The Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival) is held annually from mid-June until early July in Otawara. About 6,000 hydrangea flowers bloom, awakening this isolated town into a small local festival.

Nemurin Oriental is a small pension called situated in the Nasu Kogen region of Tochigi prefecture. It's perfect if you want to relax in a quiet environment, enjoy nature and take soothing baths in private hot spring baths.

A visit to the Moka SL makes a great day out, whether you choose to ride the full 40km route or simply watch and photograph it as it goes past, then visit the associated museum at Moka station.

Tobu World Square is a theme park featuring 1/25th replica of famous buildings and structures from around the world.

Light rain falls from the sky above the shrine and bridge, and suddenly my surroundings are enveloped by fog. The bright autumn foliage appears gloomier as everything gradually lose its visibility. But on other days the lake surface sparkles under the golden sunlight, and the sound of the waterfall is so soothing that it makes you want to stay as long as possible.

This guide will cover going up the ridge path and down the slope back to the city with a distance of about 15km and an elevation gain of about 1100m. This is also the path I took for a one-day trip.

Although Sano city might not have a lot to offer in terms of excitement like Tokyo or culture like Nikko, there are still some great events here that manage to bring people together from all over the Kanto area.

Summer time calls for two things in Japan, beach trips and sunflower viewing.

A long row of monks and a hidden gorge in central Nikko that’s well worth a visit.

Meet Mt. Nakimushi (鳴虫山), a small mountain in Nikko that is about 1,200 meters high. Once there, you’ll immediately know where to begin since there are several signs in the area to point you in the right direction.

Every January, cities and towns all over Japan host Hatsu Ichi festivals.

The summer may be the best time to hike in the area and the autumn may be its' most famed time for viewing, but winter in Oku-Nikko has a special feel to it – and the total lack of tourists makes that even better.