Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which controlled Japan for more than 250 years until 1868, or the Edo Period, is buried at this temple. This shrine complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you explore its magnificence, your guide can tell you fascinating tales about the architecture.

Former summer residence for Emperor Taisho built in 1899 with beautiful garden. Rare example where public is allowed access into former housing for royal family

Kegon Falls is a waterfall in Nikko city that is 97 meters high. The fall receives its water supply from Chuzenji Lake. One of Japan's three tallest waterfalls, Kegon Falls, offers an elevator for guests to experience the forceful falls

Situated within the Nikko National Park to the west of Nikko, Lake Chuzenji is the highest naturally occurring lake in Japan. It originated some 20,000 years ago when the Daiyo River was choked by the lava flow from the nearby Mt. Nantai's eruption. At 1,269 meters, the lake marks the top of the altitude scale.

So in Buddhism, Jizo is an important Bodhisattva. The story goes that all young children go to Sai-no-kawara after their death. In the underworld this is the dried-up bed of the river of souls. Because they have little experience (karma) they have to build little towers of stones. Each tower represents a prayer. But every night the oni, the devils, come and knock these towers down. The young souls have to start all over again. But then Jizo comes to their rescue. He wanders around and hides the children in his red bibs. They are now in good hands with Jizo. But why the red bibs? The colour red probably refers to earlier times. An old tradition in the Asuka period (522-645AD) was that children with diseases like chicken pox had to wear red bibs to distinguish them from other children. But red is also seen as the colour that offers protection and security.