Tools Used by Author Mishu Sakodo:Smartphone: iPhone 13 Pro
After enjoying a drink-filled adult getaway on a limited express train, our family arrived at Shimo-Imaichi Station in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. We planned to transfer to a local train to reach Tobu World Square, but with over 30 minutes until the next train, we were at a loss for what to do.
That's when we spotted the savior of the day—a nearby Ferris wheel!
NIKKO Landmark
From the platform, the Ferris wheel didn’t seem far away, so we checked Google Maps, and sure enough, it was only an 8-minute walk.
With my husband guiding us, there was no worry of getting lost. We simply headed straight, and the Ferris wheel remained visible, like a beacon drawing us in!
We left Shimo-Imaichi Station around 9:40 a.m. and arrived at the Ferris wheel by 9:50. Despite the weather forecast of 90% rain, we were lucky to avoid it. The 10-minute walk was just the right length, even with kids in tow.
A Local Idol on Top of a Supermarket
The Ferris wheel is located on the 4th floor of a commercial complex anchored by the Kamashin supermarket and San-Ki clothing store. The supermarket opens at 9:30 a.m., but the Ferris wheel operates from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Seeing a Ferris wheel perched atop a supermarket gives it a humble, down-to-earth charm, like a local idol. But once we got on at 10:00, I realized…
Blue! So Blue! It's Beautiful!
Even from a distance, its entirely blue body stood out, looking stunning up close. It's more like a national star performing at the Budokan than a local idol!
I hurried to take pictures of the whole Ferris wheel, though the overcast weather gave it more of a "final boss" vibe than that of an idol…
Compact but Impressively Structured
Completed in 2021, this is the first Ferris wheel in Nikko, much anticipated by locals. Of the 16 gondolas, one is transparent.
With a diameter of 25 meters, it's on the smaller side, but the intricate steel framework makes it feel sturdy and solid.
The vivid blue color was chosen to blend in with the local scenery, as Nikko is home to many important cultural properties. The idea was for the Ferris wheel to melt into the blue sky.
With a height of 40 meters, on a clear day, you'd be able to get a full panoramic view of Nikko City.
Capturing Every Moment Within a Limited Time
This trip has been a series of perfect coincidences, but we had to return to Shimo-Imaichi Station for our 10:29 train. That left only about 10 minutes for taking photos before rushing back.
If only the weather had been clear—this blue would have popped even more!
Reluctantly, we finished taking pictures and returned to the station. Thank you, local idol of Nikko.
Next time, I’ll share my experience riding the SL Taiju steam train and the warmth of Nikko’s residents!
Ferris Wheel Details:
- Duration: About 6 minutes per ride
- Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (illuminated from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Closed: New Year's Day (same as Kamashin supermarket's holiday)
- Price: ¥500 for adults (19+), ¥300 for children (ages 3-18), free for children under 2
- Ticket bundles also available
