도쿄 근교에 이런 곳이? 1박2일 닛코여행 완전정복

도쿄 근교에 이런 곳이? 1박2일 닛코여행 완전정복

We’re currently in the middle of the Golden Week holidays. On this spring day when the fresh greenery is deepening, I’m heading to Nikko. There are really a lot of motorcyclists out today. Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is a world-famous tourist destination where Japan’s history and nature harmonize. Today, I’m going to start by exploring Oku-Nikko, which is up in the mountains. It’s a place you reach by driving up these winding mountain roads. There are many hairpin curves, and it’s also known as a classic driving route. This is the entrance to Lake Chuzenji in Oku-Nikko. As expected from a mountain area, the azaleas are in full bloom right now. I came here because there’s a famous waterfall. The large mountain visible in the distance is Mount Nantai. From Lake Chuzenji, which was formed by an eruption of this mountain, water flows down through the valley to form the waterfall known as Kegon Falls. You can see the falls from the parking lot, but if you take the elevator down to the observatory, you can enjoy a much better view. It feels like we’ve descended about 100 meters. We’ll go a bit further down along this passageway. You can see the signboard for the observation deck. And this breathtaking view spreads out before us! It’s a massive waterfall, reaching a height of 97 meters. On average, about 3 tons of water fall per second, and up to 10 tons at peak. Thinking about that, the volume of water in the lake is really incredible. Wow, the azaleas look just like a painting. I thought it might be nice to stand under the waterfall, but with 3 tons of water per second… my body wouldn’t survive that. (A memorial monument for Fujimura, a disciple of Natsume Soseki, who took his own life here in 1903) Watching the cool waterfall makes me feel refreshed. I’m going to look around nearby for a place to have lunch. One of Nikko’s famous local specialties is yuba (tofu skin). Since I came all this way, I absolutely have to try yuba. I picked a menu item that includes yuba. It’s a meal set with soba noodles and yuba. It’s a little chilly up in the mountains, so I chose warm soba. And this is hot pot udon with yuba in a soy milk soup. Yuba is made by heating soy milk and skimming off the film that forms on top. Sometimes it’s eaten raw like sashimi, or lightly cooked and rolled into maki-yuba, or added to other dishes. Its savory yet refreshing taste is absolutely delicious. After a tasty meal, I’m heading off again while enjoying the drive. Lake Chuzenji is located at an altitude of 1,269 meters. Its circumference is about 25 kilometers, and its maximum depth is 163 meters. I’ve parked the car, and from here I’ll continue on foot. That snow-covered mountain over there is Mount Sha. Doesn’t it feel kind of like Canada? There are quite a few people fishing here too. If you follow this path, you’ll arrive at the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park. It was originally built as a private villa by a British diplomat, and later became the British Embassy’s villa. Today, it has been maintained as a historical park. It’s a charming two-story building, with exhibition rooms inside that give a glimpse into British culture of the time. From the wide veranda, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Chuzenji. Sitting on a sofa and gazing at that snow-covered mountain, somehow, my eyes felt refreshed and clear. Let’s go up to the second floor. There’s even a study room furnished with British-style interior pieces. And a café where you can enjoy scones and tea, approved by the official chef of the British Embassy, is also open. Unfortunately, it was fully booked. ㅠㅠ Right next to the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park, there’s also the Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park. It’s just a 3-minute walk away. This is also a wonderful place where you can feel the culture of Italy, but it has quite a different atmosphere from the British one. People had already taken seats on the atmospheric boat deck. Let’s also look around the second floor, where you can get a sense of daily life here. The Italian house has a simpler, more approachable charm, while the British house is modern and refined— comparing the two is part of the fun. In a place like this, where it’s completely silent, I wonder how it would feel to relax and unwind. On the way back, it looked like there were even more people along the lakeshore. It seems there’s a boarding point for sightseeing boats around here. If I had time, I’d love to ride one too. Maybe I spent too much time at the embassy villa parks— it’s already past 2 p.m. There are so many places to see in Oku-Nikko, I wish I could explore more. Besides the beautiful lake, there are also famous shrines, and more magnificent waterfalls, as well as marshlands in the highlands that are popular for hiking. Right now, we’re driving through the Senjogahara Marshland. More than 350 types of alpine plants and over 100 species of birds inhabit this area. Now we’ve stopped by a hot spring in Oku-Nikko. There’s even a footbath area here, and this monkey watching us is a fun little bonus! Behind the village, there’s a spot where the hot spring water comes out of the ground. This spring is a hydrogen sulfide source with a strong sulfur smell, and it’s said to be quite hot. When the hot spring water comes into contact with the air like this, it turns milky white. Sulfur hot springs are said to be effective for skin diseases, arthritis, and relieving fatigue. Rather than worrying about that kind of thing,
