Lying at the foot of Mt. Nyoho-san Nikko has become the temple town for Futara-san-jinja Shrine, Toshogu Shrine, Japan’s most lavish,and mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

For many centuries Nikko has been a centre of Shintoism and Buddhism and Rin-no-ji Temple, built in 766 and developed from the 12th century to the Kamakura Period in the 14th century, is one of Japan’s most important temples: Sanbutsu-do, (Three Buddhas' Home), O-goma-do with the painting of the Nobori-ryu (Rising Dragon) inside and Homotsu-den (the Treasury) are worth seeing. Another temple, Futara-san-jinja, is said to bring happiness and marriage for those who visit and myths tell that the Futara-Reisen, the sacred fountain there, has water that restores youth.

Nikko National Park offers scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, monkeys and walking trails. Head here in autumn to experience the golden yellows of the area around Lake Chuzenji.

The many temples and shrines along with surrounding sites are UNESCO World Heritage listed.