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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.
Nikkosan Rinno-ji Temple/movie

■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.
Futarasan Shrine/movi

■ 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.

■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.

■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.

■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.

■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.

■Nikko Lakeside Hotel

The hotel overlooking Lake Chuzenji in the front and Kegon Waterfalls in the back.

Situated on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, with a view of Kegon Waterfalls in the back, this is a hotel where you can experience all of Nikko's seasonal beauty up close. Private baths with translucent white100% pure spring water are also available to overnight guests and (for a fee) to visitors as well. This hotel has a long history of patronage by foreign dignitaries.Nikko Lakeside Hotel/movi

■Hotel Seikoen

A three-minute walk from Tosho-gu Shrine. Famous for its hospitality toward foreigners.

Not only is it the closest to Tosho-gu Shrine, but Hotel Seikoen is also famous for its open-air bath garden and its traditional Japanese cuisine - and for the excellent service the staff (using gestures and dictionaries) provide to foreign visitors. In the fall, you can set out for a short nighttime stroll to Tosho-gu Shrine, where outdoor illumination lights up the shrine grounds and the beautiful autumn leaves.
Hotel Seikoen/movie