a shugenja (mountain ascetic) blowing a trumpet shell, followed by the performance of the axe, bow, and sword, and then the flames of the goma are extinguished.   While sutra chanting echoes, shugenjas and participants walk barefoot on the path, praying for protection from bad luck, safety in the home, and the fulfillment of various wishes.   After the ceremony, shugenjas would share tributes (like deserts, sake) with people, which means sharing happiness with each others.  

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Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

This villa and garden used to be a retreat for the imperial prince in the 19th century. In the year 2000, they were opened to the public after renovation works. The residence, combining architectural styles of different periods, is well worth visiting. Located close to the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”, it is easily accessible. Take a walk in the garden with seasonal charms and 100 years of majestic history. After the historic tour, relax at the teahouse serving popular Japanese treats such as a bowl of maccha. English audio guides are available.

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Jakko Falls

Jakko Falls

Tracing the spiritual site founded by Kobo Daishi — listen to the murmurs of flowing water in the quiet forest Jakko Falls is located in Nikko City’s Chugawa area. With a height of about 50 meters and a width of 6 meters, it cascades down in seven tiers. The surrounding forest is lush, and the mountain trail offers a deeply serene atmosphere, earning its reputation as a hidden scenic spot known only to locals. The site was once home to the ancient Jakko-ji Temple, said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi in 820 AD. During the Meiji era, due to the government’s separation of Buddhism and Shintoism, the temple was converted into Jakko Shrine, and religious legends are still passed down today. Along the trail to the waterfall lies the massive Ikeishi Stone, shrouded in dense forest, adding a mystical aura to the site. From Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, it takes about a 20-minute walk to reach the falls, making it a perfect spot for hiking and enjoying seasonal scenery, especially during spring and autumn.

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Yoshimura Nouen

Yoshimura Nouen

Since its establishment in 1986, Yoshimura Nouen has been devoting itself to producing strawberries that make everyone fall in love, enjoy, and smile. It is also producing a unique blend of soil, which is indispensable for growing tasty strawberries. In its 30 greenhouses, strawberries that fit the preference of the times are produced with innovative efforts, and visitors can enjoy picking a wide variety of strawberries there. You can taste the difference of not only rare breeds but also breeds that represent Tochigi, including Tochiotome, Skyberry, and Tochi-Aika. To make strawberry picking enjoyable to more people, the farm has created a walkway wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs. In 2023, the farm also created a café space.

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Stone Museum in Ashino, Nasu

Stone Museum in Ashino, Nasu

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.

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Takinoo-jinja Shrine

Takinoo-jinja Shrine

About a kilometer from Futarasan-jinja Shrine stands Takinoo-jinja Shrine, standing quietly amid the cedar trees. The atmospheric Takinoo-jinja is a popular place to pray for a successful marriage, pregnancy or birth, but people also come in search of more general luck. According to the legend, if you throw a coin through the small hole atop the torii gate at the entrance, you’ll be blessed with good fortune—but you only get three tries, so aim carefully."

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Yakumo Shrine

Yakumo Shrine

Founded in 1192, Yakumo Shrine is affectionately called “Yakumo-sama” by local residents, reflecting its deep ties with the community. The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and visitors pray here for physical health, recovery from illness, safe travels, and protection from misfortune. Worshippers even come from afar to pay their respects. In addition to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the shrine also enshrines Daikoreishin (Hosokawa Okimoto, the founder of the Mogi branch of the Hosokawa clan) as an associated deity. Within the shrine office and the Shushuden Hall (a resting place for parishioners), visitors can see displays of historical materials, including the armor helmet once bestowed upon the Hosokawa clan by Oda Nobunaga. Yakumo Shrine is also known as the guardian shrine of traffic safety and is closely associated with “TWIN RING MOTEGI.” During major motor races, both staff and drivers come to pray here for victory and safety.

