Family Adventure in Nikko: Exploring Japan's Cultural and Natural Wonders

A Day of Historical Echoes and Tiny Titans

Today was an absolute whirlwind of cultural immersion and geographical exploration, all within the charming confines of Nikko. From the meticulously recreated Edo period at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, it was a day of contrasts, surprises, and delightful discoveries. Anika was especially thrilled, her eyes wide with wonder at every turn.


Experience the magic of Japan's Edo Period at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, where history comes alive through immersive attractions and cultural activities.

Our day began, as most good days do, with a hearty breakfast at The Japanese Restaurant. The spread was incredible, a mix of traditional Japanese and Western options. I opted for the Japanese breakfast, savoring the grilled fish and miso soup, while Vikram enjoyed his usual eggs benedict. Anika, of course, went straight for the pastries. It's funny how some things transcend cultures – a nine-year-old's love for sweets, for instance! I am hoping this trip will help her appreciate the importance of nutritious meals as well.

Fueled up and ready to go, we set off for our first destination: Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura. The drive itself was lovely, with glimpses of the lush Nikko landscape peeking through the trees. As we approached the park, it felt like we were crossing a threshold into another time. The architecture shifted, the sounds changed, and suddenly we were surrounded by people in Edo-period attire. I've always been fascinated by historical reenactments, and this was on another level. It was like stepping onto a movie set where everyone was in character, all the time.

Anika was immediately captivated by the ninjas. We watched a thrilling ninja show, complete with sword fights, acrobatics, and plenty of smoke and mirrors. She was practically bouncing in her seat, whispering questions about their weapons and techniques. I must admit, even I was impressed by their agility and skill. I even managed to catch a small square of tissue paper that was handed out during one of the performances, a quirky little souvenir to remember the show by. I'm not sure if Vikram was quite as enthralled, but he gamely posed for photos with the various characters, a good sport as always.

We wandered through the streets of the recreated village, exploring the merchant shops, samurai residences, and even a traditional Japanese house with hidden passages. It was fascinating to see the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into every building. We watched artisans creating intricate wood carvings and pottery, each piece a testament to the skill and artistry of the Edo period. I even tried my hand at calligraphy, with predictably disastrous results. Let's just say my attempt at writing 'peace' looked more like a confused bird.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

Lunch was a delightful affair at Eat Asai. We decided to try it based on a recommendation from a local we met while exploring Edo Wonderland. It was a cozy little place, serving up authentic Chinese cuisine. We shared a variety of dishes, including their famous sour and spicy soup noodles, which had just the right amount of kick to them. Anika, surprisingly, loved the noodles. I thought they might be too spicy for her, but she slurped them down with gusto. Vikram, who is usually a bit more reserved when it comes to trying new foods, was also pleasantly surprised. It's moments like these, sharing a meal and experiencing new flavors together, that make traveling as a family so rewarding.

After lunch, we made our way to Tobu World Square. If Edo Wonderland was a journey back in time, Tobu World Square was a whirlwind tour around the globe. This park features meticulously crafted miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world, all built to a 1:25 scale. It was mind-boggling to see the level of detail that went into each model, from the tiny people populating the streets to the intricate carvings on the buildings. Anika was especially excited to spot the Taj Mahal, a building she had recently learned about in school. It was a great way to bring her lessons to life and spark her curiosity about different cultures.


Discover Tobu World Square, an enchanting theme park in Nikko where iconic landmarks come to life in stunning miniature detail, perfect for travelers and families.

We strolled through the park, marveling at the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, and countless other iconic structures. It was surreal to see these landmarks all in one place, like a condensed version of the world. I found myself imagining what it would be like to visit the real versions of these places, adding them to my ever-growing travel bucket list. Perhaps one day we'll take Anika to see the real Taj Mahal, a promise I'm sure she won't let me forget!

Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped by Roadside Station Nikko for some souvenir shopping. This place was a treasure trove of local crafts, snacks, and produce. We picked up some yuba (tofu skin), a Nikko specialty, as well as some strawberry-flavored Kit Kats, a popular souvenir from the Tochigi Prefecture. I also couldn't resist buying a small trinket featuring the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' monkeys from Toshogu Shrine, a quirky reminder of our time in Nikko. I'm always on the lookout for unique and meaningful souvenirs, something that will evoke memories of our travels long after we've returned home.

For dinner, we decided to try SHIORI, a restaurant specializing in creative cuisine. The restaurant served a range of creative dishes made with local ingredients including their boiled tofu eaten with their homemade ponzu sauce and three kinds of condiments including peppers from Nikko, mabo-dofu served in a piping hot pot, Yashio trout, and Tochigiyume pork. We all enjoyed the experience.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had today. Nikko has a way of transporting you, whether it's back in time or around the world. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventure, a hike through Nikko National Park and a visit to the Senjōgahara Grassy Plain. I've heard the scenery is breathtaking, and I can't wait to share it with my family. I've packed our essentials, including those forgotten items like sunscreen, a Japanese phrasebook, and a portable phone charger. Tomorrow, we will have breakfast at Hanamusubi Izakaya, lunch at Hippari-Dako, and dinner at Enya. We will also visit Nikko Landmark for some shopping.

Before I sign off, I want to share a thought that's been on my mind throughout this trip. As someone who grew up in Amravati, a smaller city in India, I never imagined I would one day be exploring the world with my family, sharing our experiences with others through this blog. It's a reminder that anything is possible, that dreams can come true with hard work, determination, and a little bit of wanderlust. And to Anika, who is currently fast asleep in the next room: may your life be filled with adventure, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this world.

Goodnight from Nikko!