Located north of Tokyo, the town of Nikko is chiefly associated with the Tokugawa shogun and is home to the mausoleum of the first and greatest shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu (on whom James Clavell based his famous novel).

Unlike most Japanese temples and shrines, the buildings here are extremely extravagant and decorative, with multi-coloured carvings and adorned in gold leaf – showing substantial Chinese influence. However, for many visitors, despite all of the grandeur and decoration of the temple, it is now over-shadowed trinity of small wooden carvings on a stable wall: the famous three wise monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil). The town is set in breathtaking scenery offering fabulous views at all times of year. As well as visiting the famous temple, spend some time exploring Lake Chuzenji, which is especially splendid when the autumn leaves of the Japanese maple are turning red.

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