March 7 - March 9 NIKKO

The Shinyko Sacred Bridge - that taxi driver offered to take drive somewhere we could view it from underneath.  Pardon?

As we set off from Tokyo it began snowing - and by the time we got to Nikko the whole area was blanketed. We were lucky, because it does not snow that often up here, and the whole place looked magical and was so quiet.

Nikko is a small town in the mountains north of Tokyo and is a popular visiting spot because of the scenery and historic buildings.

After getting  off the train we went via the Shinyko bridge to the Rinoji, Toshogu, Taiyuinbyo and Futarasan shrines. All the buildings are part of the same large complex, and in the snow looked picture perfect. We walked up the slightly treacherous stone steps to Ieyasu's tomb, where Berin bought us a blessing for "transport safety".

The next day we visited 'Edo Wonderland' which is a Samurai/Ninja village theme park complete with live action shows and various cheesy attractions. Berin and I dressed up as a Samurai, and instantly became one of the key attractions - it was awesome. I was very, very sad to take the outfit off.

The next day we visited the huge and cold Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa - 3,000m2 footprint, and 1 degree Celsius INSIDE!

We stayed at a lodge in the woods, which despite being full of sad hippy backpackers was a lot of fun.

High points of the trip included drinking the little Yakitori restaurant in town out of beer; the traditional Japanese Onsen (hot spring baths) which is done naked (no more secrets between Berin and myself); being mobbed by girls while dressed up as a Samurai; and standing in the snow with my five pairs of socks on marvelling at the Japanese girls in the shorty-shorts and heels.

Also, a plea - Japan we love your heated toilet seats, but why only cold water to wash your hands and then no way to dry them? Why?

Jane and Morgan in front of part of the Toshogu Shrine. Yes, it is really, really cold. Sneakers are rubbish in the snow, in case you were wondering.

Icy steps of doom leading to Ieyasu's tomb. 

The view from our roof shaped dorm room accommodation at twilight.

You want to fight! FIGHT ME!!! Luckily those sandals had heat pads.

........another challenger appears......

At last, a worthy opponent.

The world's cutest ninja. In my infinite capacity for mercy, I let her live.

Mama-san who owned the Yakatori restaurant. She loved us because we drank all her beer. I'm not sure who took this photo....

The Imperial Villa

One of the many thousands of year old Jizo sculptures that line the Nikko river- rugged up safely for winter!