Enjoy the Imaichi Area of Nikko City! 7 Beautiful Nature and Historic Tourist Spots

Imaichi in Tochigi Prefecture is a historic town that flourished as a post station on the Nikko Kaido during the Edo period. It was once an independent municipality known as Imaichi City, but on March 20, 2006, it merged with neighboring municipalities and became part of Nikko City.
Imaichi is not only home to tourist spots related to its history as a post town from the Edo era, but it is also surrounded by beautiful nature. The rivers have clear waters, offering tranquil and peaceful natural spots to enjoy. As a destination where you can experience both history and nature, Nikko City's Imaichi area is perfect for refreshing both your mind and body. Here are some recommended tourist spots for when you want to relax and unwind.

1. Nikko Sannoko Plateau - Ozasa Ranch

One of the most popular tourist spots in Imaichi, Nikko City, is "Ozasa Ranch." Covering an expansive area of 362 hectares, it's equivalent to about 77 Tokyo Domes! Situated at an altitude of around 1,300 meters, the ranch stays cool even in the summer, making it a comfortable place to interact with animals. There are also plenty of hands-on experiences available, including butter-making and ice cream-making workshops.
The rich, flavorful soft-serve ice cream made from the ranch’s fresh milk is thick and absolutely delicious! You can also enjoy Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), which is quite rare in the Kanto region. It’s a tourist spot where you can have fun all day long. By the way, workshop dates and times vary depending on the season, so if you want to participate, it's best to check in advance.

2. Nikko Cedar Avenue

The famous Cedar Avenue in the Imaichi area of Nikko City was donated in the 33rd memorial year of Masatsuna Matsudaira, a vassal of the Tokugawa family. The avenue stretches 37 km in total length and is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest tree-lined road in the world. It has also been doubly designated as a Special Historic Site and a Special Natural Monument, making it a valuable cultural and natural treasure.
Every summer, the Nikko Cedar Avenue Marathon is held in the Imaichi area. No matter which course you choose, you can run while enjoying the beautiful green cedar scenery. It's highly recommended for those who love physical activities. There are also areas where you can view the cedar avenue from your car, making it a great spot for a scenic drive.

3. Michi-no-Eki Nikko - Nikko Kaido Niko Niko Honjin

Opened in April 2015, "Michi-no-Eki Nikko - Nikko Kaido Niko Niko Honjin" is located in Imaichi, the gateway to Nikko, a World Heritage Site, and Kinugawa Onsen, two of Tochigi’s most famous tourist spots. Unlike most roadside stations that are typically found in suburban drive destinations, this one is conveniently located in the center of Imaichi's downtown area.
This location was chosen because it is the intersection point of the three major highways representing the Nikko Cedar Avenue. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of tourist information and guide materials, making it a perfect starting point for sightseeing in Nikko. There’s also free Wi-Fi available for visitors, so you can use your smartphone or laptop freely.

4. Ishidaya Imaichi Factory

The famous Nikko souvenir "Jingoro Senbei" is said to be named after Hidari Jingoro, the sculptor who carved the famous "Sleeping Cat" at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The adorable cat character logo was created by Tezuka Productions. Many people might recognize it at first glance!
These senbei (rice crackers), with their delicious butter and salt flavor, are a classic Nikko souvenir. The green tin they come in features haiku by Basho, making them both tasty and charming gifts. The factory where these crackers are made is located in Imaichi, and you can even take a tour! Freshly baked Jingoro Senbei are also available to try. Advance reservations are recommended if you want to visit the factory.

5. Onsen Health Center Katakuri-no-Yu

Onsen Health Center Katakuri-no-Yu is the first hot spring facility established in the Imaichi area of Nikko City in 1993. The clear, smooth hot spring water is known for its therapeutic benefits, particularly for neuralgia and muscle pain. In addition to indoor baths and open-air baths, the facility also offers cascade baths and saunas. Depending on the season, there are medicinal baths available as well, so it's worth checking their specific benefits before visiting.
One of the highlights is its reasonable pricing, making it budget-friendly. There are three relaxation rooms where you can unwind before, after, or in between your baths. In addition, there’s a local produce corner selling agricultural products from Imaichi and a training room for those who want to work out before heading to the baths. It’s the perfect place to relax and refresh your body after a long day of sightseeing.

6. Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine

When you hear about Ninomiya Sontoku, many people think of the famous bronze statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro found at elementary schools. Ninomiya Sontoku is enshrined at a shrine in the Imaichi area of Nikko City, where you can also find a statue of him as an adult. Interestingly, Imaichi is known as the place where Ninomiya Kinjiro spent his final years. He is widely revered as a deity of academics, but because he also contributed to the revitalization of clans and villages' finances, he is believed to bring good fortune in business and management as well.

7. Roppōzawa Bridge

Roppōzawa Bridge connects the Kirifuri Highlands and Ozasa Ranch in Imaichi. It’s a 320-meter-long bridge located on the mid-slope of Mount Akanagi in the Nikko mountain range, almost at the center of the Kirifuri Highlands Toll Road. With an elevation of 1,434 meters, you’ll immediately feel the refreshing cool air when you get out of your car during summer.
The surrounding mountains are also stunning, making this a famous spot for viewing the autumn foliage. If you wake up early, you can catch the sunrise over the Kanto Plain, and on clear days, you can even see Mount Tsukuba beautifully in the distance. There are parking areas at both ends of the bridge, making it a perfect place to park your car and enjoy a scenic stroll around Imaichi.

◎ Summary

Imaichi is a sightseeing area where you can experience both nature and history while making new discoveries. It’s just about two and a half hours from Tokyo by bullet train and local train, making it an easily accessible destination. There’s plenty of delicious local food to enjoy as well, so you can have fun trying out the different local gourmet specialties. Why not take a refreshing trip to Imaichi?

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Enjoy the Imaichi Area of Nikko City! 7 Beautiful Nature and Historic Tourist Spots