when I soak in a hot spring, my tension melts away, and I feel calm and really good. I was thinking of going into this hot spring, but maybe I wasn’t well prepared—I couldn’t find it easily. So, I decided to enjoy a quick hot spring bath near Lake Chuzenji instead. This is the Chuzenji Lake Annex of the hotel where I’ll stay tonight. I heard there’s a hot spring here, so I came by to check it out. Time to refresh myself and soak in the hot spring. I stayed in the bath for about an hour, and wow! My face is glowing ✨ It was a short time, but that’s it for my Oku-Nikko trip. Leaving Lake Chuzenji behind, I’m heading to Nikko via the winding Irohazaka road. This road, called “Irohazaka,” was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Roads. It’s known for its steep curves, and it’s especially popular in autumn for scenic drives during the fall foliage season. Driving down Irohazaka, I’m getting closer to the main street known as Nikko Sando. And now, I’ve arrived at tonight’s hotel—Nikko Kanaya Hotel. Doesn’t it look like an old hotel? Let’s start by checking in. I was shown to a room on the 3rd floor of the hotel’s main building, and I really liked the classic atmosphere, so I filmed a bit of it. You can see the annex next to it, and in the distance, you can also see the Nikko mountains. After a short rest, I went out to explore the hotel. Since it’s an old hotel, there are many historical exhibits on display. They also offer hotel tours for those interested. You’ll find sculptures of imaginary elephants, a sleeping cat sculpture, and even a dragon carving above the entrance’s revolving door— all of them are precious artifacts that have been part of the hotel’s 150-year history. Nikko Kanaya Hotel was founded in 1873. It’s Japan’s oldest resort hotel, with a classic ambiance that blends Japanese and Western cultures. They even have ceremonial cars prepared for special occasions. (I thought a guest had arrived by taxi, haha) The main building and some of the structures are officially registered as national tangible cultural properties. I stepped outside to buy some alcohol for tonight. Luckily, there was one shop still open nearby. Wow, even though it’s only around 6 PM, the whole town is incredibly quiet. What a classic and stylish hotel. Dinner~ time! Before heading into the restaurant, there’s this relaxing lounge area. There are so many sculptures everywhere. Dinner tonight is French cuisine. It may look like a traditional ryokan, but it’s actually a Western-style hotel, so most of the meals are Western-style courses. It started with an amuse-bouche, followed by an hors d’oeuvre and soup. Three kinds of delicious bread were also served, but sadly, they’re not on camera. TT They also served beef and chicken raised in this region’s highlands, each dish was carefully prepared and delicious, but for some reason, I didn’t feel totally relaxed there. ^^ In the restaurant, original hotel tableware was also on display. It really made me feel, “Wow, this hotel is something special.” At night, I enjoyed some fruit provided by the hotel to wrap up the first day of my trip. It felt wasteful to oversleep like at a regular hotel, so I woke up early. But I felt really refreshed! It made me reflect on how I’ve been living till now. I was guided to a different place for breakfast compared to yesterday. They served the hotel’s famous omelet along with a traditional Japanese breakfast. The space itself felt so special, I naturally lowered my voice. But thanks to last night’s dinner, I was able to relax a bit more. I was seated where I could see the courtyard, maybe they wanted to show me different parts of the hotel. After the meal, I took a walk around the backyard. It’s something I don’t usually do, but the beauty just moved me to action. I’m simply grateful for this refreshing feeling that you can’t experience in the city. After a leisurely morning, it’s time to explore Nikko. Right after leaving the hotel, you’ll see this beautiful vermilion arched wooden bridge—Shinkyo Bridge. It’s considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Japan. The harmony with the fresh greenery is truly stunning. If you cross the road next to the bridge, you’ll see the entrance to the area with the World Heritage sites. In 1999, this area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site— the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko.” As you enter, you’ll see a statue of the monk Shodo Shonin. He founded the Buddhist temple “Rinnoji” in the 8th century. What you see in front of you is that very Rinnoji Temple. Many people tend to think that the Nikko World Heritage Site is just Toshogu Shrine, but it actually includes this Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine as well— these three together are registered as a World Heritage Site. After touring Rinnoji’s iconic Sanbutsudo Hall, I’ll now head over to Toshogu Shrine. Entrance to Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine Tōshōgū is known as the “King of Shrines,” dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the legendary shogun who unified Japan during the Sengoku period. This shrine is where he is enshrined. It’s not just a simple gravesite— He was