Lovely, place. Mountains (reminiscent of US NorthWest). The air felt a little thin to me as well. The famous bridge was under construction when I was there. But this former capital of Japan, has a Legend of three monkeys and I consider Nikko an auspicious experience as I came across the path of a family of three, frisky monkeys dodging cars and running back and forth across the street, hanging out in front of the 7/11 at one point as one ate from a cup of yogurt or pudding. Those three monkeys were quite mischievous, smart and very precise.

Accommodation:
I stayed at the Turtle Annex Hattori An in Nikko. A very cheerful woman is the owner. The hotel had a beautiful private indoor onsen with a gorgeous view of clear aqua -blue river running past.

There are many shrines in Nikko of wonderful historical significance and construction. One of the many that I went to had a wonderful garden and pond, which gave off this amazing mystical feel. It was beautiful.