The Beauty of Nikko National Park
There are numerous attractions in Japan that provide a perfect blend of nature, beauty and sophistication.
However, when it comes to one that transcends both the spectacular and wonderous, there are not many that can be better than the Nikko National Park.
Located just an hour's drive away from the city center of Tokyo, the park is fronted by the city of Nikko.
The latter is a tiny town with a manageable population.
However, their lives are often busy tending to the many crowds of tourists from all over the world who descend on their living areas to experience the beauty of nature that surrounds their city.
It is just part and parcel of being part of a haven that includes a giant waterfall, quiet lakes, majestic mountains and a variety of wild animals.
The first thing that any visitor to Nikko will notice is the impressive Toshogu Shrine.
The shrine is the symbolic mausoleum of a famous Shogun from the 17th century.
Incidentally, it is also a flagship architecture for the artisans from the same time period.
The carvings along the walls of the shrine are intricate and can only be the result of talented craftsmen who toiled for hours.
Tourists can end up using all their rolls of film just taking pictures of these monumental structures.
Amongst the specific highlights found in the shrine is the classic inscription of the three monkeys who signify the resistance to the three human evils.
Perhaps the one feature of Nikko National Park that has never failed to capture the imaginations of millions of tourists every year is that of Kegon Waterfall.
It rises to a massive height of 351 feet and is consistently rated as one of the best waterfalls in all of Japan.
While there are many other waterfalls in other countries that are bigger than Kegon, what makes it unique is in its original formation and the splendor of the nature around it.
There are parts of it which came from the hardened lava that came from nearby volcanoes.
The fertile land that developed as a result has also given birth to its surrounding thick but beautiful foliage.
Mount Nantai is the main volcano that dominates the mountainous landscape around Nikko National Park.
There is no need to be alarmed by its nature, as the sacred peak is now considered a dormant volcano.
However, Mount Nantai has left its indelible mark in the form of the tranquil Lake Chuzenji and the many fables that describe its existence.
As Mount Fuji is adored by all Japanese, its counterpart in Nantai has a cherished legacy within the prefecture that Nikko is situated in.
The best time to visit Nikko National Park is in autumn, where its dense foliage reveals the authentic colors of the season.
Spring belongs along the wild animals that spent the winter hibernating within the mountains, while summer is often a favorite with locals who enjoy some sunny picnics within the park.
With so much to offer throughout the year and to any traveler, the soul of Nikko city is bound to fascinate many more in the future.
However, when it comes to one that transcends both the spectacular and wonderous, there are not many that can be better than the Nikko National Park.
Located just an hour's drive away from the city center of Tokyo, the park is fronted by the city of Nikko.
The latter is a tiny town with a manageable population.
However, their lives are often busy tending to the many crowds of tourists from all over the world who descend on their living areas to experience the beauty of nature that surrounds their city.
It is just part and parcel of being part of a haven that includes a giant waterfall, quiet lakes, majestic mountains and a variety of wild animals.
The first thing that any visitor to Nikko will notice is the impressive Toshogu Shrine.
The shrine is the symbolic mausoleum of a famous Shogun from the 17th century.
Incidentally, it is also a flagship architecture for the artisans from the same time period.
The carvings along the walls of the shrine are intricate and can only be the result of talented craftsmen who toiled for hours.
Tourists can end up using all their rolls of film just taking pictures of these monumental structures.
Amongst the specific highlights found in the shrine is the classic inscription of the three monkeys who signify the resistance to the three human evils.
Perhaps the one feature of Nikko National Park that has never failed to capture the imaginations of millions of tourists every year is that of Kegon Waterfall.
It rises to a massive height of 351 feet and is consistently rated as one of the best waterfalls in all of Japan.
While there are many other waterfalls in other countries that are bigger than Kegon, what makes it unique is in its original formation and the splendor of the nature around it.
There are parts of it which came from the hardened lava that came from nearby volcanoes.
The fertile land that developed as a result has also given birth to its surrounding thick but beautiful foliage.
Mount Nantai is the main volcano that dominates the mountainous landscape around Nikko National Park.
There is no need to be alarmed by its nature, as the sacred peak is now considered a dormant volcano.
However, Mount Nantai has left its indelible mark in the form of the tranquil Lake Chuzenji and the many fables that describe its existence.
As Mount Fuji is adored by all Japanese, its counterpart in Nantai has a cherished legacy within the prefecture that Nikko is situated in.
The best time to visit Nikko National Park is in autumn, where its dense foliage reveals the authentic colors of the season.
Spring belongs along the wild animals that spent the winter hibernating within the mountains, while summer is often a favorite with locals who enjoy some sunny picnics within the park.
With so much to offer throughout the year and to any traveler, the soul of Nikko city is bound to fascinate many more in the future.
