The other sightseeing places of Nikko

We take a Limited Express named "Kegon No. 7" at 7:50 am at Tobu Asakusa Station.

We arrive at Tobu Nikko Station at 9:39 am.

We take a bus at 10:05 am bound for Kegon Waterfall.

The bus arrives at Chuzenji Onsen bus stop at 10:50 am, where we walk to the Kegon Waterfall.

Nikko Kegon Waterfall is one of Japan's most famous and beautiful waterfalls at the heart of the Nikko National Park. The waterfall is a result of the Daiya River being rerouted by lava flows, which created the 97-meter drop. It is considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, alongside Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Waterfall in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The waterfall can be viewed from a free observation platform at the top or from a paid platform at the base after taking an elevator down. The views from both spots are impressive, offering different perspectives of the waterfall's power and beauty.

Kegon Waterfall is particularly stunning during the autumn months when the surrounding foliage turns into vibrant colors, creating a spectacular backdrop. However, it also has its charm during the spring with the fresh greenery, in summer when it provides a cool respite, and in winter when the falls can partially freeze, presenting a majestic icy spectacle.

We take a bus at Chuzenji Onsen bus stop at 12:00 pm.

We arrive at Kanaya Hotel Rekishian bus stop and visit Kanaya Hotel History Museum.

Before visiting the museum, we take lunch at the Cottage Inn Restaurant and Bakery next to the museum. It serves a variety of dishes made with freshly baked bread from Kanaya Hotel Bakery and carefully selected ingredients.

The Kanaya Hotel is one of Japan's oldest hotels, with its roots tracing back to the late 19th century. Its history is intertwined with the opening of Japan to the West during the Meiji Restoration, as it catered to foreign visitors who came to admire the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage such as Nikko.

This Museum is a facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the Kanaya Hotel. It is located in what used to be the original building of the hotel, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. It highlights the hotel's role in the development of tourism in Nikko and its importance in introducing Japanese culture and hospitality to the world.

Visitors can learn about the evolution of hospitality in Japan, see how the hotel accommodated its guests over the years, and understand the cultural exchanges that took place between Japan and other countries. The museum also reflects the architectural styles and fashions of different periods, offering a visual history of Japan's modernization and its interaction with the West.

After visiting the Kanaya Hotel History Museum, we walk to the Nikko Tomozawa Imperial Villa. It takes about 5 minutes.

The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is a historic residence and a significant cultural asset, blending architectural styles from the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods, offering a unique window into Japanese architectural evolution over time. The villa was originally built in 1899 for Prince Yoshihito, who later became Emperor Taisho. It served various purposes throughout its history, including acting as a summer retreat for the Imperial Family and a temporary palace for Emperor Showa.

The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan. Its design incorporates elements from traditional samurai residences and features from modern imperial and Western-style architecture. The villa is surrounded by a beautiful, serene garden, providing a peaceful retreat from the modern world.

The villa underwent extensive restoration and was opened to the public as a museum in 2000. Visitors can explore many of its rooms, which have been carefully preserved or restored to reflect their original appearance. The interior showcases traditional tatami mat rooms, intricate sliding doors, and beautifully decorated ceilings, offering insights into the lifestyle of the Japanese imperial family during that era.

It provides an educational experience for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, and the imperial family's role in shaping modern Japan.

We take a 15 minutes walk to Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which was formed by an eruption of nearby Mount Nantai. This gorge near central Nikko is only a few hundred meters long and can be enjoyed from a pleasant riverside walking trail.

It is also known for its row of about 70 stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who cares for the deceased. This particular group of Jizo statues is alternatively called "Bake Jizo" (Ghost Jizo), "Narabi Jizo" (Jizo in a line) or "Hyaku Jizo" (100 Jizo).

Historically, Jizo statues have been erected across Japan to honor and remember those who have passed away. In the context of the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, it's believed that the statues were placed there to memorialize the souls of individuals who died without heirs during the early 17th-century eruptions of Mount Nantai, and to protect the area from the spirit of the mountain.

We walk again to Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan's most significant and spectacular shrines, renowned for its historical and architectural grandeur.

The shrine was built in 1617 as a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years. It's a part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It is famous for its lavish and ornate architectural style, a departure from the traditional, more austere Shinto aesthetic.

One of the most famous features is the Yomeimon Gate, which is an elaborate structure adorned with over 500 carvings depicting traditional stories, animals, and mythical creatures. The gate's craftsmanship and detail are considered a pinnacle of Japanese art.

The five-story pagoda is another notable structure within the shrine complex. Rebuilt in 1818 after a fire, it features vibrant colors and intricate carvings.

Its sacred warehouses and the stable for sacred horses are adorned with numerous carvings, including the famous "Three Wise Monkeys" who embody the proverbial principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."

Other notable carvings include Nemuri-neko (Sleeping Cat) and Sozo-no-Zo (Imaginary Elephants), showcasing the artistic creativity and unique interpretation of foreign and mythical animals.

After visiting Toshogu Shrine, we briefly walk through the precinct of Rinnoji Temple and Shinkyo Bridge to the bus stop. We take a bus at Shinkyo bus stop at 5:19 pm and arrive at Tobu Nikko Station at 5:26 pm.

We take a Limited Express "Kegon No 46" at 5:44 pm at Tobu Nikko Station, which arrive at Asakusa Station at 7:35 pm.