Nikko, Japan

Despite being only 150 km (93 miles) north of Tokyo, Nikko has a completely different atmosphere. With its beautiful, gold-dripping Toshogu Shrine as its focal point, this little city is one of the most significant locations in Japan for Shinto culture. Nikko is the best spot to discover tranquility if that's what you're looking for. Nikko National Park is a 443 square mile area spread across three prefectures. It is home to stunning waterfalls, groves of fir and cedar trees, intricately carved gates, and rocky outcroppings. The park is also home to a number of Japan's well-known natural hot springs, which makes Nikko a fantastic visit during the fall or winter. In particular, the Okunikko region around Lake Chuzenji in Nikko is well known for its stunning autumnal hues (koyo). On average, the colors begin to fade from Yumoto Onsen's higher elevations in early October, peak at Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka route in the middle to late month, and finally reach Nikko in the first half of November.

The 103 buildings that make up Nikko's World Heritage temples and pagodas are dispersed among three complexes. You can spend an incredible day learning about Japan's most priceless religious architecture thanks to the fact that they are all within easy walking distance. Mountain worship has a long history, and it is still practiced in Nikko National Park. The entire region is covered by the three sacred mountains Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro, together known as Nikko Sanzan. You can ascend these mountains to reach the mystery portion of the region.