Nikkō National Park
Nikkō National Park is a national park in the Kantō region, on the main island of Honshū in Japan. The park spreads over three prefectures: Tochigi, Gunma and Fukushima, and was established in 1934.
History
The establishment of Nikkō National Park dates to the early 20th century. The Diet of Japan designated Nikkō an imperial park in 1911. The National Parks Law was passed in 1931, and Nikkō National Park was established in 1934. The park was expanded throughout the 20th century. Oze National Park was once part of Nikkō National Park, but became a separate national park in 2007.Description
The park is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan, and is a popular tourist destination. Beyond its striking scenery, the park is noted for its historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, most notably the Nikkō Tōshō-gū and Rinnō-ji. They are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō".The park is free entry and is divided into three zones, such as Nikko, Kinugawa/Kuriyama, Nasu Kashi/Shiobara.
Notable places
- Nikkō Tōshō-gū, a Shinto shrine, Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture
- Lake Chūzenji,, a scenic lake, Nikkō
- Kegon Falls,, one of Japan's three highest waterfalls
- Mount Nantai,, rises dramatically above Lake Chūzenji
- Mount Nikkō-Shirane,, a shield volcano
- Rinnō-ji, a Buddhist temple, Nikkō
- Ryūzu Falls,, a scenic twin waterfalls
- Sessho-seki, a "killing stone" that fractured in 2022