Nikko

OUR DAY IN NIKKO and some more impressions from our arrival.

First breakfast at the youth hostel.

We had an great breakfast this morning-a lot of us had nato beans for the first time-afterward we departed and took the train from Shinjuku to Tokyo. There, we had the group's first "shinkansen," bullet train ride!!! It was very exciting and right now we are waiting for the train to go to Nikko and see the temples. As we approached the station the houses and the landscape went from urban and industrial to more rural and the houses look more traditional. We are all very excited to see the temples! またあとうで！
-Gustavo A.

The view from the room is very nice, we are the the 18th floor. Breakfast was very good. The plane ride was so long and the we had to take a train to the hostel. I was so tired by the end of the night, but taking a bath was very relaxing. Today we are going to Nikko and already I know that is is going to be beautiful. On the train to Nikko we saw Mt. Fuji and it was very pretty because the clouds were all over.
-Erin McK.

It is hard to put into words the rush of feelings that hit me when I took my first few steps in Japan. I was completly exhausted but for some reason that didn't bother me. That night I ate for the first time onigiri which is sticky rice molded into a thick square wrapped in seaweed with a savory feeling and let me tell you... It was absolutely delicious. The next day, today, taking the Shinkansen you could see Mt. fuji behind all the apartments and buildings. The juxtaposition of modern industrial buildings and the scenic nature in between with the misty montains in the background combined with the contrasting traditional temples and burial areas... It was just beautiful. I am just in love with this plane and the next two weeks are about to be the time on my life.
Cheers, Jenny Kulb

This mornings breakfast was actually pretty nice. I loved eating the rice and the miso soup. Riding the shinkansen for the first time was actually relaxing. I loved the fact that we were able to enjoy the view through the cities. The best was seeing Mt. fuji for the first time. I am very excited on what other things we're going to see for the next couple of weeks.
- Danielle Woods

Waking up at 4:45 in the morning due to jetlag isn't exactly the most pleasant experience, but the great breakfast this morning more than made up for it. We're headed for Nikko this afternoon, which is going to be an interesting contrast to the neon metropolitan area we've been staying in thus far. Hope my shoes are easy to take off.
On another note, this country is a lot more westernized than I'd anticipated. Also, the trains are infinitely cleaner than the metra or the el.
-Ben "Strow" Ostrow

Nothing better or more embarrassing for a young traveler than making mistakes in social situations. Accidentally asking the currency exchange man if he understood instead of confirming that I did is something I wont soon forget. The look on his face, a mix of confusion and ammusement, followed by my hurried apologies was priceless. Many train rides later lit by flourscent bulbs and clean beyond compare, we're relaxed and ready for the trip to begin. Welcome to Japan.

The morning of our first full day. Ate a large breakfast and tried fermented beans. Interesting, not altogether an unpleasant experience. Pretty okay. Relaxed and rested for the three trains to Nikko. We arrive and walk through the town on our way to the memorial. Grabbed tickets and toured the incredible space devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Learned about Nikko traditional wood carving from someone also visiting. Left with enough time to do some shopping in town. Had a nice conversation with two older women in a shop who complimented David and I's Japanese and then gave us candy. Great day capped off by Udon and a Nihongo Dake train ride home.
-Ian

Our very first shinkansen ride!!

Following a series of train transfers, roughly two and a half hours after our departure from the hostel, we arrived at Nikko. Much smaller and quieter than bustling Tokyo, Nikko lies in the shadows of misty mountains, which are radiating with the rusty tones of the changing leaves. After the group hiked up one of Nikko's main streets, away from the town center, we arrived at the entrance to Nikko National Park, the home of some of Japan's most famous temples and shrines. The park is located up the side of an incline. Dark stone steps crawl upward through the towering trees. Wet stones covered in coats of deep green moss lead us through the mist. Vibrant fire-toned leaves tumbled down from the ancient trees above, caking to the moist rocky steps. Though I've taken an uncountable number of pictures, no camera can capture this experience. It can only be understood firsthand.

-Henry Smith

"shinkyo" or Bridge of the Gods. The entrance into the national park and fabulous temples and shrines of Nikko.

I was sitting on one of the trains (i don't remember which) and i noticed there are no stars. It was really interesting that all the lights where coming from buildings. Maybe it was cloudy.
I'm sure at least my parents would like to know; I tried new food and liked it :)
I don't really have much else to say except: we are here ... We are really here and it's way better than i imagined.
-Charlotte Pope

Enjoying "daifuku," or mochi filled with yummy fillings. A treat from Yokota sensei's mother.

Just one picture of the "momiji," or autumnal maple leaves.

Tomorrow's forecast: sunny and 70!!!

After a lot of walking, we're still smiling.