Nikko is a small town about two hours by train from Tokyo. Historically, it was a religious centre and is best known for its elaborate and genuinely old shrines - the first Togugawa Shogun is buried here. I arrived in Nikko during my Japan trip in 2007, and took a walk up the mountainous Chanokidaira Plateau ("plateau", my ass) and ended up in the clouds during a rainstorm. I was cold and wet before the end of it, but the sun made an unexpected appearance cheering me as I approached the lake again, and I paused then to enjoy the moment.
The next day the sky was gorgeous. I took an early morning walk along the river close to my hotel, and later another mountain walk. I also explored the large temple complex nearby, and took a train down to the next town to see rice paddies. Amazing day. When I left the next morning for Hiroshima, it was pouring again.
Photo List (Total 98 Photos)
Click bolded headers below to view, or click "just the best" for quick tour
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Nature Walks (33 photos) - Photos of a waterfall, a lake, and three walks: up the Chanokidaira Plateau in the rain, along the Daira River near my hotel, and up Mount Toyama.
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Temple Complex (38 photos) - Photos of the many temples in a single complex that work their way up one of the hills in Nikko.
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Fubasami (14 photos) - Photos of rice paddies, farming, a tractor, a cemetery and the train station in this small town down the railway from Nikko.
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Town photos (13 photos) - Photos of Nikko proper, which is not a very picturesque town. Includes a gallery, train station, street scenes and my hotel room.
