The scenic beauty of Nikko is surroundings is best described in the old saying, ”Don’t say kekko (wonderful) before you visit Nikko.

The town is located about 80 miles north of Tokyo, but is within easy reach of the capital, thanks to Japan's excellent rail service. There are two main train companies that run to Nikko, Japan Railways, and Tobu Railways.

For anyone with a Japan Rail Pass, Japan Railways is the way to travel, as it will be covered by the pass. The pass is an excellent value, but it has to be pre-purchased before you leave home, as it's only available to foreign visitors. You can purchases passes for either 7, 14, or 21 days, and it will easily pay for itself with just one or two long distance journeys.

Nikko is one of the most popular national parks of Japan because of its perfect harmony natural beauty of mountain scenery with rivers,cascades,waterfalls,lakes,artificial beauty of Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji temple and other shrine and temples representing Momoyama period architecture.

Nikko national park, 140,623 hectares in area, lies in amountainous region about 100 miles north of Tokyo.There is an elaborate exquisite arrangement of mountain peaks averaging over 2,000 meters in height, plateus and plaints, waterfalls of varied sizes and azure lakes, green woods and forests and forth.

The Toshogu Shrine built in 1617 is dedicated to Ieyasu Tokugawa (1544-1616) regarded as one of Japan’s greatest warrior generals and abbles statesmen.the shrine building are all red lacquered studded with exquisite carvings and paintings.

Shin-kyo is the red painted bridge stretches over the Daiya River is a popular starting place for a trip to Nikko, even if it is just a reconstruction of the 17th century original.

Kegon waterfalls, one of the best known waterfalls in Japan make a sheer descent of 100 meters into its basin creating a peculiarly phantasmal beauty. Nikko also has such a lovely waterfall as graceful Kirifuri, Ryusu, looking like a dragon’s head and many others.

Futarasan-jinja shrine was commissioned by Shodo Shonin, dedicated to the mountain, Nantai, his consort, Nyotai, and their child, Taro. Nikko is a beautiful place, full of rich and cultural attractions and history. A trip here will certainly leave you with memories that will last for the rest of your life.

Rinnoji temples still retains a strange religious function populary known as the rice ceremony which is held annually on May 2.In this events Buddhist monks are forced to eat huge bowls of rice is believed to invite good luck and prosperity in their belief.

Nikko is hidden in the beautiful hilly woodlands north of Tokyo, home to a population of around 17,000 people. It is a wonderful place with numerous brightly coloured temples and shrines. If visiting Japan, you should definitely make the time to come to one of the most popular tourist destinations.