Set within the mountainous Nikko National Park, Nikko is a cool and under-the-radar city with a wonderful mix of world heritage and world-class hiking.
Ideal as a short break from Tokyo (it’s just three hours north by train), visit the UNESCO Toshogu Shrine – famous for its Three Wise Monkeys carving, the striking red lacquer Shinkyo Bridge, and the Cedar Avenue of Nikko. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at upscale boutique hot spring ryokan hotel KAI Nikko before hiking to Yumoto Onsen, taking the steep climb up to Mt. Nantai and walking to the beautiful Kegon Falls.
An overnight stay at KAI Nikko costs from £158 pp per night (two sharing; two meals). Flights extra. Contact KAI Nikko: +81-50-3786-1144 / www.kai-ryokan.jp/en/nikko/