Greater Tokyo

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Kawaji Dam

Kawaji Dam

This dam is located along Prefectural Route 23 in Kawaji, Kawajionsen, Nikko City. Completed in 1983, the dam was built along the Kinu River for purposes such as flood control and irrigation. It is the fourth tallest concrete arch dam in Japan. It is considerable force at the time of drainage. At the Kawaji dam museum close to the damsite, it displays the topography model around the dam, a dam model, a construction tool. It has a dining room, the tea room."

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Mt. Ohira

Mt. Ohira

At Mt. Ohira in Tochigi City, you can enjoy seasonal scenery such as a tunnel of cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangea slopes in early summer, and autumn leaves in autumn. Located in the center of Tochigi city, it is a prefectural natural park that was designated in March 1955. From Kenshin-daira near the summit, you can get a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain, and the majestic view of the peaks below floating in mist has earned it the nickname Matsushima on land. From the observation deck you can also see Mt. Tsukuba, and on clear, sunny days you can even see the skyscrapers of Tokyo's subcenter and Mt. Fuji in the distance.

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Moka Momen Kaikan

Moka Momen Kaikan

Moka Momen is a traditional fabric made in Moka City, which is so smooth to the skin that it resembles silk. It reached the height of its popularity during the late Edo period, but the work to create it, from cultivating cotton to spinning, dyeing, and weaving fabric, has been inherited by the Moka Momen Kaikan where even today it is all performed by hand just as it was long ago. In addition to fabric for kimonos, items perfect for everyday use are also produced.

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Mamada Jaga Maita

Mamada Jaga Maita

There is a strange festival which conveys faith in the dragon god called ""Mamada-no Jaga Maita (popularly known as the ""Snake Demon Festival"" that is designated as a national important intangible folk culture asset in Mamada. This event is held before the rice planting to pray to the gods and Buddha for moderate winds, as well as a bumper harvest and the elimination of plagues.   ""Jaga Maita, Jaga Maita, Jaga Maita of April 8!"" These yells echo around the town on the day of the event. This event features 15-meter dragon-head and snake-body animals decorated with fern leaves on the snake body made from bamboo and straw also paraded around the town.   The seven snakes of each district first gather at Mamada Hachimangu Shrine. The snake gathering and purification rites ceremony then takes place. After that, the water of Benten Pond is drunk to the heart's content of the participants before they go around the town again.   This festival was once held on April 8 in Japan's old calendar. However, because the bearers of the event are children of junior high school age and younger, it is now held on May 5 (Children's Day) when the schools are closed.

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CLOVER STEAK HOUSE

CLOVER STEAK HOUSE

Clover Steak House is a restaurant offering dishes prepared with hand-picked ingredients. Standing on a hill, it also boasts a splendid view. Clover Steak House was started in 1990 by four people who believe in the power of delicious meals to make everyone happy. Using French culinary techniques as the base, dishes that customers find truly delicious are prepared through creative ideas and ingredients. The restaurant has a cooking competition which all members enter, and the winner’s meal is featured in the monthly lunch menu.

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WAIN – Vintage Rice Barn in Nasu

WAIN – Vintage Rice Barn in Nasu

Originally built in the early Showa period, this traditional Japanese kura (storehouse) and barn were transformed into a warm and inviting guesthouse through extensive renovations in 2023, designed to comfortably accommodate up to two families (up to 8 guests). While preserving the nostalgic charm of the original architecture, we’ve thoughtfully modernized the facilities, adding two fully equipped bathrooms and kitchens to ensure a spacious and comfortable stay for our international guests. After relocating from Tokyo to embrace a sustainable lifestyle, we now cultivate organic, pesticide-free vegetables that we’re delighted to share with our guests. Set on a sprawling 2000-square-meter garden, the property invites you to enjoy open-air activities: play with our two friendly rescue dogs, explore the grounds, catch insects, or savor a barbecue amidst nature’s beauty. This is a space where modern comfort meets rustic tradition, offering a tranquil countryside retreat.

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TERAYAMA KOSEN (Terayama Hot Spring)

TERAYAMA KOSEN (Terayama Hot Spring)

Toji-ba is a place where people stay for extended periods to undergo therapeutic treatments using hot spring baths. In Japan, this has long been cherished as a traditional method of promoting health and wellness. "Terayama Hot Spring" is said to have healing powers for various ailments. The high-quality spring water, rich in iron, is known as the "Miracle Bath" and comes highly recommended even by medical professionals. When consumed, it is effective in treating anemia, gastrointestinal diseases, and constipation. When used for bathing, it improves blood circulation, promoting detoxification and relieving various types of pain. Furthermore, the meals at the inn are prepared with the intention of "eating healthy and safe food to become energized," and they use organic vegetables grown without pesticides and local wild mountain vegetables. Please visit according to your travel style, whether it's a day trip or an overnight stay.   【About the Hot Spring】 Water color: Reddish brown (after heating) Quality: Ferruginous spring Therapeutic effects: Drinking: Anemia, gastrointestinal diseases, constipation, etc. Bathing: Neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecological diseases, diabetes, atopic dermatitis, etc.

