Nikko Tosho-gu - This site features two shrines: 1. Shinto Shrine 2. Buddhist Shrine 3. A 36-meter-high Pagoda. Visitors can easily explore all these attractions as they are located close to each other. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to the renowned samurai leader Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its intricately carved and decorated structures are part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-see in Tochigi. Tokugawa Ieyasu was instrumental in unifying Japan and is a key historical figure. His ascension to shogun marked the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1867), a time of peace and prosperity that set the stage for Edo’s transformation into the global metropolis now known as Tokyo. A year after his death, Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined at Nikko, elevating him to divine status. Toshogu branch shrines can be found throughout Japan.

Nikko Toshogu Museum - Also known as the Nikko Toshogu Treasure Museum, this museum is situated within the Toshogu Shrine complex in Nikko, Japan. It houses a collection of treasures and artifacts related to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, as well as the shrine’s history and cultural significance. The museum features various artifacts, including samurai armor, swords, and personal items of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The exhibits offer insights into the Edo period and the Tokugawa Shogunate, highlighting the political and cultural context of the era. The museum is part of the larger Toshogu Shrine complex, known for its elaborate architectural design, including the famous Yomeimon Gate and the Nemuri-neko (Sleeping Cat) carving.

Nikko Botanical Garden - Also known as the Rinno-ji Temple Garden, this beautiful and historically significant site is located in Nikko, Japan. It is part of the Rinno-ji Temple complex, an important cultural and religious site in the Nikko area. The garden is linked to the Tokugawa shogunate, particularly Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is enshrined at the nearby Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The garden showcases traditional Japanese landscape design, featuring carefully arranged rocks, ponds, and meticulously maintained vegetation, all designed to evoke natural landscapes and create a sense of tranquility and harmony.

Shinkyo Bridge - Known as the Shinkyo Bridge or Red Bridge, this beautiful structure is the oldest bridge from the Tokugawa era. It stands at the entrance to Nikko’s shrines and temples and is technically part of Futarasan Shrine. The current Shinkyo was built in 1636, but a bridge has existed at this location for much longer, though its exact origins are unknown. Until 1973, the bridge was off-limits to the public. It underwent extensive renovations in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and visitors can now walk across it for an entrance fee.

Ashikaga Flower Park - This park is renowned for its magnificent flowers, including some of the oldest wisteria trees. It features a variety of flowers and is especially enchanting in the evenings from mid-October to mid-February when illuminated. The beauty of the park is indescribable. Note: The entry fee for Ashikaga Flower Park is ¥500 per adult during the day and ¥1500 per adult at night.

Kegon Falls - Kegon Waterfalls is a famous geographical landmark in Japan, plunging nearly 100 meters. An elevator, installed in 1930, allows visitors to get a close view of the falls. Nearby, Chuzenji Lake and Chuzenji Shrine add to the area’s beauty. The lake is serene and picturesque, resembling a piece of paradise.