The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko ー A journey to spiritual and adventure-filled Nikko

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko set to open its doors on July 15, 2020.

Located in the northern part of Japan’s Kanto region just two and a half hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a popular destination renowned for such natural and cultural jewels as the 97-meter cascade of Kegon Falls and the splendid architecture of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples set in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is located on the east shore of Lake Chuzenji, south of Mount Nantai, in an area known locally as Okunikko, or “deep Nikko.” The lakeside resort will provide guests with easy access to such prominent scenic attractions as the Kegon Falls and the UNESCO-designated Toshogu and Futarasan shrines and Rinnoji temple.

[00:04] 阿世潟 – Azegata
Like these woodland scenes from its southern shore, untouched nature abounds at Lake Chuzenji.

[00:22] 中禅寺湖 – Lake Chuzenji
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko welcomes travelers to a lakeside site at the foot of sacred Mount Nantai.

[00:40] 日光杉並木 – Nikko Cedar Avenue
Some 13,000 cedars flank this 37-kilometer tree-lined route, the longest in the world.

[00:46] 白根山トレイルランニング – Mount Shirane Loop Trail
Popular among runners and hikers alike, this ridgeline trail will take your breath away.

[00:57] 中禅寺湖八丁出島 – Hatcho Dejima Peninsula
Still more jaw-dropping views await on this finger of land famous for its fall colors.

[00:59] 湯ノ湖 – Lake Yuno
Virgin forest surrounds mystical Lake Yuno, where the waters of different hot springs merge.

[01:02] 戦場ヶ原 – Senjogahara Marshland
The renowned marshland area of Senjogahara treats visitors to expansive views in every season.

[01:10] 金精峠 – Konsei Pass
At 2,024 meters, Konsei is the highest mountain pass of the area.

[01:13] 霧降高原 – Kirifuri Highlands
Ice climbing is one of the popular winter activities at the Kirifuri gateway to Mount Nyoho.

[01:17] 鬼怒川と霧降川 – Kinu and Kirifuri Rivers
Slide, paddle, or trek your way along Nikko’s wild and scenic rivers.

[01:35] 滝尾神社 – Takino Shrine
Follow the stone path to this peaceful sanctuary deep in the forest.

[01:39] 滝尾神社三本杉 – Takino Shrine (Three Sacred Cedars)
Local legend links this trio of sacred cedar trees to the water deity Benzaiten.

[01:42] 並び地蔵（化け地蔵）- Stone Statues of Jizo at Kanmangafuchi
A stunning 70 statues of the patron saint of travelers and children line a footpath near the Daiya River.

[01:45] 日光東照宮 – Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is a marvel of 17th-century architectural and artistic achievement.

[01:50] 二荒山神社弥生祭 – Futarasan Shrine Yayoi Festival
For twelve centuries the Yayoi Festival at Futarasan Shrine has marked the arrival of spring.

[01:54] 神橋 – Shinkyo Bridge
This historical structure built in 1636 leads to the entrance of Futarasan Shrine.

[01:57] 輪王寺 逍遥園 – Shoyo-en Garden
Completed in the early 1600s, the garden of Rinnoji Temple is an oasis of fall color.

[02:00] 流鏑馬神事 – Yabusame Archery Competition
Archery competitions on horseback are a thrilling display of skill performed for the gods.

[02:04] 日光天然氷 – Ice the Old-Fashioned Way
Ice production has a long history in mountainous Nikko.

[02:08] 日光霧降高原チロリン村のかき氷 – Chirorin Village
This leisure complex is one place to try the sweet summer treat of shaved ice.

[02:10] 日光宮前だんご – Miyamae Dumplings
Grilled miso-flavored rice dumplings have been a favorite Nikko snack for 300 years.

[02:12] 日光江戸村 – Edo Wonderland
Travel back to feudal times (1603–1867) at this cultural theme park.

[02:19] 東武鉄道SL「大樹」- Taiju SL Engine
Enjoy a retro ride on steam-, electric-, and diesel-powered trains restored by Tobu Railways.

[02:21] 鬼怒川龍王祭 – Kinugawa Ryuo Festival
There is plenty of action and local color at this annual parade of portable shrines.

[02:25] 湯西川温泉　かまくら祭 – Snow-Hut Festival at Yunishigawa Onsen
Snowmen and snow luminaries greet visitors from late January to early March.

[02:29] 奥日光湯元温泉雪まつり – Yumoto Onsen Snow Festival
More snow luminaries and fireworks fill out this grand winter spectacle in early February.

[02:45] 男体山 – Mount Nantai
Presiding over Nikko’s many wonders is the 2,486-meter Mount Nantai, worshipped here since 782.

[02:55] 華厳の滝 – Kegon Falls
This legendary 97-meter cascade is within walking distance of The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko.