A visit to Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a journey into the heart of Japan’s spiritual history. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who unified Japan and ushered in centuries of peace, the shrine enshrines him as a protective deity watching over the nation from the east. Today, Nikko Toshogu Shrine stands as the centerpiece of the UNESCO-designated Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Commissioned by Ieyasu’s grandson, Tokugawa Iemitsu, the shrine was transformed into its current, richly ornamented form as a powerful expression of devotion and authority. Set on carefully terraced grounds, the complex features 55 buildings, including national treasures and important cultural properties, inspiring reverence and awe in all who visit.

Artistry is everywhere. The five-story pagoda near the entrance represents the elements of the universe, while the Yomeimon Gate dazzles with hundreds of intricate carvings—scenes that capture playful moments, legendary tales, and revered sages. Among the shrine’s most beloved symbols are the Three Wise Monkeys, embodying moral wisdom, and the Sleeping Cat, quietly guarding the inner sanctuary as a subtle expression of peace and harmony. Nestled deep within the cedar forests of Nikko, the shrine offers an unforgettable blend of symbolism, craftsmanship, and spiritual beauty.

At Edo Wonderland, you can become part of the story. Slip into a samurai outfit or kimono and wander the streets as an Edo-era resident, or explore as a modern-day visitor taking in the sights and sounds of a bygone era. Along the way, dynamic performances add energy to the experience: marvel at the daring ninja demonstrations, enjoy the dazzling Oiran Parade showcasing courtesan in elaborate kimono, and be amazed by traditional water performances where performers create playful sprays of water that shoot into the air in unexpected ways.

Beyond performances, visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, join workshops, and enjoy traditional Japanese meals at the park’s restaurants. Every corner of Edo Wonderland immerses you in the spirit of the Edo era, from daily life in the town to moments of spectacle.

It’s a playful, living history lesson where visitors don’t just observe the past—they become part of it, creating memories that feel as timeless as the town itself.

• Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

For those looking to reconnect with nature, Ashikaga Flower Park offers an enchanting escape filled with vibrant blooms and the serene beauty of carefully tended gardens. In spring, the park bursts to life as wisteria flowers drape the landscape, creating a captivating experience that feels both tranquil and magical. Once recognized by CNN as one of the world’s “Dream Destinations,” the park draws visitors from across Japan and beyond, all eager to wander through its seasonal splendor.

At the heart of the park stands the Great Wisteria, a 160-year-old tree whose sprawling branches stretch across a massive trellis, forming a cascading curtain of lavender blossoms. Nearby, tunnels lined with wisteria in soft shades of white, pink, and yellow invite visitors to stroll beneath a living canopy, where each turn reveals new layers of delicate, fragrant blooms.

When fall and winter arrive, the park transforms once again. Spectacular illumination displays bathe the trees and trellises in colorful glow, with around five million lights sparkling throughout the grounds. Having earned top honors in International Illumination Awards, it has become one of the nation’s most celebrated seasonal attractions. Whether wandering beneath flowering tunnels, pausing beneath monumental trellises, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, Ashikaga Flower Park is a true celebration of nature’s elegance and seasonal wonder.

Just northwest of central Utsunomiya, Bamboo Forest at Wakayama Farm is a quiet sanctuary where towering bamboo groves offer a soothing break from daily life. Spanning 24 hectares, the forest beckons visitors to stroll along wide, tranquil paths, pause for quiet reflection, or simply lose themselves in the soothing rhythm of swaying bamboo. Scattered throughout the grounds, handcrafted bamboo sculptures—from elegant archways to a large, functional rope swing—add whimsical charm while blending naturally with the landscape.

The farm also invites hands-on experiences that highlight its agricultural heritage. In spring, guests can harvest bamboo shoots, while summer brings the chance to pick ripe blueberries. Visitors can also savor freshly brewed matcha served in a bamboo cup at the cozy tea house hidden among the towering bamboo groves—a small ritual that perfectly complements the forest’s calm atmosphere.

As night falls, the grove takes on a magical glow. On weekends and national holidays, golden lights bathe the bamboo stalks, and seasonal displays in winter create an ethereal, festive ambiance.

At Wakayama Farm, every path and clearing feels alive with natural beauty, yet the spacious layout and peaceful setting make it a quiet retreat, perfect for enjoying Japan’s bamboo forests far from the hustle.

• Bamboo Forest at Wakayama Farm