Formed by lava erupted from Mount Nantai, a picturesque place where the clear stream of Daiyagawa River and mossy greenery create a natural beauty. Passing through the hall of Jiunji Temple, you will be greeted by Jizō statues lined up in a quiet forest. The number of statues is said to change on your way there and back, earning them the name "Bake Jizō (Ghost Jizō)." The rich nature and expressive Jizō statues purified me spiritually and calmed me.

The powerful steam locomotive SL Taiju slid into the platform with steam billowing from its big whistle as it blew. Running between Shimoimaichi and Kinugawa, the train was an impressive sight to behold. It definitely dazzled not just the ticket holders waiting to board, but also those who just came to catch a glimpse of the train that day. Being in that retro station building and charming waiting lounge with design reminiscent of the Showa era made for a truly unforgettable experience.

Located about 30 minutes on foot from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Takinoo Shrine is an associated shrine of Futarasan Shrine situated deep in the mountains, thickly covered with trees. Just gazing at the serene space filled with sunlight filtering through the tree will surely purify you spiritually. Test your luck by throwing a stone through the small hole in the "Undameshi no (trial of luck) Torii" gate three times, and if it goes through even once, you will have good luck. This is an exciting hidden spot for good luck filled with entertaining elements, including the "Anzan (easy delivery) Kodane stone" and "Enmusubi no Sasa (bamboo leaf for marriage)."

Founded in 1954 on the Omotesando of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the one-stroke dragon painting has been passed down for 70 years. Limiting not only to Japanese ink painting, the third-generation artist Fumiko Takase developed the technique of colorful ink painting. It's a breathtaking sight watching her paint the dragon's body in one stroke. Gold dust is blown to add the finishing touch, bringing the dragon to life, which is truly magnificent. The paintings are available for purchase, starting from a small card-size painting, to serve as a constant source of motivation at any time.

A 20-minute drive from Nikko City, the Kirifuri Highland, at an altitude of 1,300 - 1,600 meters (approx. 4,265 - 5,250 feet), offers clear air and nature to refresh your body and soul. It is an ideal summer retreat. The yellow daylilies are in full bloom until mid-July. If you are confident in your physical strength, how about challenging yourself to the 1,445 steps of the Sky Corridor for a hiking experience?

Shiori is a restaurant run by a chef with over 20 years of experience at the Nikko Kanaya Hotel. People are always lined up for the lunch sets, and reservations are a must for dinner. The yuba (tofu skin) dishes, including fresh yuba sashimi, lightly fried yuba, and boiled yuba, are rich in soybean flavor and gentle in taste, surely to thrill you. How about enjoying a blissful time with local fish sashimi and selected local sake here?

This store, owned by a well-established brewer founded in 1894, attracts many visitors from afar seeking its special shaved ice. Their signature menu item is the "Fresh Strawberry Premium," using local strawberries. The heaped fluffy shaved ice topped with plenty of special sauce is enchanting and creates happiness with just one bite.

This is a cute cake shop run by a married couple. The patissier, a former bartender, makes addicting homemade sangria using orange and apple peels from cake making. The market, held five times a year, gathers popular local stores, including French cuisine Girouette and Echan Shokudo, serving offal stew, providing a lively holiday experience.