Journey to Nikkō, a small city in the mountains north of Tokyo. Your host will ensure you don’t miss the splendor of Toshogu Shrine, a 17th-century gem with a stunning five-story pagoda. Nearby, the Buddhist temple of Rinnō-ji stands proud as part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site, but don’t forget to visit the Taiyū-in Mausoleum next door, built to honor the third Tokugagwa shōgun.

You could also take a trip up to the mountains, where Lake Chūzenji drains through Kegon Falls, a 97m natural marvel. Once you leave the forests, quiet the tummy rumblings at a local eatery, where tofu skin and soba noodles are always on the menu, and wash it all down with some locally-brewed sake!

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, 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 inner peace with the three giant Buddhas at Rinnō-ji, a temple that stood for more than 1200 years.