2 min read

A Winter Journey Begins

On January 1st, 2024, I took a 3-day trip to Nikko, Tochigi, with my friend and senior. We rode a train from Asakusa Station using the Japan Rail Pass, enjoying a scenic 2.5-hour ride. From Nikko Station, a bus took us to our hotel, and by mid-afternoon we were checked in and ready to explore.

Exploring Nikko’s Beauty

We first visited Shinkyo Bridge, the iconic red bridge marking the entrance to Nikko’s heritage sites. Then we saw Kegon Falls, a stunning 97-meter waterfall framed by snow. At Lake Chuzenji, Japan’s highest-altitude lake, we admired the calm, snowy mountains.
The highlight was seeing snow for the first time—magical and unforgettable.

A Snowy Mountain Tour

The next day we joined a bus tour through snowy mountain roads. The forest scenery was peaceful, and we even spotted monkeys playing in the snow.

My First Onsen

Back at our guest house, I tried an onsen for the first time. Though nervous at first, the warm spring water was incredibly relaxing. Later, we played board games and had drinks with other guests—simple but fun.

A Late-Night BBQ Adventure

On our last night, most restaurants were closed, but we found a cozy Korean place run by an elderly couple. Their kindness, tasty BBQ, and even a small souvenir made the night special.

A Relaxing End

Before leaving, I soaked in the onsen once more—this time fully comfortable. Packing up, we reflected on the snow, hot springs, and shared moments that made the trip so memorable.

Final Thoughts

This trip gave me two firsts: seeing snow and enjoying an onsen. With beautiful scenery, good food, and great company, it was the perfect winter escape.