The “Nikko 0(Nikko area) can be reached in about two hours from central Tokyo. It boasts numerous World Heritage Sites and stunning natural landscapes, and is also famous as a hot spring resort destination. As one of Japan’s most popular tourist spots, the “Nikko 0attracts many visitors every year. The company has also launched a “DISCOUNT PASS,” allowing tourists to explore “Nikko 0?Tong?ā conveniently.
■Nikko 0(Nikko Area)
“The Nikko 0?Tong?āBenba?(Nikko Area) is home to one of the world’s renowned Japanese tourist destinations, featuring both sacred natural surroundings and a rich historical heritage. It is also known as a “power spot,” attracting many worshippers. The area houses numerous World Heritage architectural structures and showcases ever-changing natural scenery, making it a delightful place for visitors any time of the year. Located just two hours by train from central Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, it is definitely an ideal spot for a short trip.
Chuzenji Lake (Best visiting time: Early October – Late October)
Located at the entrance to the scenic Oku-Nikko area, Chuzenji Lake sits at an altitude of 1,269 meters and is a representative lake within Nikko National Park, celebrated for its beautiful scenery. During the golden autumn season, the colorful autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface create a stunning view. The lakeside is dotted with embassies’ villas, making it a world-famous tourist destination. Boats cruise across the lake, and a special “Autumn Leaves Cruise” route, available only during the foliage season, offers the best views of the endless red leaves from the water. In addition, there are several hiking trails around the lake where visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage while strolling.
■ Mount Zao Onsen Area
Along the Zao Ropeway Foothill Line and Summit Line (Best visiting time: Late September – Early November)
The Mount Zao Onsen Area is located in Yamagata Prefecture and is the largest comprehensive mountain resort in the Tohoku region. It has flourished as a mountain gateway since the Edo period. It was once selected by CNN USA as one of the “31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan,” gaining worldwide fame. Here, you can enjoy the pleasure of highland walks as well as relaxing hot springs. The autumn leaves that start changing color from the mountaintop create a gradient painting composed of gold, orange-red, crimson, and brick-red hues, offering a visual feast for visitors. This breathtaking view can only be fully appreciated from the Zao Ropeway. Be sure to take in the diverse autumn colors reminiscent of world-famous paintings.
■ Kawagoe Area
Kita-in Temple (Autumn Leaves) (Best visiting time: Mid-November – Early December)
Kita-in Temple has deep ties with the Tokugawa family. It preserves numerous cultural properties and retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere, making it one of the most renowned temples in Japan. Kita-in is home to the Five Hundred Arhats, one of Japan’s three great Arhat temples, featuring 538 arhat statues with distinct expressions. In autumn, the red leaves framing the arhat statues give them an even more unique and varied appearance.
■ Asakusa Area
Senso-ji Temple(Best visiting time: Mid-September – Early October)
Senso-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions. In autumn, the red leaves add a splash of color to the Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) and the Five-Story Pagoda, while Nakamise Shopping Street also begins to embrace an autumn ambiance. Additionally, from Saturday, September 17 to Saturday, October 1, the “Asakusa Lantern Festival” will be held. The temple will be illuminated with vibrant lights, and hundreds of lanterns will be displayed both inside and around the temple grounds, creating a spectacular and magical atmosphere.
Tobu Group Launches Mynewsdesk Column
Tobu Railway has set up a Tobu Group news column on the Mynewsdesk platform, which is used to share corporate information, to publish the latest updates from the Tobu Group.
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/tobu-railway
Tobu Free Wi-Fi
Some facilities of the Tobu Group, including major stations, Tokyo Solamachi, and Tobu World Square in the Nikko & Kinugawa area, offer free public wireless internet access for international tourists visiting Japan.
http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/pdf/FreeWifi.pdf