Out of the city

Another long and exciting day as we traveled from Tokyo to Nikko.  Only 3 trains and the Tokyo ones were not even crowded.  The passengers heading to Nikko were largely a group of older Japanese people who seemed very enamored by our group.  My Trippers did me proud as they talked with a large variety of train passengers, some for the entirely of the 2-hour journey into the countryside of Japan!  The Trippers were pleasantly greeted with clear, cool air and mountains as we disembarked from the train.  Though rainy, it added to the atmosphere of misty mountains and was certainly cooler than Tokyo.  We walked through lush forests of gigantic trees and witnessed some spectacular temples and shrines that represent the opulence of the Tokugawa Era.  We went for a night time walk and told stories.  If you have the time, please take a moment to learn about some of the places we have visited/will visit by viewing the site reports prepared by the Trippers on the "site reports" tab.  The Trippers also greatly appreciate and are motivated by your comments!

In front of the "Tokyo turd" before leaving the city (above my head)

On the train to Nikko

 

In front of Toshogu in Nikko (and Yokota-sensei, with my insistence)

Toshogu

Looking up

Looking down

Misty mountains over the opulence

With a group of elementary school children who wanted to practice their English

Lantern shot with Trippers

The circular structure is for good luck in love 

Night walk story telling