Nikko-san

The mountainous area surrounding Nikko encompasses a national park of exceptional natural beauty, with volcanic peaks, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and dense forests that shift dramatically with the seasons. Rinnoji Temple sits at the heart of the sacred precinct, originally established because of Nikko's seclusion and spiritual power, and its intricate decorations rival those of the neighboring Toshogu Shrine. Kegon Falls plunges 97 meters from Lake Chuzenji, and an elevator inside the cliff takes you to an observation platform at the base for a thundering close-up view. In autumn, the Irohazaka switchback road climbing to the lake becomes a legendary foliage drive, with 48 hairpin turns threading through a tunnel of blazing maples.