From Kinugawa-Onsen, we rode the train (17Km, 30 minutes) southwest-bound to Nikko which is 160Km north of Tokyo. Fall is definite in the air around Nikko. Foliage colors are at its peak in this region. We stayed for another three nights at the Nikko Station Hotel II (breakfast only, onsen is off-site at sister hotel within ten-minute walking distance). We visited the Kirifuri waterfalls, got to hike the Kirifuri Highland for 1445 steps with some 1300 feet gain in elevation offering a splendid view of the valley below in an afternoon sunny and breezy of early autumn. We also visited the wonderful Kegon waterfalls and had lunch by the splendid Ryouzu waterfalls...

Link to Hakone: https://pbase.com/mic_hong/hakoneoct2018