SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
Naraya Cafe and Foot Bath
We at Snow Monkey Resorts love to try new cafes, and this cafe in Hakone is a must visit! Located just a stone’s throw away from Miyanoshita station, this cafe used to be an old Ryokan or Japanese style inn built overlooking the stunning greenery of the Mountains. At Naraya Cafe you can enjoy a variety of hot and cold food, sweets, coffee and matcha. We recommend you try their matcha lattes and ’Monaka’. A traditional Japanese sweet which consists of a wafer filled with sweet red bean paste. To make it even more special, the cafe has a free foot bath which can be enjoyed all year round. It […]
Shinkyō Bridge
For many people, Shinkyō Bridge is the symbol of Nikko. The bridge was constructed in 1639, and it is ranked as one of the top 3 bridges in all of Japan due to its beauty and significance. It is a highly sacred bridge and marks the start of the World Heritage Area and National Park in Nikko. Visitors can reach Shinkyō by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to the Shinkyo Bridge bus stop. The bridge is then a 2 minute walk away. Shinkyō Bridge is 28 meters long and is under the ownership of nearby Futarasan Shrine, and crosses the Daiya River, the main river that […]
Futarasan Shrine
Located in the World Heritage area of Nikko, Futarasan Shrine is one of the top attractions to visit during your trip to Nikko. Founded in 782, Futarasan was founded by the first Buddhist Head Priest in Nikko, Shodo Shonin. Shonin actually brought Buddhism to Nikko, and he also founded nearby Rinnoji Temple. Futarasan is mostly free to visit, with the exception of the Shrine’s garden where visitors have to pay a small fee of 300 yen enter. Visitors can reach Futarasan Shrine by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to Shinkyo Bridge. The bus ride will take approximately 5 minutes. From Shinkyo Bridge, you will enter the […]
Rinnoji Temple and Shoyoen Gardens
Located within the World Heritage area of Nikko, Rinnoji Temple and Shoyoen Gardens are one of the top attractions to visit during a trip to Nikko. Rinnoji is a Buddhist temple founded over 1,200 years ago in the 8th Century by the first Head Priest in Nikko. The temple’s complex is made up of the Sanbutsudo (the main worship hall), the Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden. Visitors can reach Rinnoji Temple complex by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to Shinkyo Bridge. The bus ride will take approximately 5 minutes. From Shinkyo Bridge, you will enter the start of the Nikko Heritage Area and Rinnoji Temple will […]
Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway & Shrine
One of the most popular activities to do around the Lake Kawaguchiko area is the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and Shrine. Visitors can enjoy a round trip ride up to the top of the mountainous terrain to see spectacular views of Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko and beyond. Visitors can reach the ropeway by taking the red line sightseeing bus from Kawaguchiko station to the ‘Sightseeing Boat/Ropeway’ bus stop. The bus journey will take approximately 11 minutes depending on traffic and how busy the bus is. The bus drops you directly opposite the ropeway entrance. You can purchase either a single trip or a round trip for the ropeway. For those wanting […]
Kawaguichi Asama Shrine & Tenku no Torii
A real hidden gem and off the beaten path, Kawaguichi Asama Shrine and Tenku no Torii are a must visit during your trip to Kawaguichiko. It is fast becoming one of the top spots to view Mount Fuji in Japan. The shrine has a long history associated with Fuji worship. Pilgrims and Visitors come to the shrine to pay their respect to the sacred mountain, and take in the serene grounds of the shrine. The shrine was awarded UNESCO Heritage Status in 2013 and is a designated heritage site of the Mount Fuji heritage site. Due to Mount Fuji’s consistent eruptions, people believed the mountain and gods were angry. Therefore […]
Oishi Park and Natural Living Centre
Laying right on the edge of Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park and its Natural Living Centre are a must visit if you’re venturing to Kawaguchiko and to see Mount Fuji. It is said that the park offers the best views of Fuji due to the colourful flowers and beautiful view of the Lake on the horizon. To reach the park, visitors arriving at Kawaguchiko station should take the red line Sightseeing bus to the Oishi Park bus stop. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic and how busy the bus is. The park is free to enjoy, and is very family friendly. It is open 24 hours a […]
Taiyuin Temple Complex
A sub-temple of the nearby Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuin Temple is the temple of the third Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu who lived from 1604 to 1651. Iemitsu was the grandchild of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogunate of the Tokugawa clan. You will find Tokugawa Ieyasu’s shrine complex just a 5 minute walk away from Taiyuin. It is highly recommend you visit both on your trip to Nikko, especially if you’re interested in Samurai and Shogunate history in Japan. Visitors can reach Taiyuin Temple by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to Shinkyo Bridge. The bus ride will take approximately 5 minutes. From Shinkyo Bridge, you will enter the start of […]
Nikko Toshogu Shrine Complex
Toshogu Shrine is arguably the most impressive and beautiful of all the temples and shrines on the heritage site of Nikko. It was built in 1617 during the Edo period, and it is the shrine where the first Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined and buried. Adorned with gold leaf, beautiful wooden carvings, and brightly painted structures, its easy to see why this shrine complex is a national treasure and has World Heritage status. Visitors can reach Nikko Toshogu Shrine by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to Shinkyo Bridge. The bus ride will take approximately 5 minutes. From Shinkyo Bridge, you will enter the start of the Nikko […]