Visit Japan Web Nikko National Park
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Nikko National Park, located in the Kanto. The park spans across Tochigi, Gunma and Fukushima. Its establishment dates back to the early 20th century when the Diet of Japan make it an imperial park in 1911. The National Parks Law came into use in 1931, leading to the establishment of Nikko National Park in 1934. Throughout the 20th century, the park underwent expansion. Oze National Park was initially part of Nikko National Park but became a separate national park in 2007.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park is celebrated for its historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, including the Nikko Tosho-gū and Rinno-ji, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Shrines and Temples of Nikko.”
In 782 AD, the explorer Master Shodo relocated to Japan and constructed numerous temples dedicated to mountain deities. Since then, Nikko has evolved into a significant cultural and religious hub. Exploring Nikko National Park typically begins from Chuzenji Temple in the northwest of Nikko City.
On the east bank of Lake Chuzenji, there is a temple adorned with eaves and pavilions. This is the Nakagu Shrine. The majority of the temple’s structures exhibit Chinese-style white walls and green tiles as well as Japanese-style sliding door constructions, exuding a serene and graceful ambiance. The monk established the Wudaihuden in the temple to honor the five guardian gods of Lake Chuzenji and its adjacent mountains. It rests against the cliff, offering a panoramic view of the entire Chugushi.
