{"id":97879,"date":"2023-01-20T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T02:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=97879"},"modified":"2024-02-27T14:44:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T05:44:00","slug":"explore-tochigi-prefecture-nature-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/explore-tochigi-prefecture-nature-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore Tochigi Prefecture: A Journey through Nature and History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Tochigi Prefecture (\u6803\u6728\u770c) is located in Japan\u2019s northern Kanto region, only a couple hours by train from Tokyo. Home to a wealth of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, Tochigi Prefecture is a beautiful and diverse region that offers a variety of attractions for all types of tourists, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a chance to reconnect with nature and traditional Japanese culture. It truly has something for everyone: outdoorsy types will love its parks, gardens<\/strong>, and the vast range of hikes and outdoor activities<\/strong> available, such as exploring Japan\u2019s highest lake, Chuzenji. History junkies will be spoilt for choice with many temples, shrines, and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Those looking to relax can soak in one of the many onsen hot spring resorts, such as Tochigi\u2019s Oku-Nikko, <\/strong>surrounded by the region\u2019s stunning natural landscapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the best of Tochigi\u2019s destinations for those seeking relaxation, spiritual enlightenment, and exploration of its many temples, shrines, and natural wonders.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The charming Nikko (\u65e5\u5149) area, easily accessible by direct trains from the center of Tokyo<\/a>, is perhaps the prefecture\u2019s most popular tourist destination. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and home to numerous temples, shrines, and gardens, Nikko should be the first stop on your Tochigi adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Nikko Toshogu Shrine<\/a><\/strong>, a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning complex of buildings and gates lavishly adorned with gorgeous carvings. The shrine honors the spirit and houses the grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu, whose family line ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. Stroll through the beautiful forest surrounding the temple-shrine complex to discover its many buildings; don\u2019t miss its stunning five-story pagoda and storehouses, <\/strong>which house five National Treasures and three Important Cultural Properties. Also, keep an eye out for the famous \u201csee no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil<\/strong>\u201d monkeys carved in one of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\nExplore the Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage of Nikko and Oku-Nikko<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Gates of Nikko Toshogu Shrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n