Tokyo-Nikko-Tokyo 5 - 7 Oct 09

Yes, this post is more than a month overdue. What's worse is that it isn't even a complete post on the whole of my trip. Unfortunately, my laptop can only support so much. After 5 years of service, it is showing more and more signs of aging. So please bear with me if you're hoping to get to read about my wonderful (and complete) Japan trip.

So, this picks up where I left of from my previous post, which was my first day in Tokyo.

Tsujiki Fish Market. Top: Fish market, Bottom: Dry goods section of market

Minsyuku Rindo-no-ie was where we stayed. It's owned by Rindo, the bald guy, and his wife. It's basically a Japanese style "home-stay". The family was really friendly and helpful. The downside is that the house is 20 mins walk from the town centre.




Shinkyo, or Sacred Bridge


Nikko is a World Heritage Site, with it's many famous temples and shrines. From top: World Heritage sign, three monkeys (hear-, speak-, see-no-evil), Toshogu Shrine and my jump for the trip.

The view of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and the autumn colour from Akechidaira Plateau.

We were lucky to be able to see the autumn colours. If you're interested in a report on the autumn colours in Nikko, check out this site: http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/koyo09/091005.html

It nicely coincides with the same period we were there.

Ryuzu Falls, at its peak of colours.

Our trek from Ryuzu Falls to Yudaki Falls, then to Yumoto-onsen, through the Senjogahara Marsh.

Finally reaching Yudaki Falls. The trek wasn't so bad, except for the fact that there are no bathrooms for 5.5km. That made it quite miserable for us.

Lake Yumoto

Back in Tokyo and caught in the bad weather just before a typhoon. We were lucky we missed the typhoon, but the rain made traveling rather inconvenient. This is the entrance, across the moat and through the gate, to the Imperial Palace Garden. It's pretty and all, but we couldn't see the Imperial Palace itself from here.

Tokyo Tower, all lit up at night, which comes around 5.30pm.

Shinjuku / Kabuki-cho area.

And so, we complete the highlight of the trip. Ok, so that's just my personal opinion. Nikko was my favorite place, just cos I like the outdoors and it's my first time experience of autumn. Tokyo, is just, well, Tokyo. Will probably get other chances to go there.

That's it for now. Hopefully the rest would come up soon.

Gina