Oku Nikko - 奥日光
Okunikko (奥日光, Okunikkō, "Inner Nikko") is the mountainous region of Nikko that lies at a higher elevation, deeper into the mountains west of Nikko's city center. Part of Nikko National Park, Okunikko offers beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls, lakes, marshlands, streams and hot springs.
Okunikko has long been a popular destination for escaping the heat of summer. Beautiful hiking trails attract outdoor lovers from spring to autumn, while winter scenery can be enjoyed during the rest of the year. The regions also offers some of the most spectacular autumn colors near Tokyo during the month of October.
Irohazaka Winding Road
いろは坂
Irohazaka (いろは坂) is a pair of winding roads that connect the lower elevations near central Nikko to the higher elevations of the mountainous Okunikko region.
"Iroha" are the first three of 48 syllables of the formerly used Japanese alphabet (which is now known as "aiueo"), and "zaka" means "slope" - the Irohazaka Winding Roads were so named because together they consist of 48 hairpin turns.
Akechidaira Plateau
明知平高原
Akechidaira Ropeway
Hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (longer hours during the autumn color season)
Closed: No closing days
Fees: 730 yen (round trip)
Akechidaira Plateau (明智平) is located near the top of the ascending Irohazaka Winding Road.
At the plateau, there is a parking lot with a free observation area that offers nice views onto the Irohazaka and the valley below. During autumn, this becomes a popular autumn color spot as fall colors spread across the landscape.
Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko)
中禅寺湖
Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖, Chūzenjiko) is a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko. It is located at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji about 20,000 years ago.
Kegon Waterfall
華厳の滝
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30
Closed: No closing days
Fees: 550 yen
The almost 100 meter tall Kegon Waterfall (華厳の滝, Kegon no taki) is the most famous of Nikko's many beautiful waterfalls. In fact, it is even ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful falls, along with Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Waterfall in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Ryuzu Waterfall
竜頭の滝
Hours: From sunrise to sunset
Closed: No closing days
Fees: Free
Ryuzu Waterfall (竜頭ノ滝, Ryūzu no Taki) means "dragon head waterfall" in Japanese. The name comes from the shape of the falls, which resembles the head of a dragon. The waterfall is located on Yukawa River, shortly before the river discharges into Lake Chuzenji.
Yumoto Onsen
湯元温泉
Yumoto (湯本, literally "origin of hot water") is a small hot spring town in the back of Okunikko and part of Nikko National Park. The town is attractively located next to Lake Yunoko (lit. "hot water lake") and consists mainly of ryokan with hot spring baths.
North of the town stands Onsenji, a Buddhist temple with a small hot spring bath open to the public. Next to the temple is Yunodaira Marsh, where most of the town's hot water bubbles up from the ground. Some hot water is also bubbling along the northern shore of Lake Yunoko, and a pleasant sulfur odor hangs over the whole town.
Autumn colors around Yumoto Onsen are usually best around mid October.
Ryokan(Japanese Style Inn) - 旅館
Ryokan are Japanese style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. More than just a place to sleep, ryokan are an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, incorporating elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine, making them popular with both Japanese and foreign tourists alike.
There are many different kinds of ryokan, varying greatly in terms of size, cost and style. Some ryokan are small, family run establishments with just a few rooms, while others are large, hotel-like facilities with hundreds of rooms. Ryokan also range from no-frills, budget varieties to costly establishments catering to the very wealthy.
While extremes exist, the average cost of a ryokan stay is between 15,000 and 25,000 yen per person, per night. While this may be too expensive to stay at everyday, it is well worth indulging on one special night during your travels. Also keep in mind that ryokan stays usually include an elaborate dinner in the evening, followed by breakfast the next morning. Meals are typically kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) that feature local and seasonal specialties.
Because of their emphasis on traditional style and atmosphere, ryokan may appear rigid and intimidating for the first timer unfamiliar with the procedures and etiquette. In reality they are a special and relaxing experience that everyone should take the opportunity to try.
The famous Ryokan of Lake Chuzenjiko - 中禅寺湖の有名な旅館
Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
中善寺金谷ホテル
Our log house style hotel faces Lake Chuzenji, in the center of Nikko's tourist sites. You can enjoy a traditional French cuisine of the Kanaya hotel, and hot springs in the annex.
More info：
Hoshino Resorts KAI Nikko
星野リゾート 界 日光
Gaze out over Lake Chuzenji from the rooms of KAI Nikko, which feature classic architecture and traditional touches. Guests can also enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine and private open-air bath and sauna.
More info：
Hotel Shikisai
奥日光ホテル四季彩
This modern Japanese-style resort ryokan stands on an expansive grounds at the foot of Mt. Nantai and takes pride in its kaiseki cuisine made from seasonal ingredients and its natural hot springs.
More info：
Oku Nikko - Map
The information on this page is updated in April 2016.
The possibility want that information has been changed, please check the official website of each facility.