Other Sightseeing Spots in Nikko / Kinu River / Lake Chuzenji Area

  • Iroha-zaka
    Travel / Tourism
    Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture Hosoo
    Iroha-zaka refers to a pair of sightseeing roads that connect central Nikko to the higher elevations of Lake Chuzenji and the mountainous Okunikko region. The First Iroha-zaka is used to come down while the Second Iroha-zaka is used to go up. Altogether there are 48 curves on the two roads, and each corner has been named with a letter of the ancient Japanese alphabet, which began with “I,” “Ro,” and “Ha.” There is a spectacular view from the Akechidaira observatory on the Second Iroha-zaka, and in the autumn it is such a popular spot to drive along and see the colorful leaves that traffic can become congested.
  • Lake Chuzenji Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Ashiomachi
    From this scenic observation deck in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, you can look out over Lake Chuzenji and Mt. Nantai. Known for its lovely scenery and beautiful autumn colors this is a popular spot to take a mid-drive stop for couples and families.
  • Hangetsuyama Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
    This observation deck in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture is famous for its seasonal scenery and its sweeping views of Lake Chuzenji. The deck also features a walking trail starting from the parking lot where visitors can enjoy hiking. Many people stop by while taking a drive on the Lake Chuzenji Skyline.
  • Kinu-Tateiwa Otsuribashi Suspension Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kinugawaonsenohara
    This is a 140-meter-long pedestrian suspension bridge which connects the Kinugawa hot spring resort to the Place of Scenic Beauty, “Tateiwa” (lit. Shield Rock). Below the bridge which has a height of about 40 meters, you can see the Kinugawa River, and you can enjoy the mountains which are dyed crimson and yellow during the season of autumn colors. Standing near to the suspension bridge, “Tateiwa” as its name suggests resembles the shape of a shield. It is also known as the “marriage bridge” as it connects the two, both the manly “Tateiwa” which rises up opposite the bridge and the feminine Kinugawa River which leisurely flows past.
  • Nichien Momiji Line
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Nasushiobara-shi
    This 1000-meter-high and 28 kilometer-long scenic route connects Kinugawa Onsen with Shiohara Onsen. It has many scenic spot with natural beauty to enjoy such as Taikooroshino Falls and Shirataki Falls. The views from the Fujimidai observatory are also excellent. The fall foliage is especially beautiful around mid-October to early November each year. The Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen hot springs districts are also located nearby.
  • The second Irohazaka (Nikko City)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Hosomachi
    A National Route toll road located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. The No. 2 Irohazaka is a dedicated inbound road. The Irohazaka is famous for its 48 curves, total of both the No. 1 and No. 2 roads. In addition, there are facilities along the road such as the Akechidaira Observatory, from which visitors can get a view of the No. 1 Irohazaka and the area's seasonal scenery. A renowned destination for fall foliage, each year in autumn traffic jams along the road are common.
  • Roppouzawa Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Seno
    This is a 320- meter -long bridge located roughly midway along Kirifuri Kogen Highway that spans Roppouzawa. It is an inverted rose type arch bridge located at a height of 1,434 meters. You can command a view of the Kuriyama Dam and Mt. Tsukuba from the bridge, and you can also enjoy the fresh greenery in spring and the autumnal colors in autumn. There is a car park maintained before and after the bridge so it is convenient to walk there from the carpark.
  • Matsuyashiki
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Hangakimen 2396-1
    A Japanese-style home building with a 33 thousand meter square garden located a five minute drive from Nikko Station. The home was built by Shinichi Kanaya, the second president of the Kanaya Hotel, in the 1920s for his ailing second daughter Yukiko to recuperate in. The home is located on a hill close to two Shrines and a Temple of Nikko World Heritage Site. The name “Matsuyashiki” means “Pine Mansion,” and is derived from the over 150 red pine trees growing in the garden; the garden also has a beautiful pond and “Gokakudo” pentagonal hall, as well as the Japanese-style home itself, moved from the grounds of the Kanaya Hotel. The facility was long kept private, but the garden itself was opened to the public in 2016. The seasonal beauty of the garden delights the eyes of visitors.
  • Nikko Omote-sando (Nikko Toshogu Omote-sando)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Sannai
  • Akechidaira
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Hosomachi Fukazawa 709-5
    A viewpoint at the top of the Daini Iroha-zaka Slope. You can reach the Akechidaira Observation Deck in about three minutes from the ropeway boarding point at the foot of the slope; there is a large parking lot there as well as a drive-in. The top has one of Nikko's best views, taking in Mt. Nantai, Lake Chuzenji, and the plunging Kegon Falls. It's said Akechidaira was given its name by Akechi Mitsuhide who fled to Mt. Hiei after the Battle of Yamazaki; he wanted to leave his mark on the spot in Nikko with the best view.
  • Daiichi Iroha Zaka (Nikko)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Chugushi
  • Senjougaharatemboujo
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
  • Watarasshaituribashi
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kawamata
  • Tate Iwa Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Kinugawaonsen Taki
  • Yunishigawa Dam (Nikko)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi
  • Kuriyama Dam (Nikko)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi
  • Imaichi Dam
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Sagebu Higashimata
  • Dorobu Dam
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Dorobu
  • Naka Iwa Dam
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Takatoku
  • Chuzenji Dam
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Chugushi

Tochigi Areas

around-area-map

Most visits to Tochigi revolve around Nikko, a small city home to the spectacular, lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine and Nikko National Park with its mountains, lakes, waterfalls, onsen, and wild monkeys. Neighboring Oku-Nikko is an extension of the fantastic scenery famous for its autumn leaves, while Tochigi’s capital, Utsunomiya, is the only place in the world where you can find oya stone beautifully exhibited in temples and the Oya History Museum.

Tochigi Photo Album

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