Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Natural Wonders Of Nikko National Park

By Rin Yamada

There are many wonderful attractions in Japan for tourists. They are often a curious mix of nature and the modern. Perhaps the best attractions that the country has to offer that mirror this are their beautiful parks. They often provide features from both the East and West without looking out of place in either.

Nikko National Park is considered to be one of the best parks in Japan. A look at its highlights would leave no one in doubt of such an accolade. Within an hour's sojourn from the busy lights of Tokyo, it is a haven for individuals who wish to indulge themselves in the company of nature.

The national park is the also the pride of the city Nikko in Japan. The small town population shares the park with a few other cities within the main prefecture although it is named after them. The townspeople are often busy tending to the thousands of visitors every year and have enjoyed prosperous times since opening up to the tourism trade.

What are the sights that are a must-see within Nikko National Park? One that is immediately obvious would be the Toshogu Shrine that can be found within the city. It is the symbolic mausoleum that was lorded over by a master shogun in the 17th century. The fine architectural design has lifted the shrine to the annals of building wonders across the world.

Japan is famous for Mount Fuji which is often considered their national mountain and a popular symbol of nationalistic pride and beauty. Perhaps not as well known but just as majestic is Mount Nantai of Nikko. It is considered a dominant volcano and lush forests and scenery have sprung up around it.

Next in line for the highlights to be found in the park is that of Kegon Waterfall. Not only is it one of the biggest and tallest waterfalls in Japan, it would not be an understatement to call it the most spectacular too. Even with the water crashing down loudly upon the rock whilst standing next to it, it is difficult not to admire what nature has bestowed upon us.

Another landmark in the park is that of Lake Chuzenji. Flanked by dense foliage and Mount Nantai, the lake was formed by lava flows centuries ago when the volcano erupted. It does not have any mark of the inferno that was present then. Instead, one will be struck by the peace and tranquility that descends upon all visitors when visiting the lake.

While there are countless things to see and experience in the park, the busiest times it sees are during spring and autumn. These are the seasons in which the weather is perfect for both sightseeing in the country and the park obliges with its beautiful foliage. It is no wonder that so many busy Tokyo-ites also make the trip in order to escape from their busy lives for just a day.

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