There is much more than just a big and overcrowded cities in Japan. There is also a quite and measured life in province. Fortunately, I had a chance to see it alive. Initially it was planed to explore only Nikko, some temples and nature in the city. However our host was extremely hospitable traveller, so he kindly suggested to guide us around and even gave us a lift to some remote places. That helped to exceed initial plan.
We started from the Toshugu temple where as usual there were a lot of school excursions. Unexpectedly there was also some procession to celebrate sakura blossom. It looked nice.

Young beautiful ladies in coaches were playing Japanese music on drums. In the same time many small girls, simply children in traditional clothes were on foot.

Toshugu is not the only, but the most notable temple is Nikko. Not far away from it there is Kanmangafuchi Abyss. On the bank of winding river there are dozens of jizo statues. Looks amazing. However, it’s extremely tough to find this place. It’s not marked even on google maps. There was just one sign on the way here. Even with the sign it was not really clear where the place is (:

In about 10 km from Nikko there is no a clue that it’s a temple area. Only silence and beautiful nature. The most interesting places are in mountains at about 1300-1600 meters above sea level. Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Waterfall and others. It’s possible to get here by bus, though it might be really cold here. At home it was around +20 and here it is just +2. So you should take some warm clothes.

Well, you can still find even the snow here.

There are a lot of hot springs and onsen. This is popular way to relax in Japan.
In the very same place there are a lot of wild monkeys and deers. These deers are really wild, they afraid people and you have to be lucky to find one.

Though if you didn't see monkeys, you still have a chance. And not just to see it, but also have a dinner with them. In Monkey bar every evening tales place an entire performance for visitors
This is how the life looks like in Japan outside big cities.