Nikko: Where History and Nature combines

The majority of Nikko National Park is a mountainous area belonging to the Nasu Volcanic Belt, where peaks such as Mt. Nikko-Shirane, the highest mountain in the northern Kanto region, Mt. Nantai, which has been revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, and Mt. Chausu (Chausu-dake), which is still volcanically active, are located. 

At the foot of these mountains are plateaus, where lakes, waterfalls, and valleys created by volcanic activity provide picturesque scenery in each of the four seasons. There are also historical landmarks such as the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and the Nikko-san Rinnoji Temple, all of which are registered as World Heritage sites, that blend with the magnificent natural surroundings to create a uniquely Japanese landscape.

The changing scenery of the four seasons is one of the charms of the mountains and forests of Nikko National Park.  

With the difference in elevation from the city of Nikko to the nearby mountains of Oku-Nikko, it is possible to see the passage of the seasons within just a small area. The staff of Nikko Yumoto Visitor Center, talks about where the charm of each of the four seasons can be encountered.

The famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the symbol of Nikko, was built by Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun, for his grandfather Ieyasu by gathering master craftsmen and using the most advanced techniques of the time. The shrine is said to be the most complete form of the Gongen-zukuri style, which represented religious architecture in the early modern period in Japan, which has had a profound influence on subsequent shrine architectural styles. 

The lavish decorations are not mere designs, but also expressions of beliefs, learning, and thought, such as the three wise monkeys (embodying the principle of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”) displayed in the Shinto stables, and the Nemuri-neko (Sleeping Cat) located in the East Corridor, which is said to symbolize a wish for peace. 

Taking a moment to take in the beauty of the shrine buildings in the midst of their lush surroundings is truly a luxury, giving you the opportunity to “recharge” your power, feeling the flow of eternal time.

The Nikko National Park Nasu Heisei-no-Mori (Nasu Heisei Forest) is located on the Nasu Plateau in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, at the foot of the Nasu Mountain Range. Until recently, as the forest lies within the grounds of the Nasu Imperial Villa, the general public was not allowed to enter the site.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary year of the Heisei Emperor’s Enthronement, jurisdiction over part of the Nasu Imperial Villa land was transferred from the Imperial Household Agency to the Ministry of the Environment, with the idea of using it as a place where people can foster their sense of connection with nature. Shortly afterwards in 2011, Nikko National Park Nasu Heisei-no-Mori was opened. 

Venturing into the forest, you are surrounded by towering water oaks and beech trees, the sound of birds singing overhead. Depending on the season and time of day, you can see the footprints of many animals, including black bears, raccoon dogs, foxes, and dormice—or even see the animals themselves if you are lucky.

According to the staff of the Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Field Center, not only tourists but also students from nearby elementary and junior high schools participate in the guided walks as part of their classes.

“The children learn through the interpreters' talks and hands-on experience that the fields and rivers that they are familiar with in their daily lives are connected to forests and mountains. 

The guided programs are designed to convey the wonder of nature and the symbiotic relationship within it, to help people understand that life on earth is possible because of the water cycle, and to promote environmental awareness.” Wakabayashi notes that some families enjoy the forest experience so much, they become repeat visitors.

Recently, the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, has started to offer many activity tours for domestic and international tourists to enjoy Nikko from a variety of perspectives. One of the most intriguing is the "Shugendo Experience".  

Nikko has been a place where mountain worship has been nurtured since the Nara period (710-794), and "Shugendo," or mountain asceticism, has been cultivated in the area for centuries. As a result, there are many stone monuments deep in the mountains that tell of this history.

Natural ice is made by pouring spring water from the mountains into a small pond and freezing it little by little in the cold of winter. It is clear, beautiful, and slightly sweet thanks to its high mineral content. When it is shaved, the ice becomes fluffy and soft, with a fine texture. It is also characterized by the fact that it does not give you a sharp headache when you eat it. 

Ice created thanks to the rich natural environment and the wisdom of previous generations: it is a unique, delicious, must-try treat on any visit to Nikko!