Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Our guide, Hu, was very friendly and courteous, and proactively offered assistance throughout the trip. Thumbs up for him! The itinerary was comprehensive, the attractions were beautiful, and the timing was well-planned. Highly recommended for families traveling to Tokyo!

great trip with Ko our tour guide. he was great with explaining all the hx of the shrine on our way there, knowledgeable and helpful throughout. the shrine was phenominal, the landscaping throughout the Niko area was so beautiful, we got so many pictures. lots of stairs and walking so be prepared and fit! overall we really enjoyed the trip, highly recommended!

Nikko Toshogu Shrine: A Gilded Sanctuary of Tranquil Majesty Stepping into Nikko Toshogu Shrine is like being transported back to the Edo period. Beyond the vermilion torii gate lies a complex of intricately carved buildings, where gold leaf glimmers and wooden sculptures come to life, every detail revealing the glory and authority of the Tokugawa shogunate. The "Sleeping Cat" sculpture rests peacefully on a beam, symbolizing peace and tranquility, while the three wise monkeys, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," convey an ancient teaching. Standing in the sunlight, the dazzling Yomeimon Gate shines against the blue sky, its opulence tempered with reverence, inspiring awe. I lingered on the stone steps, absorbing the weight of history, as if I could still hear the distant drums of ancient festivals. Irohazaka: A Winding Stage of Autumn Colors Leaving Toshogu Shrine, the journey to Lake Chuzenji requires traversing the famous "Irohazaka" winding road. This mountain road is renowned for its 48 hairpin turns, named after the order of the Japanese "iroha" syllabary, symbolizing a winding yet orderly path. In autumn, the mountainside blazes with maple leaves, swaying in the mountain breeze, a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. The car slowly ascends the winding road, each turn revealing a new vista, from the deep valley streams to the distant mountain ranges, layered upon layered, breathtakingly beautiful. Although the road is narrow and requires focused driving, it is a thrilling and romantic journey for travelers. Kegon Falls: Contemplation Amidst the Roar At the end of Irohazaka lies one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls – Kegon Falls. The roar of the waterfall can be heard from afar. Stepping onto the observation deck, a white cascade plunges straight down, a 97-meter column of water pouring into the basin below, the mist transforming into tiny droplets, carried by the wind to your face, cool and refreshing. Sunlight refracts through the mist, occasionally creating a rainbow, a delightful surprise. The power of nature humbles you, yet inspires a sense of peace in communion with the earth and sky. I stood quietly, watching the ceaseless flow of the waterfall, time seeming to stand still, with only the sound of the water resonating. Walking along the mountain path towards Lake Chuzenji, the scenery abruptly shifts from the intensity of the waterfall to the serenity of the lake and mountains. The lake is vast, like a sapphire mirror, surrounded by mountains. A gentle breeze ripples the surface, reflecting the clouds and the greenery of the distant hills. The lakeside town is quiet and peaceful, occasionally a pleasure boat glides by, leaving a slender wake. I sat by the lake, sipping warm coffee, watching the sun gradually set, the light and shadows slowly shifting on the water, time passing with exceptional gentleness. In contrast to the magnificence of Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji offers a deep sense of tranquility. Finally, I arrived at Futarasan Shrine, which, unlike Toshogu Shrine, exudes a sense of rustic solemnity rather than extravagance. The red torii gate stands quietly in the mountains, backed by ancient trees, creating a serene atmosphere. It is dedicated to the deities of the Nikko mountains, symbolizing harmonious coexistence with nature. Walking along the shrine's path, flanked by towering cedar trees, their shadows dance in the air, carrying a faint scent of wood. I clasped my hands in prayer before the main hall, silently making a wish. At that moment, I felt a sense of belonging, as if the mountains and deities were watching over this land, and protecting every visiting traveler.

Our cheerful and outgoing tour guide, Xiao Zhou, is fluent in Chinese, English, and Japanese, which put us at ease since it was our first time taking our elders abroad. We hope to join another tour led by Xiao Zhou in the future!

Our guide, Jeffrey, and our driver were extremely helpful and friendly. The route was good, and there was enough time everywhere to get a good impression. The time at the temple and waterfall was perfect; the stay at the lake was quite short, but that's simply due to the tight schedule. In my opinion, the priorities were set perfectly, and I would book again anytime! 👍

Fantastic experience, even though it felt a little rushed.

Excellent! You can purchase and redeem it on the same day at Tobu Nikko Station, so you don't have to queue to buy tickets on the spot. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is beautiful and highly recommended. The people who gave it a 1-star rating probably didn't read the redemption instructions carefully. The staff is friendly. However, you need to click on the link on the spot, so you have to wait a little if the connection speed is slow. I hope it can be changed to a QR code that can be scanned for instant redemption.

highly recommended tour. if your into nature and beautiful scenery this is for you. our tour guide / driver was excellent and professional. memories to last a lifetime