Things to Do in Nikkō, Japan

Quick facts: It falls about 97 meters from Lake Chūzenji, and every second roughly 3,000 liters of water pass over the edge. The drop creates a constant mist that, in midday light, forms rainbows visible almost every day.

Highlights: What is truly surprising is that the water you see falling does not come directly from the lake, but rather filters through layers of volcanic rock from Mount Nantai before reappearing. That underground journey cools the water, so even in summer you will feel the icy air as you approach the viewpoint.

Quick facts: This lake of volcanic origin was formed about 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai erupted and blocked the river with lava. Its crystal-clear waters reach depths of up to 163 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in Japan.

Highlights: In winter, the Ryuzu Falls, which flow into the lake, partially freeze, creating columns of blue ice that photographers wait weeks to capture. The lake's surface takes on intense turquoise tones during autumn thanks to melted snow mixing with the volcanic water and the golden hues of the surrounding maples.

Quick facts: The 35-building complex is part of the region's oldest heritage ensemble, declared by UNESCO. More than 15,000 visitors arrive each year just to admire the 16th-century bronze lantern located at the entrance.

Highlights: Inside the shrine there is a Japanese-style garden with more than 100 cherry trees planted by shoguns, and their flowers paint the entire courtyard during spring. The three golden Buddhas, 8 meters tall in the main hall, were carved from a single camphor tree, a detail few visitors notice upon entering.

Quick facts: It has more than 1,200 years of history and houses over 300 objects declared national treasures or important cultural properties. The main shrine stands on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, while the iconic entrance sits next to Shinkyo Bridge, considered one of the three most beautiful bridges in Japan.

Highlights: The shrine protects a sacred bronze sword dating from the 8th century, a piece so venerated that it is only shown to the public once every 12 years during the great festival. It also guards a wooden statue of Bishamonten, one of the seven gods of fortune, carved so finely that the folds of his clothing look like real fabric moving in the wind.

Quick facts: The bridge measures 28 meters long and is painted a deep vermilion red that contrasts with the green of the surroundings. Only about 8.5 million pilgrims crossed annually the ancient road that passed through this point.

Highlights: Legend has it that a monk named Shōdō could not cross the Daiya River and two divine serpents transformed into the bridge to help him. At the spring opening ceremony, monks recreate this miracle by walking barefoot over holy water while bells resound throughout the valley.

Quick facts: This mausoleum houses the remains of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shōgun, and stands out for its decoration in golden lacquer and vibrant colors that contrast with the natural tones of the surrounding cedar forest. Its more than 200 stone and bronze lamps flank the access path, creating a solemn and mystical atmosphere.

Highlights: Unlike its more famous neighbor, this space preserves an almost secret atmosphere of seclusion; only about 300,000 visitors arrive each year compared to the millions who come to the main shrine. The dragon painted on the ceiling of the prayer hall, created by artist Kanō Yasunobu, is said to sing at dawn when light passes through the golden lattice.

Quick facts: With a 75-meter free fall, the waterfall features a lookout trail that allows you to appreciate it from three different levels. Every autumn, the maples and beeches surrounding it dye the area in red and golden tones that contrast with the crystal-clear water.

Highlights: The best-kept secret is the upper viewpoint, reached by a stone path marked with ropes, where the waterfall's spray wets your face just a few meters from the falls. Unlike other spots in the area, here there are almost no tourists, so you can sit on the rocks and listen only to the roar of the water for hours.

Quick facts: It is the largest imperial residence remaining in Japan, with more than 100 rooms distributed through a labyrinth of corridors and courtyards. Its gardens were designed so the imperial family could stroll and contemplate the changing seasons without leaving home.

Highlights: It has 106 rooms connected by corridors that seem to multiply, and an original bathtub carved from a single stone over 5 meters long. Hirohito's parents used to spend their summers here, and the original tatami, over a century old, is still preserved.

Quick facts: The canyon was formed more than 22 million years ago by the eruption of Mount Nantai, and the Yu River carved its walls of molten rock over millennia. Its 4-kilometer walkways allow you to cross it via four suspension bridges, one of them with a transparent glass section over the turquoise water.

Highlights: In autumn, nearly a thousand maples dye the canyon walls in crimson red and intense orange, creating a brutal contrast against the emerald green of the water. If you cross the glass bridge at first light, the low sun illuminates the riverbed and you can see trout jumping among the rocks 100 meters below your feet.