"Nikko" Nikko by shiran_d

This city, set amid mountains, usually is seen as a day trip from Tokyo. Numerous shrines and pagodas are nearby, the most well-known being Toshogu Shrine. It was built for a shogun and is an unusual mixture of Confucian, Zen and Shinto architecture. Toshogu is the original site of the see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil monkeys (you will find them carved on one of the gates). Also in this area are two waterfalls (Kegon and Dragon's Head Cascade) and Nikko Edo Mura, a theme-park replica of a feudal village that offers martial arts performances.

It's popular with children. Nikko Western Village, another amusement park, is interesting for its rather goofy depictions of the U.S. Old West.