Spots List

SL Taiju (Steam Locomotive)

SL Taiju (Steam Locomotive)

A powerful steam locomotive that brings the golden age of railways back to life. Running slowly through the lush valley, the journey in retro carriages is nostalgic for adults and exciting for children. The warm welcome from the locals along the tracks is a hallmark of this train.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine

Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine

A historic shrine that treats the majestic mountain as a sacred object. With sites along the lakeshore and at the summit, the entire natural landscape is considered a holy realm. Surrounded by ancient cedars, it is a powerful spot that cleanses the soul.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nikko-san Rinnoji Temple

Nikko-san Rinnoji Temple

A prestigious temple with over 1,200 years of history that serves as the spiritual center of the mountains. Its main hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in eastern Japan, housing three massive golden Buddha statues. Its grave and solemn beauty offers a spiritual experience distinct from the local shrines.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park

Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park

A park featuring a restored villa used by the Italian Embassy until 1997. The building, which harmonizes perfectly with the lake, features a beautiful exterior made of local cedar bark. The view from the balcony is as stunning as a painting.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

One of Japan's largest wooden buildings, formerly used as a royal summer retreat. The architecture beautifully blends styles from different eras, offering a glimpse into the elegant life of the imperial family. The refined interiors and manicured gardens reflect the height of Japanese aesthetic.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Irohazaka Winding Road

Irohazaka Winding Road

A mountain road with 48 sharp curves connecting the city to the highlands. Famous worldwide as a driving course, the elevation change allows visitors to enjoy a long season of autumn colors. It is one of the most exciting and beautiful roads in Japan.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oku-Kinu Onsen

An ultimate "hidden bath" at the uppermost reaches of the river, where some inns are only accessible by foot. Surrounded by deep beech forests and valleys, the open-air baths allow you to become one with nature under a sky full of stars.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kinugawa Onsen

A major hot spring resort district along a river valley, representing the region's best. In addition to abundant hot springs, it offers river rafting, ropeways, and theme parks. Many inns offer rooms with valley views, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and outdoor fun.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

A world-renowned, lavishly decorated shrine registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dedicated to a great shogun, the buildings feature exquisite carvings, vivid colors, and gold leaf. This masterpiece of Japanese history and art remains one of the most stunning architectural sites in the world.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kinunuma Marsh

One of the highest marshlands in Japan, located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. Accessible only to those who hike for several hours, it is a "paradise in the sky" surrounded by silence and small ponds. It is a dream destination for those who love pure, untouched nature.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Odashirogahara Marshlands

Odashirogahara Marshlands

A vast marshland within a national park that was once a lake. Hiking along the well-maintained wooden paths with a volcanic backdrop is exceptional. Its seasonal colors—from cotton grass in early summer to golden grasses in autumn—are a photographer's dream.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kegon Falls

One of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, where water cascades down a 97-meter cliff. From the observation deck, you can feel the overwhelming power and spray of the falls. Its appearance changes from vibrant autumn colors to a sparkling "ice fall" in winter, making it a masterpiece of nature.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mount Nantai / Lake Chuzenji

Mount Nantai / Lake Chuzenji

A majestic volcano and a beautiful lake at its foot. The mountain is revered as a sacred site, while the lake, located at a high altitude of 1,269 meters, has long been a summer retreat for international diplomats. The scenery reflects the pinnacle of Japanese natural beauty.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nikko Suginamiki (Nikko Cedar Avenue)

Nikko Suginamiki (Nikko Cedar Avenue)

A historic road recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest tree-lined avenue in the world. Thousands of massive cedar trees, planted centuries ago as the approach to a grand shrine, form a majestic corridor that creates a sacred atmosphere for visitors.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Igashira Resort (Igashira Park)

Igashira Resort (Igashira Park)

A green oasis in a vast resort where you can enjoy nature and activities through all four seasons. From Japanese gardens and botanical walks to pools in summer and camping year-round, it is a premier recreation spot for families and friends.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Moka City

A city known for its "SL trains," offering a blend of peaceful rural scenery and historic streets. In spring, the SL runs through cherry blossoms and canola flowers, a sight that attracts many photographers. It is also a famous strawberry-producing region where you can enjoy fruit picking.

Tochigi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bato Onsen-kyo (Bato Hot Spring Village)

Bato Onsen-kyo (Bato Hot Spring Village)

A hot spring resort located on a hill overlooking a river, boasting smooth waters known as the "Baths of Beauty." Soaking in an open-air bath while watching the river glow golden at sunset is a moment of pure bliss. It is a place for those seeking high-quality silence and art.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oya History Museum

Oya History Museum

A massive underground space created from an old stone quarry. Stretching across 20,000 square meters, the atmosphere is like an ancient underground palace or a movie set. The cool, quiet environment with illuminated rock walls offers a surreal experience unlike anywhere else.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bannaji Temple

A historic temple known as the clan temple of a famous samurai family, with its main hall and pagoda protected as national treasures. Surrounded by moats and earthen walls, the grounds preserve the atmosphere of a medieval warrior's residence.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ashikaga Orihime Jinja Shrine

Ashikaga Orihime Jinja Shrine

A beautiful shrine with a vivid vermilion hall standing on a hill overlooking the city. Dedicated to the god of weaving and now famous for "matchmaking," its seven-colored torii gates are highly photogenic. The night view from here is officially recognized as a Japan Night View Heritage site.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tochigi City

A historic district with "Kura" (storehouses) and old merchant houses dating back to the Edo period. You can take a leisurely boat ride on the central river while listening to the boatman’s song, offering a unique perspective of the white-walled architecture.

Tochigi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Watarase Bridge

Watarase Bridge

A beautiful bridge over a river, famous for its sentimental sunset views. As the sun sets, the orange glow on the water and the silhouettes of distant mountains create a poetic atmosphere. It is a peaceful spot to appreciate the beauty found in everyday life.

Tochigi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ashikaga City

A city where history and modernity intersect, once prosperous for its weaving industry. From the oldest school in Japan to beautiful shrines and sunset views over the river, the city offers endless charm. It is a vibrant place that values both its samurai/merchant heritage and contemporary culture.

Tochigi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ashikaga Gakko (Ashikaga School)

Ashikaga Gakko (Ashikaga School)

Known worldwide as "Japan's oldest school," this historical site was once described as the country's largest university. The tranquil grounds, with traditional gates and thatched-roof buildings, preserve the dignity of the ancient academic world.

Tochigi
Sightseeing