deified and enshrined as “Tōshō Daigongen,” a divine spirit. As you enter the grounds, the first thing you’ll see is the stable. This is called the “Shinkyūsha” (Sacred Stable). Can you see the carving of the three monkeys? They represent “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” It conveys a Buddhist lesson wishing for the pure and proper growth of children, and since monkeys have long been believed to protect horses, such carvings were made. Above this storehouse is the carving of an imaginary elephant, created purely from imagination, since elephants had never been seen in Japan at the time—mysterious and unique. Straight ahead is a gate considered the symbol of Tōshōgū Shrine. This is the “Yōmeimon” gate. In front of this lavish Yōmeimon gate are two bells— the one on the left was gifted from the Netherlands, and the one on the right is a Korean bell brought by a Korean diplomatic envoy. This gate, with its golden decorations and elaborate carvings, is said to be the most beautiful gate in the East due to its splendor and intricacy. It’s even called “Nichinichimon” (“Daily Gate”) because people admired it so much they could gaze at it all day long. Another gate called “Karamon” was built to guard the shrine’s main sanctuary. It’s entirely coated with a unique white pigment called “gofun,” made by grinding seashells, giving it a distinct white appearance. I also entered the main sanctuary, but unfortunately it couldn’t be captured on video. At the entrance leading to the inner shrine is another famous carving. That is the carving of the “Sleeping Cat.” It’s a cat depicted peacefully sleeping. On the reverse side of this carving, there is also a depiction of “Two Sparrows.” The image of sparrows playfully flying beside the sleeping cat is said to symbolize a peaceful world. The path to the inner shrine is lined with cedar trees, giving the place a somewhat mystical atmosphere. “Okumiya” literally means “innermost shrine,” and this is where Tokugawa Ieyasu’s grave is located. There are many steps, so the path isn’t easy— but I kept walking, enjoying the forest air as I went. His grave lies beyond this point. It’s also known as a spiritual power spot in Japan. This is the gravesite of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The person who’s been taking pictures here for a while is photographing the “Sangusoku”—the incense burner, flower vase, and candlestick. This was a gift from the Joseon envoys. It seems there was active exchange with Joseon at the time. Next to the tomb stands a cedar tree over 600 years old. It is said that if you make a wish, it will come true… As I leave, I find myself wishing that peaceful exchanges with Joseon could have continued forever. Next to the main hall is the “Mikoshi Hall” which houses three sacred palanquins used in grand festivals. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the site’s World Heritage status, Bandai Namco dedicated a Musha Gundam Mk-II here. On the ceiling of the Yomeimon Gate, there’s also a painting of a dragon like this. The final highlight of Toshogu Shrine is the “Rinnoji Yakushido Hall.” This temple and the dragon painting on its ceiling are designated Important Cultural Properties. When you clap your hands under the dragon painting, it sounds as if the dragon is roaring. It’s truly a mysterious phenomenon… but unfortunately, we couldn’t capture it on video. We’ve finished touring Toshogu Shrine and are now heading to the next destination. Rather than feeling like we’re visiting shrines or temples, it feels more like walking along a forest path. It’s as if we’re enjoying a forest bath. This is the “Futarasan Shrine.” During holidays, they seem to operate this cute little shuttle bus. At this shrine, the deities worshipped are mountains. Mount Nantai, Mount Nyohō, and Mount Tarō. It’s a shrine that worships the sacred mountains of Nikko themselves as deities. And interestingly, at the entrance of the shrine, there’s a tree where a cedar and an oak have grown together as one. It is believed to bring good relationships. Heart-shaped omikuji (fortune papers) are tied around here, and you can also find rabbit-shaped ornaments. That’s the “Good Match Rabbit” statue. It seems this place is filled with things related to forming good bonds. Perhaps because this is a shrine that worships mountains as gods, there are many kinds of flowering trees in the shrine grounds. It’s a lovely place to stroll through the beautiful garden and take a break. There were many other temples nearby, but it’s about time to head back, so I think I’ll wrap up the shrine and temple tour of Nikko around here. Even for those who aren’t particularly interested in Shinto or Buddhism, just experiencing the nature of Nikko while strolling through it can make for a very worthwhile trip. This spring, when the fresh green leaves are lush and vibrant, I was able to feel the beginning of the season here in Nikko, and it feels so refreshing. I bought a few souvenirs, but I still didn’t want to leave just yet, so the final stop I made was— a famous shop selling Ningyo-yaki, sweet cakes shaped like Nikko’s landmarks. I ended up waiting over 30 minutes as expected, but it was definitely worth the wait. The sweet, toasty aroma of them baking is just delightful— inside these cakes is delicious sweet red bean paste. Thank you so much for watching this Nikko travel video until the very end!

