Cedar Avenue of Nikko
日光杉並木街道
An avenue of cedar trees planted in the early Edo period, stretching about 35 km. With about 12,000 ancient cedars, it is recognized by Guinness as the longest tree-lined avenue in the world.
The Nikko Cedar Avenue was planted over about 20 years starting in 1625 by Matsudaira Masatsuna, a retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, as an offering to Toshogu Shrine. The avenue runs along the Nikko Kaido, Reiheishi Kaido, and Aizu Nishi Kaido roads for about 35 km. Around 12,000 cedars, each about 400 years old, still stand. The avenue is designated a Special Historic Site and Special Natural Monument. Admission is free. You can walk or cycle the section between Imaichi and Nikko. Near Shimoimaichi Station on the Tobu line, there is a 'Sugi Namiki Park.' The shaded avenue is cool in summer, but watch out for motor vehicles and stay separated from traffic.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
- Kirifuri Falls
- Tobu World Square
- Rinnoji Temple
- Shinkyo Bridge
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Shrine
- Taiyuin Mausoleum