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Shionoyu-onsen Rengetsu

Shionoyu-onsen Rengetsu

Rengetsu stands at the base of the untouched Shiobara Valley with its 30-meter drop. The sound of the stream, comfortable breeze, and panoramic views of the beautiful valley that changes with the season surround Rengetsu to create the finest, out-of-the-ordinary experience. All guest rooms come with a tub filled with natural hot spring water and a view of the beautiful valley. Take your time to fully relax and enjoy our famous “skin beautifying hot spring,” which has a wide variety of health benefits. Rengetsu also features an open-air hot spring bath surrounded by nature, a spacious large indoor bath, and three elaborate private open-air hot spring baths. For dinner, you will be served a kaiseki multi-course meal featuring various local foods and tastes. All these dishes are carefully prepared for your fullest satisfaction using seasonal ingredients that entertain both your eyes and taste buds. Rengetsu also offers the Golf Plan where you can enjoy your stay and golfing at a nearby golf course. 【About the hot spring】 Water color: clear Spring water type: chloride spring water Efficacy: alleviates nerve pains, rheumatism, sensitivity to cold, and fatigue Note: there are private open-air hot spring baths (first-come-first-served basis and no reservation needed)

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Akechidaira Plateau

Akechidaira Plateau

Located near the top of (2nd) Irohazaka Slope, Akechidaira Plateau has sweeping views over a winding road and a dramatic mountain backdrop. This 3-minute long ropeway cable car ride takes you from the Akechidaira Plateau to an observation platform located at 1373m, offering superb panoramic views of the Nikko area, including Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, Mt. Nantai, and the surrounding mountains in the distance. The vista is especially beautiful during the change of colors in the autumn, and during cherry blossom season. It is said this "Akechidaira" area, which offers the best view in all of Nikko, takes its name from Akechi Mitsuhide who assassinated Oda Nobunaga during the famous Honnoji Temple incident."

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Wakayama Farm Bamboo Forest

Wakayama Farm Bamboo Forest

Wakayama Farm is a family farm that has been producing chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and bamboo seedlings over three generations. The spectacular bamboo forest that extends in the 24-hectare land is also popular as a filming location for movies and commercials. Farm visitors can try bamboo shoot harvest and bamboo craft creation in addition to a walk in the bamboo forest. On weekends and holidays, you can enjoy an out-of-ordinary experience including drinking matcha from a bowl made from bamboo and seeing the illuminated bamboo forest at night. The café offers meals that feature the flavor of ingredients grown by farmers in the neighborhood and drinks that are perfect to take on a walk. The farm also has a museum where visitors can learn about the ecology and use of bamboo and a gallery showcasing Japanese bamboo handicrafts. The shop sells agricultural products including bamboo shoots, chestnuts, and blueberries, and also the chestnuts sweet “Oh Kuri” made by thoroughly kneading the nuts of carefully grown chestnuts. You will also find the farm’s original bamboo shoot products such as jars of additive-free boiled bamboo shoots harvested in spring.  

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Ryuzu Falls

Ryuzu Falls

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.

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Kinugawa Onsen

Kinugawa Onsen

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.

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Tochigi Prefectural Central Park

Tochigi Prefectural Central Park

A prefectural park combining Japanese and Western garden design with nature, culture, and disaster-prevention functionsTochigi Prefectural Central Park is located in the center of Utsunomiya City and was created under the theme of “water, greenery, and culture.” Within the park are Western-style sunken gardens, Japanese-style ponds, and multipurpose plazas, which also interact with the neighboring Tochigi Prefectural Museum. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of landscapes, including waterfalls, stone gardens, and the expansive Noh Stage Plaza with its modern fountain pool. Seasonal flowers and meticulously maintained lawns add to the park’s charm. The park also features the “Midori no Shōkansho” (Green Consultation Office), which regularly holds exhibitions and workshops, providing advice on gardening and tree care for citizens. This space serves as a multipurpose area for relaxation, recreation, and environmental education. As a disaster-prevention park, it also has emergency response functions, making it an important part of daily life for local residents.

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Snow Peak KANUMA Campfield & Spa

Snow Peak KANUMA Campfield & Spa

"Snow Peak KANUMA Campfield & Spa" is a camping ground consisting of 91 sites. It caters to various needs and camping styles, and offers rental of all necessary camping equipment, allowing you to enjoy camping without bringing your own gear. You can also enjoy open-air baths and sauna at the hot spring facility, as well as use the wooden deck and grassy area where you can eat meals purchased for takeout. Indulge in shopping at our store, where you can find locally sourced products and Snow Peak gear, and savor freshly-ground, hand-made soba noodles at "Kaminanma Soba Ryugai," a restaurant serving up delicious local ingredients.

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Nakamura Hachimangu Shrine Grand Festival

Nakamura Hachimangu Shrine Grand Festival

Hachimangu Shrine and the Samurai's Origin Nakamura Hachimangu Shrine is one of the eight shrines enshrining the god Hachiman in the Northern Kanto region. It is said that the Hachiman is is the guardian deity of the Minamoto clan warriors, so a legendary samurai called Minamoto no Yoshiie, the common ancestor of the shoguns of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Ashikaga Takauji, came here to pray for his victory.   After the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate by Yoritomo, he attacked the Fujiwara clan of Oshu, which was then in northeastern Japan. Nakamura Munemura, the lord of the Nakamura County, fallowed Yoritomo's army, was rewarded to be the lord of the Date County of Oshu. Munemura has been seen as the ancestor of Date Masamune. The birth of Yabusame ceremony In 1736, Date Yoshimura, the 5th Daimyo of  Sendai Domain, just ended his "Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance)" and prepared to go back to his domin. Before he arrived in Sendai, Yoshimura came here and donated his horse to the god. In order to commemorate this event, the Yabusame Ceremony is held every year at the Annual Grand Festival.   Archers dress in samurai's hunting attire and ride on horseback, then shot at the target on the left on their horses. The whole ceremony is accompained by the thumping sound of taiko, which makes the ceremony very energetic.

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