이번 영상은 일본의 대표적인 힐링 여행지, 닛코로의 1박 2일 여행을 담은 브이로그입니다.
도쿄에서 출발하여 게곤폭포, 추젠지호 드라이브, 닛코 카나야호텔, 세계유산 도쇼구까지!
여유롭게 온천욕도 즐기고, 자연과 문화가 공존하는 닛코를 알차게 여행했어요.
여행지 고민 중이시라면? 닛코는 진짜 강추!
도쿄 근교에서 1박 2일로 이렇게 다양한 장소를 다녀올 수 있다니✨
👉 여행 일정, 맛집, 숙소 정보까지 모두 영상에서 확인하세요!

📌 타임라인
00:00 인트로
01:25 게곤폭포
06:34 영국 대사관 별장 기념공원
07:53 이탈리아 대사관 별장 기념공원
09:31 추젠지호수 드라이브
10:17 오쿠닛코 온천 원천
11:28 추젠지 카나야호텔 온천욕
12:04 이로하자카 드라이브
13:14 닛코 카나야호텔
15:45 닛코 카냐야호텔 저녁식사
17:34 닛코 카냐야호텔 아침식사
19:18 닛코 신쿄 다리
20:10 린노지(輪王寺)
21:04 세계문화유산 도쇼구(東照宮)
28:07 후타라산 신사(二荒山神社)

🍽 추천 맛집
Yuba soba Taki
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZgEZ2RS5jQT2r7KA
Nikko Kanaya hotel
https://maps.app.goo.gl/x5jnbvxBUfv4yhW2A
Ningyoyaki Mishimaya
https://maps.app.goo.gl/v1FwRwNs5T5pj3XJ9

📷 촬영 장비
카메라: Nikon Z6III
렌즈: TAMRON 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
보조 촬영: iPhone 13

🎥 다른 여행 브이로그도 보러 오세요!
👉 도쿄 여행: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCpIG2pAiieLNd16_4XI7wrf
👉 오사카 여행: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCoTH7tZZhtDV2fQBlgzobDk
👉 오키나와 여행: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCr44TOXdOJ_OqWcmVjl6345
👉 일본 추천 여행지: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCqvs-Y8jC5gYqJlRrnlu_tm
👉 대만 여행: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCoEgcPnbbBSnG8IcsCsEsGl
👉 프랑스 여행: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCr9NhuVC5YijSeQGfYhebir
👉 태국 방콕 여행: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCpGEDuKGcPupGGTaL4EY4n8
👉 이탈리아 여행: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI8QXTALJCrvuBAaDXZ2Jzr7dGVB5NnC

🎵 BGM 정보
사용 음악: Artlist 음원
가입 링크: https://artlist.io/LEE-3783075
(△ 링크를 통해 가입하면 추가 2개월 무료 혜택을 받을 수 있어요!)

🎥 여행 VLOG 좋아하신다면 구독과 좋아요!
🔔 알림 설정하고 도쿄 여행 시리즈 놓치지 마세요!

#닛코여행 #도쿄근교여행 #일본여행브이로그
#1박2일여행 #게곤폭포 #닛코온천 #추젠지호수
#닛코카나야호텔 #세계유산여행 #NikkoTravel