Around Tokyo | Nikko, a World Heritage Site, is as beautiful as Hokkaido in winter
| Nikko, a World Heritage Site, is as beautiful as Hokkaido in winter. It takes less than 2 hours to reach Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture from Tokyo by Tobu Railway's limited express train. Most of Nikko is part of Nikko National Park, which has natural scenery such as volcanoes, wetlands, waterfalls, and lakes, as well as ancient temples and shrines that are listed as World Cultural Heritage Sites.
Nikko is a sacred place with a history of more than 1,200 years, and the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, is located here. Nikko Toshogu Shrine has a history of more than 400 years, and its exquisitely carved buildings are considered national treasures of Japan. The Okumiya is the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the Gohotou is the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1999, the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," including Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Shrine, were listed as World Cultural Heritage Sites.
In addition to the World Heritage Sites, Oku-Nikko has infinite natural scenery, with several wetlands that are part of Nikko National Park. In summer, it is lush and green, and is one of Japan's most dreamy natural treasures. In winter, Senjogahara and Lake Chuzenji are like a fairy tale world, with snow-covered fields and frozen lakes creating a tranquil beauty. The "Twelve Falls" around Kegon Falls freeze into magnificent ice falls, crystal clear, as if time has stopped. This is a great place to experience the wonders of nature and the romance of winter! In Nikko, you can experience different natural beauty as the seasons change.