Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Irohazaka Winding Road, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls Day Trip (From Tokyo)

About this activity

Toshogu Shrine

The most recommended season to visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine is autumn, especially during the autumn leaves season (early to mid-November every year). During this period, the temples and shrines complement the beautiful autumn leaves, creating a profound atmosphere. Strolling through the grounds while learning about history and admiring the architectural art and beautiful autumn colors is a delightful experience.

In particular, the Nikko area where Nikko Toshogu Shrine is located is one of Japan's "Three Famous Autumn Foliage Spots."

Futarasan Shrine (Main Shrine)

Futarasan Shrine is an important shrine in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, and is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site as part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" along with Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple. The main hall of the main shrine has an eight-gable style. Although the overall architectural style of the shrine is not as gorgeous as the nearby Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple, it is rustic and dignified with the natural mountains and forests as a background, harmonizing with the surrounding environment. Its torii gates, worship halls, and other buildings are designated as important cultural properties.

Irohazaka Winding Road (View from the car, no getting off)

Irohazaka Winding Road is a mountain road in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, that runs from Nikko City to Lake Chuzenji and Okunikko. It is 15.8 kilometers long and has a total of 48 curves on the uphill and downhill routes, many of which are 180-degree hairpin turns. Its steepness is one of the most prominent in Japan, and it is considered one of the most difficult mountain roads to drive on in Japan due to its many challenging hairpin turns. Because of its unique curve design, it became the location for the "Iroha Battle" in Initial D.

Lake Chuzenji

It was formed approximately 20,000 years ago when the eruption of Mount Nantai blocked a river. The lake is 1,269 meters above sea level and is one of the highest natural lakes in Japan. It is surrounded by low mountains, and the shoreline is winding, making for beautiful scenery. Mount Nantai on the north shore is 2,490 meters above sea level and is the most prominent attraction in the lake area. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, and it is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves in the fall, making it a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage in Japan. A snow and ice festival is also held in the winter, where you can enjoy winter sports such as skiing and skating.

Kegon Falls

It is the only outlet of Lake Chuzenji, and the water flows down from a 97-meter-high cliff at a rate of approximately 3 tons per second, forming a powerful waterfall. Its downstream connects to the tributary of the Kinugawa River, the Daiya River. It is known as one of the "Three Great Waterfalls of Japan" along with Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture. It was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan in 1931 and was selected as one of the 100 Geological Selections of Japan in 2007.