One of historic post towns along the old Nakasendo road.

Reconstructed castle with nice traditional garden in Suwa city.

Kitsuki is a beautiful castle town not far from Beppu, on Kunisaki peninsula. There is a small reconstructed castle and 2 samurai districts with a few residences open to the public.

Usa Jingu is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to Hachiman deity, and is the ancestor of all other Hachiman shrines.

This post is part of a series called Japan 2016 I’ve been to Kokura before, very briefly at dusk, when the castle was already closed. This visit, almost 10 years…

This time I drove, but I think it’s easily walkable from Toshogu shrine area (should be about 20 min. walk). There’s also a bus stop nearby, but if you’re visiting in high season and want to continue afterwards to Lake Chuzenji, you’re risking not being able to get on that same bus again (it will be packed with people, especially on a weekend). So, I’d recommend to either have your own wheels or make it just a downtown Nikko trip, without going up the Irohazaka road to the mountains. There’s plenty of things to see and do around Tamozawa Villa, you’d be occupied for a day.