When Japan began modernizing 100 years ago, diplomats who came to Japan spent the summers in the Lake Chuzenji area. Though Nikko is part of the Kanto region, its high altitude gives it the coolness of the Tohoku region or Hokkaido. Nikko is as well known today among people as it was among those who stayed on the shores of the lake back then, and the reasons are probably the same; the majestic natural environment and its proximity to Tokyo (though the visitors from the past would probably envy the convenience of a 2-hour trip from Asakusa on Tobu Railway).
A variety of time continuums exist in Nikko. The 20,000 years since volcanic eruptions created the lakes and waterfalls, the 1200 years since the discovery of its hot springs, the 400 years since a temple was dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the 100 years since travellers began visiting the area, and now. When you visit Nikko, which Nikko will you discover? However, time does not stand still. Nikko is changing. In 2020, The Ritz-Carlton Nikko will appear on the shores of Lake Chuzenji. You can find both the old and the new at ever-changing Nikko whenever you visit.