iReport: My favorite Japan destinations
Not all Nikko visitors are as excited as we are about this amazing Tochigi destination.Patrick Budmar, a 30-year-old Aussie from Sydney, told us what led him off the usual, well-worn tourist trail.
“I just wanted to show that there are places that can be easily and cheaply visited from Tokyo,” he said. “Not all sightseeing has to be limited to Harajuku and the Imperial Palace, though they are great places to visit as well.”
Nearby nature
While central Tokyo has much to offer in terms of sightseeing, things only start to get more interesting once you venture outside of the well-trodden paths of the city center.
Anyone keen to experience the natural beauty that Japan has to offer will realize that inner Tokyo has very little in this regard, but you don’t need to travel far to come into contact with a different side of the country.
The town of Nikko is located in nearby Tochigi Prefecture and is renowned for its national park and authentic hot springs.
Lavish shrines such as Toshugu also dot the landscape, as well as the mausoleum of the 16th-century shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Anyone who is into winter sports, such as snowboarding and skiing, can visit the Gala Yuzawa resort in nearby Niigata Prefecture.
As soon as you step off the Shinkansen, you will immediately find yourself inside the resort, where you can rent gear and get ready before taking the lift up to one of the most accessible slopes in Japan.
Happy trails
Hiking does not have to be limited to the steep hills within Tokyo, as some of the more scenic trails in Japan can be found within a reasonable train trip from the city.
Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is home to numerous hiking trails throughout its dense vegetation, with many shrines and temples along the way.
Once you have finished admiring the Giant Buddha statue, you can stop by the nearby beach in Yuigahama for some R and R.
If you’re looking for a more challenging and scenic hike, Mount Takao in Hachioji, just west of Tokyo, delivers both in spades.
Even if you decide to ride the handy ropeway part of the way up, you will still be faced with numerous staircases and tight paths, but the impressive view from the top will be worth it.
More on CNNGo: Nikko -- Japanese history in the great outdoors
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