In our last day in Tokyo, we decided to go on a day trip in Nikko.. a quiet City North of Tokyo famous for Togoshu, Japan's lavisly decorated shrine built in 1617 in honour of the late founder of Tokugawa shogunate or Edo Period, Tokugawa Leyasu. The travel time to get to Nikko is about 2 hours train ride from Shinjuku Station.
I honestly came here with little expectation because when I googled about Nikko prior to our trip, I thought that it's just another place to see lavish shrines with some few greeneries around. If not only for Ate Ann who convinced us to go here I would probably just stay in the City. But Nikko has so much more to offer.. It's fascinating more than I can put into words that this day trip became instantly the highlight of our 8 days adventure in Tokyo. Yes, I surprisingly enjoyed it more than our trip in Mt. Fuji.
Due to time restriction, we're only able to explore Nikko for 3 hours. But despite staying for such a short time.. our trip to Nikko was very fulfilling & definitely worth the long travel. Not only did we get to see traditional Japanese architectures but also enjoyed the unique beauty of nature. Too beautiful that I almost shed a tear as I look at the peaceful & gorgeous view in front of me with its breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, picturesque waterfalls & mountainous forest. And I tell you, pictures just simply dont give justice to its real beauty. Every little time we spent here were postcard moments.
I honestly came here with little expectation because when I googled about Nikko prior to our trip, I thought that it's just another place to see lavish shrines with some few greeneries around. If not only for Ate Ann who convinced us to go here I would probably just stay in the City. But Nikko has so much more to offer.. It's fascinating more than I can put into words that this day trip became instantly the highlight of our 8 days adventure in Tokyo. Yes, I surprisingly enjoyed it more than our trip in Mt. Fuji.
Due to time restriction, we're only able to explore Nikko for 3 hours. But despite staying for such a short time.. our trip to Nikko was very fulfilling & definitely worth the long travel. Not only did we get to see traditional Japanese architectures but also enjoyed the unique beauty of nature. Too beautiful that I almost shed a tear as I look at the peaceful & gorgeous view in front of me with its breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, picturesque waterfalls & mountainous forest. And I tell you, pictures just simply dont give justice to its real beauty. Every little time we spent here were postcard moments.
Welcome to Nikko!
Because we're on top of the mountain.. there were still scattered snow everywhere.
Mt. Nantai
The brothers goofing around.
And then we took the elevator down to see the viewing observatory of Kegon Falls.. It costs 500 yen but it's totally worth it!
The amazingly beautiful Kegon Falls.. I could've stood there for hours!
The tranquil Lake Chuzenji
The famous & sacred Shinkyo Bridge .. Nikko's famous landmark.
The Shinkyo bridge is also ranked as one of Japan's three finest bridge. Fun Fact: Only the Royal Family can cross this bridge that is why it's always photographed with completely no tourist around. Should you wish to be photographed in the bridge, you need to pay for a certain amount [but that wont allow you to cross the bridge anyway].
The quiet City of Nikko at night. There were barely no tourists around except from us..
We would definitely be back.. hopefully in the winter time when the whole City is covered with snow & maybe spend a couple of nights there because I tell you.. a day isn't enough to explore Nikko. I've read from the guide map that It has natural hot spring, snow ski, hiking trails, shrines (sadly we didnt get to see it's famous shrine) & many more..and the best part? It's just easily accessible from Tokyo. I cant wait till winter!
Domou Arigatou Japan for another memorable trip! Ja mata ne! 
Always,
