Nikko Cedar Avenue

Overview

The Nikko Cedar Avenue was developed in the early Edo period as a pilgrimage route to Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, on the occasion of Tokugawa Ieyasu's 33rd death anniversary. Its scale is immense, stretching 37km in length and comprising approximately 12,000 cedar trees. It's currently the only avenue in Japan to hold dual designations as a “Special Historic Site” and a “Special Natural Monument.” In 1992, it was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “longest avenue in the world,” garnering international attention. The Nikko Cedar Avenue is more than just a tree-lined path; it's a breathtaking landscape where history and nature intertwine, transporting visitors to another time and place. Imagining the pilgrims and travelers who once walked this path, bustling with activity, adds to its historical charm. A stroll through the avenue reveals dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere and offering a sense of tranquility. The scenery changes with the seasons, with vibrant new leaves shining in the sunlight in spring, lush greenery full of life in summer, fiery reds and yellows of autumn foliage, and a serene winter landscape blanketed in snow. The Nikko Cedar Avenue truly is a living avenue, showcasing its beauty throughout the year.