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Daibutsu Budda, Kamakura
Nikko & Kamakura
Only a couple of hours north of the capital, the
small mountain town of Nikko feels like another
world. Here, beneath the cool cedars, stands the
magnificent Toshogu Shrine, mausoleum to the
first and greatest Tokugawa Shogun on whom
James Clavell based his famous novel. The superb
carvings of the shrine, including the original ‘see
no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ monkey
carvings, are complemented by the beautiful
mountain setting. After a thorough exploration of
the shrine precinct we recommend heading up
the hairpin road to enjoy the fine scenery of Lake
Chuzenji and the Kegon waterfall. For Tokyo-ites
the tranquil seaside town of Kamakura, which lies
just an hour south of the city, is a favourite
getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Dotted with secluded shrines and temples –
remnants of the town’s brief halcyon days as
Lake Chuzenji, Nikko
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Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, Hakone
capital of the nation – Kamakura is also home to
the Daibutsu Buddha, which, carved out of
bronze, stands over 13 metres tall in the grounds
of Kotoku-in Temple.
Mount Fuji & the Hakone
National Park
Head westwards from Tokyo and the land
immediately becomes more mountainous, offering
beautiful alpine views and some fantastic locations
for hot spring bathing. The Hakone National Park,
home to volcanic scenery, picturesque Lake Ashi
and an excellent open-air sculpture park, is
perhaps the finest of these. Towering above the
whole is Japan’s foremost natural sight, the
majestic Mount Fuji, whose iconic snow-capped
peak has been portrayed in countless works of
Japanese art and literature. In Japan, it is said that
a wise man climbs Fuji-san once in his life, but
only a fool climbs it twice. Sadly Fuji is notoriously
shy and is often cloud-bound, leading us to
believe that the wisest of all men stay at a safe
distance relaxing in the Hakone National Park.
With luck you will be able to catch a glimpse of
Fuji’s snow-capped summit from the comfort of a
hot spring bath. It is possible to climb Mount Fuji
for a short window during July and August.
HAKONE GINYU, HAKONE
This Relais and Chateaux property is one of the
finest examples of the traditional ryokan inn (see
page 16) anywhere in Japan, with hints of Balinese
design and an emphasis on subtle and discreet
elegance. Luxurious relaxation is important here
and you leave feeling pampered in every way.
The ryokan is noted as a spa resort and all the
baths are fed by the mineral-rich thermal water
from the Mount Fuji region. Hakone Ginyu is one
of our favourite hot spring inns in Japan.
Hakone Ginyu