Today is a perfect day to get out of the cosmopolitan city to go to nature. Nikko is about 2 hours away from Tokyo by train but it is really worth a trip...Having visited over 150 cities in 40 countries, I have to say Nikko has some amamzing architecture which is nicely incorporated into the nature...After reading how the UNESCO described Nikko, how can you not pay a visit?
"The Nikko shrines and temples are a reflection of architectural and artistic genius; this aspect is reinforced by the harmonious integration of the buildings in a forest and a natural site laid out by man. Nikko is a perfect illustration of the architectural style of the Edo period as applied to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The Gongen-zukuri style of the two mausoleums, the Tôshôgu and the Taiyû-in Reibyô, reached the peak of its expression in Nikko, and was later to exert a decisive influence. The ingenuity and creativity of its architects and decorators are revealed in an outstanding and distinguished manner."
