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Great Nature Adventure around Nikko National Park

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Archives for 2019

Vegetarian Cuisine at Gyoshintei

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Perfect after visiting Nikko Toshogu, at Gyoshintei you will be able to experience authentic “Shojin Ryori”. This is a vegetarian cuisine originally developed by Buddhist monks who were prohibited from eating food containing animal products, and included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014.

All meals at this fantastic restaurant and cooked using seasonal fruits and vegetables and completely natural non-animal ingredients. Even the Japanese soup stock traditionally made out of fish, does not contain any fish or animal ingredients.

There are different sets available, all freshly delicious. You should definitely visit Gyoshintei to experience traditional cuisine in an amazing location.

Address: 2339-1 Sannai, Nikko (closed on Thursdays)
Access: Take the Tobu World heritage loop bus from JR Nikko St. or Tobu Nikko St. and get off at the “Hotel Seikoen” bus stop.

Website: https://www.meiji-yakata.com/en/gyoshin/

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa

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The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa was built in 1899 for Prince Yoshihito (later Emperor Taisho) as a retreat, and was also used by three emperors and three princes until 1947.

The building is the biggest wooden imperial villa erected in the Meiji and Taisho eras. It consists of three parts that date, respectively, from the Edo, Meiji and Taisho eras, each representing the very best feature of the Japanese architecture of its time.

Visit it to discover the history of the 106 rooms, Kobayashi Residence, beautiful garden and much more of this impressive Villa.

Address: 8-27 Honcho, Nikko (Closed on Tuesdays)

Access: From the Tobu Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus bound for Yumoto Onsen,Chuzenji Onsen, Okuhosoo, or Kiyotaki, get off at Tamozawa and walk about 1 minute.

Website: https://www.park-tochigi.com/tamozawa/news/info/english

Nikko Castella

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Ya probaron el delicioso Nikko Castella? Ubicada a sólo unos metros de Nikko Base se encuentra la tienda principal, donde se puede comprar este tradicional pastel.

Se caracteriza por estar preparado con miel, jarabe de arroz glutinoso y copos de oro comestible, con lo cual el resultado final es un húmedo, esponjoso y suave pastel.

Vienen en diferentes presentaciones y empacados en una caja con la cresta de la familia, siendo de esta manera un regalo idea para llevar de vuelta a casa luego de pasear por Nikko.

Dirección: 1-8 Honchō, Nikko (aunque también cuentan con otras tiendas camino a al puente Shinkyo, y frente a la estación de tren Tobu Nikko)

Sitio web: https://nikko-castella.jp/honten/

Shinkyo Bridge

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Shinkyo Bridge is a wooden lacquered bridge that spans the Daiya River. At 28 meters long, 7.4 meters wide and 10.6 meters above the river, the bridge marks the entrance between Nikko Town and the town’s Shrines and temples. This bridge belongs to Futarasan Shrine and is designated as an important cultural property. In addition, Shinkyo was registered as the World Heritage in December 1999.
The Shinkyo Bridge is listed as one of Japan’s finest bridges. The other two are Kintaikyo in Iwakuni Prefecture and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture.

While the exact origin of the bridge remains a mystery, legend has it that the famous Buddhist priest Shado Shonin crossed the Daiya River riding on the back of two giant serpents. From 1636 when it was built, the bridge was off limits to the public. Only the Shogun Generals and imperial messengers were permitted to cross. Shinkyo Bridge remained off limits to the public until 1973. The opening coincided with the celebrations of Mt Nantai’s 1200th anniversary of being enshrined.

It is now possible to cross the bridge for an entry fee of 300 Yen, however better views of Shinkyo Bridge can be had from road bridge about 10 meters further downstream. Unless you rent a kimono and would like to have a perfect picture taken from the road! (check out our Kimono Experience post).

Address: 2307 Sannai, Nikko

Access: On foot, about 1.5 km from Nikko station, and it takes about 25 minutes.
By bus, take the bus to Chuzenji or Yumoto-onsen, get off at Shinkyo stop.

Kanaya Hotel History House

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You have probably seen Kanaya Hotel from Shinkyo Bridge. But have you heard of the Kanaya Hotel History House?

For generations, males of the Kanaya family served Toshogu Shrine as members of the Gagaku (an ancient imperial court music) orchestra. Zenichiro was working at the shrine as a sho player when he offered Dr. James C. Hepburn a room to stay in 1870. It was during this trip that Dr. Hepburn advised Zenichiro to open a hotel for foreign tourists. Following his advice, Zenichiro transformed his house into Kanaya Cottage Inn, the predecessor of Kanaya Hotel.

The house was a samurai warrior’s residence during the Edo period, and it attracted foreign guests who referred to Kanaya Cottage Inn as Samurai House.

After Zenichiro relocated his business to the place where Kanaya Hotel currently is, the Samurai House has been preserved in the same location for more than 120 years.

In 2014, it was registered as a nationally-designated cultural property and opened to the public in March 2015 under the name of Kanaya Hotel History House.

It is only a few minutes away from Shinkyo Bridge and the World Heritage Area, so stop by and take a look at the amazing architecture!

Address: 1-25 Honcho, Nikko

Access: From JR or Tobu Nikko Station, take a bus bound for Chuzenji or Yumoto and get off at “Kanaya Hotel Rekishikan” Bus Stop.

Kanaya Hotel Museum

The Standard Bakers Nikko

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Want to have lunch? Or delicious coffee and pancakes on your way back to Nikko Station?

At The Standard Bakers the options are many and delicious. From sandwiches and pasta, small but tasty vegan menu, to their amazing oven baked pancakes, you will not regret it!

Address: 597-2 Gokomachi, Nikko

Bell Cafe

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This little shop is perfect to hide from Nikko’s crowds.

Good for lunch, teatime or dinner, as they also open at night, you should try Bell Cafe‘s “monk’s diet” (special soy milk skin set) or the many cakes, sweets and coffee.

Just a few minutes away from Shinkyo Bridge. Give it a try!

Address: 6-39 Yasukawacho, Nikko

Kakigori

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Llegan los días de calor, ideales para comer kakigori.

Este hielo raspado es particularmente delicioso en Nikko, donde se puede degustar este postre hecho con hielo natural de las montañas de la región. Acompañando con diferentes salsas (té verde, leche condensada, etc.) es el postre perfecto para esta temporada!

Original Yuba Soba Restaurant

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Only 12 minutes away from Nikko Tobu Station is Uoyou, a delicious local soba restaurant.

They grind Nikko’s local buckwheat (Gensoba) on their own millstone in the restaurant, and they serve Yuba (tofu skin) in 3 different styles: fried and rolled, dried tofu wrapped in yuba, and zenmai (the young leaves of an osmund fern) wrapped in yuba.

Also, their Warabi Soba (bracken soba) season has started, so don’t miss it!

Address: 593 Gokoumachi, Nikko

Phone: 0288-54-0333



Hongu Cafe

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Located at the entrance to the main area of the world heritage, amongst the trees, you will find this cozy and enchanting little cafe.

Perfectly located for lunch or a coffee break while visiting the shrines and temples of Nikko, Hongu Cafe will surprise you. The menu is short but delicious, and the staff is friendly and attentive.

Address: 2384 Sannai, Nikko

Phone: +81 288-54-1669

Website: https://www.hongucafe.com/