Nikko
Nikko is a small town at the entry to the Nikko National Park. For many centuries Nikko was a center of Shinto and Buddhism, and besides various famous shrines (the Toshogu Shrine is the mausoleum of Tokogawa Ieyasu) in the National Park there are mountain areas, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and footpaths. The wonderful autumnal tints (koyo) are especially well known.
We started by car with family Murata from Tokyo and arrived about two hours later in the weekend turmoil of the visitors of the autumnal tints in Nikko. We stayed out of town in a wellness hotel with brunch, huge rooms (western beds as well as Tatami beds) and hot bathes. Unnecessary mentioning that after several Spartan weeks we were quite starved and emptied the delicious morning and evening buffets nearly completely – and unnecessary mentioning that we got free beverage vouchers (including drinks – hicks). Well, next year they want to invites us to a different hotel.
Next to follow were the challenge of the wild water tour (see to ‘Boats Tour Nikko’) and the visit of the old residence of a local Japanese politician (see ‘Residence of a …’).
