Nikkō is a city of extraordinary beauty, lying on the foothills of gigantic, snow-capped mountains, which are also home to Nikkō National Park, one of Japan’s most spectacular protected areas. With your host by your side, lace-up and tackle some of its mesmerizing walking trails, some of which lead to hidden waterfalls and secret Shinto shrines.

In the city itself, you can immerse yourself in centuries of Japanese culture, with two grand mausoleums and an array of Edo relics adding to Nikkō’s rich history. Visit a restaurant recommended by your host and crunch down on some yoba, or tofu skin, a local delicacy, or find some inner peace with the three huge Buddhas at Rinnō-ji, a temple that has stood for more than 1200 years...