Connection between Nikko and its stars
Special Story
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Welcome to Starry Night in Nikko brought to you by the Nikko City Tourism Association.
I am Benjamin and tonight I’ll be your guide to the serene starlit skies of Nikko. Please join me till the end.
Let’s start by delving into the special connection between Nikko and its stars.
Where are you right now? Are you indoors, in the comfort of your room or perhaps out in your car?
Find a safe spot to relax and gaze at the stars. Dim the lights and let’s begin.
Long ago, the mountains of Nikko held an enchanting allure, drawing people from all walks of life including the revered monk, Shodo Shonin, who laid foundation of Nikko. Despite harsh climates and scarce resources, an inexplicable attachment formed. Shrines and temples were raised, transforming the area into a sacred haven for prayer and enlightenment.
A wise scholar once proposed that the essence of myths lies in the tales of celestial interactions with our world, a dance between heaven and earth, stars and humanity.
If this is true, then it’s entirely possible that stars have left their marks on the land of Nikko.
In 1634, the third Tokugawa shogun. Iemitsu, orchestrated a remarkable project in the Nikko mountains. The shrines and temples, now a world heritage site, were meticulously relocated. Among them, the Nikko Futarasan Shirine’s main building was shifted a mere three feet north.
This move held a mysterious purpose, revealing itself when viewed from the perspective from the star Orion. To understand, focus on the two brightest stars in Orion and the trio known as Orion’s Belt.
Hongu Shrine and Takinō Shrine were positioned in alignment with the two celestial markers. The heart of Nikko Futarasan Shrine was repositioned, mirroring the star in Orion’s Belt. It now stands at the center, flanked by structures like Inner Shrine Treasure Pagoda of Toshogu, the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the fouder of Tokugawa shogunate. Much like the stars on either side, Inner Shrine Tresure Pagoda of Taiyūin, the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu, the third shogun, found its place in this celestial harmony.
Have you ever wondered about Orion, the hunter in the night sky?
In Japanese, there’s a beautiful word, “KAMUDO”, meaning the gate of God. It’s believed to be the doorway that connects heaven and earth. Imagine, shooting stars might be just a sign that this celestial door has swung open, letting the sunlight filter through trees. Next time you spot a shooting star, take a moment to offer a prayer. The stars of Nikko will warmly welcome you.
And here are exciting winter activities. Head to the starry sky observation parts in Nikko and Ashio and pick up a star card. Each card holds a tale, tailored just for you. Immerse yourself in a symphony of stars while you collect those celestial stories.
Picture this: On a quite night, under a starry sky, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, let’s meet again.
Thank you for being a part of this cosmic journey in Nikko.
Traditionally and even now, there’s a belief that if you make a wish upon a star, it might just come true. So, while the door of God is open, take a moment to make a wish, and then, relax and relish the sacred night of Nikko, enveloped in peace and tranquility.
I wish you a marvelous journey.
Photos by: Ritsuko Yuzawa / Hideo Furuta / Takamichi Morita / Tateho Kitayama
Card Distribution Locations
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Nikko Yumoto Visitor Center
Card Type Senjogahara Marshland Address Yumoto, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1662 Access [By bus]
From Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station, take buses bound for Yumoto Onsen for 75 minutes and get off at the last stop “Yumoto onsen”. Then 3-minute-walk from the bus stop.
[By car]
Approximately 40 minutes from Kiyotaki I.C. of Nikko-Utsunomiya Toll Road *Please come with winter tires.TEL +81 288-62-2321 URL Official Web site Note Facility information
[November]
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Open everyday
[December and January]
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Closed on weekdays
[February and March]
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Closed on Wednesdays -
Nikko Natural Science Museum
Card Type Lake Chuzenji Address 2480-1 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661 Access [By bus]
From Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station, take buses bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen for 45 minutes and get off at “Chuzenji onsen”. Then 1-minute-walk from the bus stop.
[By car]
Approximately 25 minutes from Kiyotaki I.C. of Nikko-Utsunomiya Toll Road *Please come with winter tires.TEL +81 288-55-0880 URL Official Web site Note Facility information
[November]
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Open everyday
[December to March]
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Closed on Mondays and New Year’s Holiday
*If the Monday is a national holiday, the museum will close on the following weekday.
*New Year's Holiday: December 29 to January 3 -
Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo hall (Ticket office)
Card Type Omotesando (The World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Nikko) Address 2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1494 Access [By bus]
From Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station, take World Heritage Bus for 13 minutes and get off at “Omotesando”. Then 1-minute-walk from the bus stop.
[On foot]
Approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station
[By car]
Approximately 10 minutes from Nikko I.C. of Nikko-Utsunomiya Toll Road *Please come with winter tires from December to March.TEL +81 288-55-0880 URL Official Web site Note Facility information
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. / Open everyday -
Nikko Kirifuri Highland Kisuge-daira Park
Card Type Kirifuri Highland Address 1531 Tokorono, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1421 Access [By Taxi]
Approximately 25 minutes from Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station
[By car]
Approximately 25 minutes from Nikko I.C. of Nikko-Utsunomiya Toll Road *Please come with winter tires.TEL +81 288-53-5337 URL Official Web site Note Facility information
[November]
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Open everyday
[December to March]
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Closed on New Year’s Holiday
*New Year's Holiday: December 29 to January 3 -
Ashio Tourist information center (Nikko City Tourism Association)
Card Type Ashio Furukawa Bridge Address 9-1 Ashio-machi Tsudo, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1514 Access [By Bus]
From Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station, take public buses for 55 minutes and get off at “Dozankankou Mae”. Then 2-minute-walk from the bus stop.
[On foot]
Take Watarase railway and get off at “Tsudo”. Then 5-minute-walk from the station.
[By car]
Approximately 25 minutes from Kiyotaki I.C. of Nikko-Utsunomiya Toll Road *Please come with winter tires from December to March.TEL +81 288-93-3417 URL Official Web site Note Facility information
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Closed on New Year’s Holiday
*New Year's Holiday: December 29 to January 3 -
Nikko City Tourism Association
Card Type If the distribution facility is closed on the day, it will be available to get the card at Tourist Information Center (Nikko Tourism Association) in mekke Nikko Kyodo Center. Address 591 Goko-machi , Nikko, Tochigi 321-1404 Access [By Bus]
From Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station, take local buses for 5 minutes and get off at “Nikko Kyodo Center Mae”.
[On foot]
Approximately 15 minutes from Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station
[By car]
Approximately 5 minutes from Nikko I.C. of Nikko-Utsunomiya Toll Road *Please come with winter tires from December to March.TEL +81 288-22-1525 URL Official Web site Note Facility information
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Open everyday
