Part 2 of our day trip to Nikko. Nikko Toshugo Shrine, Shinkyo, and walking through town.
Sanbutsu
We couldn’t take pictures inside, but here are some shots from the observation deck showing the gorgeous scenery in Nikko.
Walking around
I love all the irregular shapes found in Japanese construction like the pyramid shaped wall on the right. Plus, look at that moss! Beautiful moss grows on everything here and it’s so fluffy and vibrant. I’m not sure if I want to hug it, frolic in it, or eat it.
That otherworldly quality Japanese art often exhibits isn’t just a style. It’s what Japan actually looks like.
Sculpture behind Sanbutsu.
Toshogu Shrine
This shrine was a bit expensive at 1300 yen each but it was really impressive so I’m glad we went. Most of the other shrines were about 600 yen each.
The hear no evil see no evil monkeys on this are very popular.
Ema are small wooden plaques worshippers of Shinto write prayers and wishes. The Ema are hung up at the shrine so that the kami (spirits or gods) can recieve them. I’ve been too shy to write one yet but I want to hang one before the end of our trip.
There were about a dozen students(?) sketching at the shrine. They made me wish I had my sketchbook and time to sketch. I’ve been wanting to draw and paint since we stepped off the plane in Narita. So many new things to draw inspiration from!
I’m getting better at the cleansing ritual.
Check out this candelabra looking thing. It’s pretty wicked!
So many stairs!
Halfway there!
I made it! Now let me go sit down and catch my breath.
Green tea? Green tea? or…. green tea?
Entrance to Nikko Toshugo Shrine. Look at those trees!
Five story pagoda.
We had to rush through the last bit of Toshugo which was a bit disappointing. We walked out right after closing and began the long walk to Shinyu and through town for the train station. Most of the towns shops were closed which made me a bit sad but we enjoyed walking through town admiring the area and taking pictures.
Enjoying a lovely day with this handsome guy.
Stunning setting.
The Sacred Bridge (Shinkyo) and Daiya River, Nikko.
A cute little shrine near the Shinkyo.
Probably the coolest phone booth ever.
Vending machines are everywhere.
This peach drink is da bomb!
Honda Man
Public water fountain via mountain spring.
The yellow strip on the sidewalk is for the blind to find their way around.
Nikko Train Station
Utsunomiya, a stop on our way back to Tokyo.
Hmm.. what flavor sandwich will Karl have tonight? I’ve been picking on him a bit for not trying different things but the sandwiches are quite good.
My dinner. I picked up two wraps. One with a coleslaw mixture. The other one had mashed potatoes. It was interesting and surprisingly good.
