Nikko

Nikko is a mountain town in Tochigi Prefecture renowned for its lavishly decorated shrines and temples set among towering cedar forests, collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, is Japan's most ornate shrine with intricate carvings including the famous three wise monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) and the sleeping cat (Nemuri-neko). The nearby Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine complete the sacred complex. Beyond the shrines, Nikko offers stunning natural scenery including Kegon Falls (one of Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls), Lake Chuzenji, and the Irohazaka winding mountain road with its 48 hairpin curves. The area is especially beautiful during autumn foliage season in October and November. Nikko is about two hours from Tokyo via Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station.