Traditional Culture: Handicrafts, History and Ninja

Recommended Length: 3 Days

Experience traditional culture by tasting hand-made soba, walking the World Heritage sites in a kimono, and training like a ninja.

Day 1

Kami-Imaichi Station

On Foot

Short walk from Kami-Imaichi Station

Cedar Trees

Nikko Suginamiki Kaido (Nikko Cedar Avenue)

Stretching over 35 kilometers, Nikko Suginamiki Kaido is the longest tree-lined road in the world. The towering cedar trees on both sides of the path were originally planted in the Edo period to provide a suitably regal approach to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Around 200,000 were planted over a 20-year period, and today some 12,500 remain.

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Nature

On Foot

Short walk

Park

Suginamiki Koen Park

This park surrounds Nikko Suginamikimichi, the world's longest tree-lined street. In the park, there is an old-fashioned water mill once used in the production of incense sticks for which the area is well-known, and a traditional wooden farmhouse from 1830.

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History & Culture

On Foot

Short walk

Cooking

Soba Workshop

Made from locally produced buckwheat flour, Nikko’s handmade soba is known throughout Japan for its taste and aroma. During this one-hour workshop, learn to make soba noodles and enjoy them with seasonal vegetable tempura.

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Traditional Culture

Other

5 minutes from Kami-Imaichi Station on a train to Tobu-Nikko Station. Transfer to a bus bound for Kirifurikogen and ride 5 minutes to the Marumi bus stop.

Crafts

Nikko Woodcarving Village Craft Center

At this craft center, you can try your hand at making some of Nikko’s famous woodcarvings (Nikkobori) or geta (wooden shoes). With the guidance of experts, you’ll have your own handcrafted souvenir in 90 minutes.

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Entertainment & Leisure

By bus

5 minutes from the Marumi bus stop on a bus bound for Nikko Station

Accommodation

Nikko Onsen

Near the World Heritage temples and shrines of Nikko is a legendary hot spring, allegedly discovered by Kobo Daishi (founder of Shingon Buddhism). Though the location of Kobo Daishi’s Muso-no-yu (hot spring of imagination) was not known for a long time, it’s thought to have been rediscovered in 1985, and is now simply called Nikko Onsen. Its clear, pure water is said to be good for the skin, and is a perfect treatment for the aches brought on by walking around all of the city’s World Heritage sites.

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HOT SPRING

End of Day 1

Day 2

Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station

On Foot

15-minute walk

Dress-Up

Kimono Stroll

Stroll around the World Heritage sites of Nikko while wearing a kimono. A kimono can be rented in a variety of materials and styles for women, men and children. Staff are available to assist in getting you dressed properly.

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Traditional Culture

On Foot

10-minute walk

World Heritage Sites

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

The most noteworthy of Nikko’s religious buildings is Toshogu, where Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined after his death in 1616. Twenty years later, Ieyasu’s grandson (Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun) constructed an elaborate complex around Ieyasu's mausoleum. Its 55 buildings include eight National Treasures, notably Yomeimon, a lavish gate covered with complex wood carvings, bright paintings and gold leaf. While exploring the site, look out for a few of the quirkier carvings—a sleeping cat, angry-looking clawed elephants (the artist had never seen one), and the famous three monkeys in “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses. Just outside the complex is the modern Nikko Toshogu Museum, where you can learn more about the first shogun.

Restoration of the shrine complex is expected to finish in 2020; some areas will remain open throughout.

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History & Culture

By train

10 minutes from Tobu-Nikko Station to Shimo-Imaichi Station. Transfer to a train bound for Aizutajima and ride 20 minutes to Kinugawa-Onsen Station.

Accommodation

Kinugawa Onsen

Kinugawa Onsen is actually made up of two hot springs—Taki Onsen on the west bank of the Kinugawa River, and Fujiwara Onsen on the east. It’s known for its relaxing properties and it attracts many travelers each year. Currently Kinugawa Onsen has over 80 hotels and ryokans, ranging from traditional Japanese style to modern Western style.

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HOT SPRING

End of Day 2

Day 3

Kinugawa-Onsen Station

On Foot

5-minute walk

Boat Ride

Kinugawa River Boat Tour

Experience the Kinugawa River on a motorless boat guided by a skillful boatman. During the 40-minute ride, enjoy gentle stretches, thrilling moments on rapids, views of changing seasons, and diverse rock formations.

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Water Activities

By bus

20 minutes from Kinuootoro bus stop on a bus bound for Nikko Edomura

Theme Park

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

Experience the culture of the Edo period (1603-1867) at Edo Wonderland. Soak in the atmosphere of centuries ago as you stroll through the realistically recreated towns and samurai residences. Enjoy family-friendly events such as a thrilling ninja show, and dress up as a samurai or princess as you interact with period role-playing staff. Edo Wonderland combines history with expansive, theme park-style amusement for an extraordinary day out with plenty of fun photo opportunities.

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Entertainment & Leisure

By bus

20 minutes on buses bound for Kinugawa-Onsen Station

Kinugawa-Onsen Station