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Kanmangafuchi Abyss

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Only a few minutes away from Shinkyo Bridge there’s Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a gorge formed by the lava erupted from Mt. Nantai, on the Daiyagawa River.

A row of approximately 70 Jizos are lined up along the river. This group of Jizos is called “Bake-Jizo”, meaning Ghost Jizo, because legend has it that if you try to count them, each time you will end up with a different number.

Also, you will find the legendary “Kanman” characters that are said to be sculptured by Kobo Daishi, a skilled calligrapher.

The statues are across to the Botanical Garden, but it cannot be entered from the abyss.

Address: Takumi-cho, Nikko

kanmangafuchi Abyss

Origami Vending Machine

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Have you ever seen an Origami vending machine? No? Well, there’s one in Nikko!

On the main street, really close to Tobu Bus stop number 6 you will find this unique and beautiful machine.

There are 4 different varieties to choose from, starting at ¥300. Gifts with fortune box, cutlery set and more!

Pick one and enjoy making origami. Or take them back home as a perfect souvenier!

Bar de Nikko

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Looking for a calm and cozy restaurant around Shinkyo Bridge area? They you should visit Bar de Nikko.

The menu offers quite limited options, but the Omurice (omelet with a filling of seasoned rice) is delicious, and other dishes are also very tasty and well presented.

Nice music, relaxed atmosphere, don’t miss it!

Address: 1041-1 Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko

Website: http://www.nikkokujirasyokudou.com/bar_nikko/

Suien – Chinese Restaurant

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Chinese food in Nikko? Yes! Suien is well-known in Nikko area, and open for both lunch and dinner.

Dishes are delicious and big enough for sharing, so it makes a good option for families or groups. Also, do not forget to try their homemade annin tofu (almond jelly) for dessert, you will not regret it!

Address: 6-42 Yasukawacho, Nikko

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

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

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/



Kakigori

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Hot days are coming, have you tried Nikko’s kakigori?

This shaved ice made using water from Nikko’s natural spring water will melt in your mouth, and together with the various flavors of syrup offered it makes a perfectly light dessert.

It can only be found in a few shops, for example at the famous Nikko Coffee.



Address:

3-13 Honcho, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1434, Japan

Business Hours:

10:00am-6:00pm / Closed on Mondays, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month (In case of national holiday, the day off is moved to the next day)

Phone: +81 288-53-2335

Website: http://nikko-coffee.com/