There is a saying in Japanese: ‘Never say kekko [beautiful] until you’ve seen Nikko.’ This rural region of Japan, just two hours north of Tokyo, looks as if it’s been painted from an artist’s imagination. Waterfalls cascade down enormous rock faces, aquamarine lakes reflect the towering mountains like mirrors, and ornate shrines adorned with intricate gold carvings stand stoically among the cedar trees.
Much like Tokyo, Nikko is one of those places you have to visit to understand: words and pictures can’t capture the sense of awe you’ll feel as you stand in front of one of Japan’s oldest shrines, or beneath Nikko’s colossal waterfall as its misty spray coats your cheeks. But for those curious to get a taste of what Nikko is like, read on. Here we give you our guide to this mystical region of Japan…