Day 18 Nikko

FINALLY we get to see some great autumn color! This entire trip should have been full of fall change  however this year the summer was particularly hot and many of the leaves had dried and died before really changing color. Nikko is north of Tokyo and we are so happy to be able to enjoy this autumn feeling and bright landscape. As we walk the Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple grounds we have a guide explaining first the huge Stone Torii Gate, then the entry gate, five-story Pagoda and the stable house with the carvings of the three monkeys all showing symbolic “stories” of life lessons. We are able to go into the Yakushido Temple (crying dragon) and listen as the monk clangs two pieces of wood together as he walks around this room, never is an echo heard until he stands directly under the huge dragon painted in the ceiling and then, yes the echo or “cry” can be heard. We make our way back to the Sakashitamon Gate (sleeping cat gate) which is the entry to the inner shrine and Ieyasu Tokugawa’s tomb. As we leave this beautifully forested Shrine and Temple area we make a stop into a small garden with a teahouse and several different varieties of Japanese Maple all in different shades of red, orange, gold and yellow. Truly a BEAUTIFUL garden that is able to fulfill our desire to see autumn! Back to Tokyo we must go now to experience the Ginza with its’ evening lights, action and people! Would not want to live here but WOW what fun for an evening.