Millions of tourists visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nikko each year, to see the uniquely ornate architecture of Japan’s “baroque period,” a dramatic contrast to the more simple and refined architecture of Nara and Kyoto. Many consider the Nikko area to be the very essence of Japan, and it ranks alongside Kyoto as one of Japan’s most visited destinations. It is easily reached in under two hours from Tokyo.
Travel to the mountains to Shirakawa-go farmhouse village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this well-preserved rural town, famous for the unique construction of its thatched farmhouses, built with steep pitches and resilient beams in order to withstand the heavy snowfall for which the area is known. Afterwards, visit artisans and craft shops in other small towns in the area.
Benesse House Art Site provides a wide
array of permanent, seasonal and special
art installations. There are three islands,
Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima, with
numerous art museums and installations
throughout the complex. A stay at one of
the Benesse House hotels on Naoshima
Island will enable you to also make use of
the quiet evening hours to appreciate the
works of art without the daily crowds.