Akechidaira Ropeway, located just off the famous Irohazaka road in Nikko, offers unsurpassable views over Lake Chuzenji and Kegon falls from the top of a nearby mountain. The ride itself is short and not very exciting, but the views are of a kind you won’t get anywhere else.

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.

This post is part of a series called Japan 2016 Nikko is one of my favorite places in Japan. When I lived in Tokyo, I used to come here for…