Improve autonomic balance and enjoy Japanese cultural experience (4 days, 3 nights)

KAMAYA ~Café du Reverbere~ is a café restaurant. Dishes made with Mae Nikko Wagyu and Nikko Pork, and homemade sweets using strawberries produced in Nikko are popular here. There are also halal and vegan dishes. Renovated from a bank, the restaurant is designed as a retro-style café terrace with street lamps. It is only a one minute-walk away from the Tobu-nikko station, which is the gateway to the Nikko area. The restaurant mainly uses hand-picked local ingredients, including yuba, a specialty in Nikko. Most dishes served here are gluten-free. The restaurant’s recommendations are “NIKKO Donburi,” a rice bowl topped with a generous amount of local Mae Nikko Wagyu roast beef, and “THE NIKKO Hamburger Steak Set Using Mae Nikko Wagyu and Nikko Pork.” Both are popular dishes served daily while quantities last.

This villa and garden used to be a retreat for the imperial prince in the 19^th century. In the year 2000, they were opened to the public after renovation works. The residence, combining architectural styles of different periods, is well worth visiting. Located close to the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”, it is easily accessible.
Take a walk in the garden with seasonal charms and 100 years of majestic history. After the historic tour, relax at the teahouse serving popular Japanese treats such as a bowl of maccha. English audio guides are available.

The most renowned shrine of “the Shrines and Temples of Nikko”-a UNESCO world heritage site where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the great Shogun who started the Edo Period, is enshrined. Most of the shrine complex you see today was rebuilt in 17th century. The shrine contains 55 buildings including 8 national treasures and 34 listed buildings. The highlights are many colorful buildings which are richly decorated with gorgeous carvings. Do not miss the symbol of peace “Sleeping Cat”, and the “Three Monkeys” with the “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” poses!

This dedicated hall for prayer was constructed in 1998 to fulfill the wishes of many worshippers, making it the foremost Goma prayer hall in Nikko. In this esoteric Buddhist ritual, your prayers are conveyed to the Buddha through sacred fire.

Goma prayers are performed daily and are open to all. They offer various benefits such as domestic tranquility, physical health, and prosperity in business.

In the inner sanctuary of the Great Goma Hall, the principal image is the “Five Great Kings”, surrounded by 30 statues of Buddhas and ancestral masters, including the “Seven Lucky Gods” and the “Twelve Heavenly Generals.” Additionally, on the ceiling, you can find a magnificent painting of a “Great Ascending Dragon” that took two and a half years to complete.

Why not make a wish and participate in this sacred ritual as a memorable part of your journey?

The mekke Nikko Kyodo Center, located along the Nikko-kaido Road between Tobu-Nikko Station/JR Nikko Station and the World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Nikko, is a place where visitors (both single visitors and groups) can try their hand at Nikko’s famous traditional craft of Nikko-bori wood carving.

Visitors who want to experience Nikko-bori for themselves can select their favorite from traditional patterns or the monkey, cat, and dragon, etc. animals associated with the shrines and temples of Nikko, and use a traditional tool called a “hikkaki” to create their very own Nikko-bori work that will become a perfect memento of their trip to Nikko.

There is also a Tourist Information Center with a wealth of tourist information and pamphlets waiting to welcome and assist international visitors. There are also power-assisted bicycles available to rent, making the center an ideal base for sightseeing in the area.

Volcanic rocks， having been eroded by the flow of the Kinugawa River， produce a dynamic vista resembling a dragon wriggling around. You can see this 3-kilometre vista between Kawaji Onsen and Kinugawa Onsen. Many tourists come to see the stunning autumn leaves from late October to early November. The 7-kilometre nature trail leading to Kawaji Onsen is highly recommended for a nice walk.

Edo is the former name of Tokyo used until the late 19th century. This theme park authentically recreates town life in the Edo period. The huge village consists of rows of merchant houses， a samurai mansion， a Ninja village and much more. The culture of the Edo period comes alive through the townspeople and events， you can even put on a costume and join in yourself! The cultural park offers a real experience of the life and culture of the Edo period via their seven theatres， museums on history and culture and even Edo-style restaurants.

Wakayama Farm is a family farm that has been producing chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and bamboo seedlings over three generations. The spectacular bamboo forest that extends in the 24-hectare land is also popular as a filming location for movies and commercials. Farm visitors can try bamboo shoot harvest and bamboo craft creation in addition to a walk in the bamboo forest. On weekends and holidays, you can enjoy an out-of-ordinary experience including drinking matcha from a bowl made from bamboo and seeing the illuminated bamboo forest at night. The café offers meals that feature the flavor of ingredients grown by farmers in the neighborhood and drinks that are perfect to take on a walk. The farm also has a museum where visitors can learn about the ecology and use of bamboo and a gallery showcasing Japanese bamboo handicrafts. The shop sells agricultural products including bamboo shoots, chestnuts, and blueberries, and also the chestnuts sweet “Oh Kuri” made by thoroughly kneading the nuts of carefully grown chestnuts. You will also find the farm’s original bamboo shoot products such as jars of additive-free boiled bamboo shoots harvested in spring.

The old mining site of Utsunomiya’s famous，Oya Stone，has now been turned into a historical museum. The exhibition features the long history of the mining since the 17^th century，with many materials on display. The underground cavern，covering 20,000 sq. metres，is large enough to fit a baseball field.

With a fantastic atmosphere reminding visitors of the ruins of Ancient Rome.It is used in various scenes such as movie shooting, music videos shooting, weddings, concert, etc. due to its mysterious scenery.

“Utsunomiya Gyoza” is an important part of the culinary culture of Utsunomiya City. The city has over 300 Gyoza restaurants，and people enjoy queuing in front of their favourite restaurants. These eateries compete in creating unique recipes to be recognised as “one of the best” Gyoza in the city，with all sorts of ingredients and cooking methods. Go from one eatery to another like the locals do，and sample some of thier wide selection! You can even join Gyoza-making classes led by veteran lecturers. Gyoza-related goods are also popular as souvenirs.