I was sitting at school the other day and felt the biggest earthquake I’ve experienced here. It took me by surprise, and I felt and heard everything around me shaking. It lasted for maybe 20 or 30 seconds, and I watched as the desks and filing cabinets jiggled about, while my coworkers and the students went about their business as if nothing happened. I guess that is to be expected when you’re accustomed to frequent tremors.
This past weekend included a visit to Nikko, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Nikko is situated in the northern part of Tochigi prefecture and is known for its breathtaking landscape in autumn, as well as its many shrines. One of the most fascinating facts about Nikko’s shrines is the history of them. Toshogu shrine is home to one of the oldest known references to the three wise monkeys (see/speak/hear no evil) and the infamous sleeping cat, along with being one of the most grandiose and lavishly decorated shrines in Japan. It also gets all kinds of mad props as a World Heritage site, a national treasure, and all that awesomeness. This stuff dates back to the late 16th and early 17th century, folks. Get excited.
The train ride from Sano to Nikko is not that long. I think it takes less time to get there than it does to get to Tokyo. Being as Nikko’s annual fall festival was on this particular weekend it was exceptionally crowded, but we expected that. Have a look at the photos below to get a glimpse at this town’s beauty. I have little else to say right now. Carry on.
Shinkyo Bridge:
This past weekend included a visit to Nikko, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Nikko is situated in the northern part of Tochigi prefecture and is known for its breathtaking landscape in autumn, as well as its many shrines. One of the most fascinating facts about Nikko’s shrines is the history of them. Toshogu shrine is home to one of the oldest known references to the three wise monkeys (see/speak/hear no evil) and the infamous sleeping cat, along with being one of the most grandiose and lavishly decorated shrines in Japan. It also gets all kinds of mad props as a World Heritage site, a national treasure, and all that awesomeness. This stuff dates back to the late 16th and early 17th century, folks. Get excited.
The train ride from Sano to Nikko is not that long. I think it takes less time to get there than it does to get to Tokyo. Being as Nikko’s annual fall festival was on this particular weekend it was exceptionally crowded, but we expected that. Have a look at the photos below to get a glimpse at this town’s beauty. I have little else to say right now. Carry on.
Shinkyo Bridge:
Amazing set meal at a vegan restaurant with seating for about a dozen people:
Toshugo photos:
Some pictures from Lake Chuzenji and nearby Kegon Waterfall:
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