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■Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine (World heritage)

This shrine, which still attracts large numbers of worshippers today, is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the long-reigning Tokugawa shogunate. Yomei-mon Gate, one of Japan's most magnificent national treasures, is especially breathtaking in winter because sunlight reflected by the snow shows all of the stunning woodwork's exquisite detail. Worshippers come to this shrine from all over Japan, and various festivals and other events are held year-round.

Features such as the upside-down pattern on one of Yomei-mon's pillars (called the “upside-down pillar that wards off evil spirits”) and the different pattern of the topmost level of the shrine's pagoda reflect the Japanese belief that anything that is completed immediately begins getting old: These features make the shrine unfinished and therefore ageless. The uniquely Japanese atmosphere and lush greenery of the shrine grounds will be a soothing, relaxing experience you'll never forget.

■Nikkosan Rinno-ji Temple (World heritage)

The wood pillars are coated with over 30 layers of lacquer.

The temple contains three “gohonzon” shrines to which the faithful come to pray for the welfare of their families and the safety of the nation. The building's 25-meter-tall pillars are each made from a single tree and coated with over 30 layers of lacquer. The best time of year to visit is in the fall or winter.

■Futarasan Shrine

Known for “monster stone lanterns” bearing the marks of sword cuts made by warriors who mistook them for monsters in the dark.

Located next to Tosho-gu Shrine, this shrine is said to be the oldest structure on Mt. Nikko. The shrine is also famous for its copper-tiled of front shrine, and eight-gabled roof of main shrine. The “monster stone lanterns” bear the sword marks of samurai warriors who mistook them for monsters and sliced at them in the darkness.

■Shinkyo Bridge

The Beautiful Legendary “Snake” Bridge That Marks the Front Entrance to Nikko

Considered one of the three most unique bridges in all Japan, the Shinkyo Bridge is also a registered World Heritage site. According to legend, in ancient times the benevolent god Jinsha first made a bridge here with two giant snakes—one red, one green—to ferry pilgrimaging monks across the gorge.

■Bake-Jizo : Stone Statues

Located 1km/0.6mile upstream from the Shinkyo bridge, very interesting historical stone statues are lined up.
The name of Bake-jizo derives from a story; if you count stone statues from left to right and from right to left, there never comes up the same number. legendary, the statues move to change places from time to time.

■Tamozawa Imperial Villa Park

The Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park (Former Tamozawa Imperial Villa) was built in 1899 for the purpose of the Emperor of Taisho's rest.
Emperor Taisho had spent the time in every summer season since 1925. Moreover, Emperor Showa and Empress Koujun also stayed there.

■Akechidaira Ropeway

Enjoy the stunning view from Nikko's number-one vantage point.

From Akechidaira, located near the end of the No. 2 Irohazaka road, take the Akechidaira Ropeway for a 3-minute ride to the top. The view there is the best in all of Nikko: To the west, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Mt. Nantai; to the east, cliff-sided mountains and a rolling mountain range.

■Lake Chuzenji

A high-elevation lake created 20,000 years ago by the eruption of Mt. Nantai.

Located at an elevation of 1,269 meters, this is one of Japan's most famous lakes. The lake is said to have formed when an eruption of Mt. Nantai 20,000 years ago dammed its basin. Pleasure boats allow you to enjoy the lake up close.

■Kegon Waterfall

The waters of majestic Kegon waterfall drop 97 meters.

One of Japan's three most famous waterfalls. The waters falling 97 meters from a sharp precipice into the river below are exhilarating to see. You can take an elevator (for a fee) to the bottom of the falls for an even more exhilarating experience.

■Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park

Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park was founded in 1928 for the former summer retreat of the Italian Ambassador towards Japan.
The successive Italian Ambassadors actually stayed there, and enjoyed Nikko during summer season until 1997.
It is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Chuzenji, and has donated to Tochigi Prefecture and opened to the public since 1999, and has recently attached to café shop, named “Café COCO.”

■Ryûzu fall

Located upside of the Yugawa River which makes its way into Lake Yunoko and Lake Chuzenji, Ryûzu fall has a very unique shape.
The name, Ryuzu, can be translated as "Dragon's Head', and is so named because its twin falls are said to resemble a dragon's head. Total height of its fall is 60m / 197ft.

■Senjogahara Plateau

A beautiful marshland where the gods are said to have fought eons ago.

This vast marshland lies at the foot of Mt. Nantai. Its name comes from a legend in which the god of Mt. Nantai and the god of Mt. Akagi fought over Lake Chuzenji. This site contains beautiful high-elevation plant life, wild birds, and of course stunning scenery of unspoiled nature.

■Odashirogahara Plateau

Odashirogahara plateau is located at the west side of Yugawa river, which size is 2km/ 6561fts around field of grass spread out, with surrounded by mongolian oak woods.
The place is totally suitable for hikers especially during summer season.
The highly interesting around the plateau is a Japanese white birch tree, which is called “the lady of Odashirogahara,” and very popular amongst photographers.
Nonetheless to say, greatly enjoyable the changing colors of maple trees during the autumn season.

■Yudaki Fall

Located on the edge of the Lake Yunoko, Yudaki Fall is very aggressive, 70m / 230ft high and 25m / 82ft wide cascade.
Hot spring runs together, hence, it has a very delicate softly-scented of sulfur in the air.

■Lake Yunoko

Hearing the voice of the gentle wind with birds singing, Lake Yunoko is a great place for hiking.
The circumference is only 3km/1.9ml, and it takes only about 1 hour to walk the path around the lake.

■Nikko Yumoto Hot Spring Resort Area

The distinctive smell of sulfur tells you this is a hot spring resort town - where you'll even find a free foot bath!

This area has long been popular for the healing properties of its hot spring waters. The waters are rich in sulfur, the smell of which pervades the entire town. Today there are many hot spring hotels and inns, and at the center of town is a free foot bath.

■Kotoku Ranch

The Kotoku Ranch is 30,000m²/3ha, and cattle and horse are pastured.
A fresh milk and a fine ice cream are available in anytime.

■Kirifuri Kogen

The highlands of Kirifuri Kogen offer rich natural beauty year-round.

Spring offers the azaleas of Tsutsujigaoka (“Azalea Hill”), early summer the yellow alpine lilies of Kisugedaira (“Alpine Lilly Plain”), fall the rich red and yellow autumnal foliage of the entire plateau, and winter skiing at the Kirifuri Kogen Ski Resort. Each season offers its own unique sights to see. Various leisure facilities allow you to experience nature up close.

■Kirifuri fall

Kirifuri Falls is recognized as one of 3 major finest waterfalls of Nikko area.
The fall is divided into two steps of upper and lower side. The upper side is 25 m/ 82ft high, and lower side is 26 m/ 85ft high. The total height of its fall is 75 m /246ft.
The water, of which the lower side of the fall, hit rocks, and as if wrapped in fog The fall is said to be named after this natural spray phenomenon.
* kirifuri: fog comes down.