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Kinugawa Okashino Shiro (Dessert Castle)

Kinugawa Okashino Shiro (Dessert Castle)

From popular sweets to outdoor activities — a delicious and relaxing stop on your hot spring tripKinugawa Okashino Shiro is a multi-purpose tourist facility that combines Japanese and Western sweets, cafés, and hands-on experiences. Inside, more than 30 varieties of handmade sweets are available, including seasonal fried bread, natural shaved ice, and other popular items, making it the perfect spot to buy souvenirs or enjoy sweet treats. The facility also includes “KINU COFFEE” café and “FUN GARDEN” outdoor space, where you can enjoy freshly grilled skewers, cakes, barbecues, and seasonal activities. Visitors can even take part in a dorayaki (red bean pancake) making workshop, adding an enjoyable hands-on element to the trip.

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MATSUKAWAYA NASU KOGEN HOTEL

MATSUKAWAYA NASU KOGEN HOTEL

Located on a hilltop in Nasu Onsen, Matsukawaya Nasu Kogen Hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the majestic Nasu natural landscape and the pleasure of bathing in 100% natural hot spring water.   The hot springs are sourced from two different springs: "Shika no Yu," which has a history of over 1,380 years since its discovery, and "Oku no Sawa Gensen," a mild acidic hot spring that is gentle on the skin. There are also private baths made with local stone materials, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs in a private space.   Enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons: fresh green leaves in spring and summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow-covered landscapes in winter.   【About the Hot Spring】 Water color: ・Shika-no-Yu Gensen : Milky white ・Oku-no-Sawa Gensen : Clear Spring quality: ・Shika-no-Yu Gensen : Simple acidic sulfur hot spring ・Oku-no-Sawa Gensen : Simple sulfur hot spring Therapeutic effects: Neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecological diseases, dermatological diseases, fatigue recovery, etc.

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กริลล์แอนด์สเต็ก เมียวเง็ตสึโบ (Grill&Steak Myogetsubo)

กริลล์แอนด์สเต็ก เมียวเง็ตสึโบ (Grill&Steak Myogetsubo)

เมียวเก็ตสึโบ (Myogetsubo) เป็นร้านอาหารที่เชี่ยวชาญด้านสเต็กและปิ้งย่าง ตั้งอยู่ในอาคารที่ได้รับการปรับปรุงใหม่จากที่พักเดิมของวัดนิกโกซังรินโนจิ ซึ่งมีประวัติศาสตร์ยาวนานกว่า 1,250 ปี สิ่งที่ไม่ควรพลาดของที่นี่คือสเต็ก “โทชิงิวากิว” เนื้อวากิวคุณภาพสูงจากญี่ปุ่น โทชิงิวากิวเป็นเนื้อวัวขนดำที่มีเกรด A4 ขึ้นไป โดยวัวจะถูกเลี้ยงในสภาพแวดล้อมธรรมชาติที่สมบูรณ์แบบของจังหวัดโทชิงิ ทำให้เนื้อวัวสายพันธุ์นี้ได้รับรางวัลคุณภาพยอดเยี่ยมระดับประเทศ 2 ปีซ้อน ลองลิ้มรสเนื้อโทชิงิวากิวในบรรยากาศที่ล้อมรอบไปด้วยมรดกโลก พร้อมสัมผัสความสง่างามของอดีตในช่วงเวลาที่หรูหราและเงียบสงบ

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Mobility Resort Motegi Firework Festival

Mobility Resort Motegi Firework Festival

Motorsports theme park “Mobility Resort Motegi” holds the “Mobility Resort Motegi Fireworks Festival” every summer and winter. The fireworks will be accompanied by music, and visitors can enjoy the vibrant fireworks from a close distance, immersing themselves in a feast for both the eyes and the ears. Mobility Resort Motegi has a variety of amusement facilities, restaurants, and other facilities that can keep you played all day long. Please refer to the official website for more information on ticket sales for the fireworks festival.

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