The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, which opened in July 2020, is welcoming its first winter. This winter, in addition to holding snowshoe adventures and ice climbing as limited-time winter activities, the Zazen meditation experience led by monks from Nikko-zan Chuzenji Temple, previously held only on Wednesdays and Sundays, will now be available daily. How about experiencing the "journey to rediscover yourself" proposed by the hotel through exclusive guest activities that connect you with the magnificent scenery of Lake Chuzenji and the traditional culture nurtured by its long history?

The Ritz-Carlton Nikko is the first international luxury hotel in Tochigi Prefecture, opening in July 2020. Located within Nikko National Park, overlooking Lake Chuzenji, about 2.5 hours from Tokyo, it features 94 spacious guest rooms, restaurants, bars, a fitness studio, and hot spring facilities drawing from the locally cherished Nikko Yumoto Onsen, offering a tranquil escape in nature.

This winter, embracing the experience of immersing oneself in the beauty of nature and culture as the "true luxury," limited-time winter activities will be held, focusing on the charms of "nature," "culture," and "spirituality" that Nikko has cultivated.

The "Snowshoe Adventure" utilizes its location, where rare powder snow in northern Kanto can be enjoyed, offering a hiking experience where you can listen to the sounds of nature in a serene, mystical world of silver. An optional activity of gliding down the snow on an airboard is also available.

In "Ice Climbing," challenge yourself to climb a beautiful ice wall, one of the few in Japan, artificially created next to the "Chōji-no-taki" waterfall, one of the hidden three waterfalls in Kirifuri Highlands. You can enjoy the sense of accomplishment after reaching the top of the 25-meter icefall and the stunning ice world view from above.

In "Morning Zazen," a Zazen meditation experience led by monks from Nikko-zan Chuzenji Temple, a sub-temple of the World Heritage site Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple, will be held daily from 8:30 AM within the hotel (indoors). Start your morning refreshed by meditating while breathing and conversing with yourself under the clear morning sun.

In addition, year-round activities include participating in "Goma Prayer," a ritual involving burning fire while making wishes at Nikko-zan Chuzenji Temple, a sub-temple of Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple, or appreciating "Yaozome Kagura," a ritual prayer at "Nikko Futarasan Jinja Chugushi Shrine" located on the slope of Mt. Nantai and by Lake Chuzenji, where prayers for a bountiful harvest are offered with the sounds of ryūteki flute and taiko drums, accompanied by dance. These experiences allow you to connect with the culture that has developed through the fusion of rich nature and ancient mountain beliefs.

Why not enjoy activities that can only be experienced in Okunikko, surrounded by grand nature, such as activities that allow you to touch a mystical world and some of the finest powder snow in the Kanto region?