These wonderful flowers were in the bathroom...
loved the vase!
and KitKats in a variety of flavors.
When we got to Nikko we stopped at the Visitor's Center and got info and then headed to the Ryokan - the Turtle Annex. They weren't ready for us yet, but it was nice to be checked in so we could adventure all day. Next to the hotel was a playground with swings
and this great fish.
and the Kanman-G-Fuchi Abyss of the
Daiya river. It's formed by lava from an
eruption of Mt. Nantal nearby.
and along the road a little further the Jokoji Temp-le
and this line of stone statues of Jizo.
There are 74 statues carved back in 1536-1643.
In reading it appears the hats and bibs are put there
by mother's who have lostchildren in childbirth.
An accessible part of the river provided fun!
Back to the lava rocks and a little R&R....
and then lunch in the shelter.
Then into the World Cultural Heritage Center and it's
Shrines and Temples. The Shogun that James Mitchner's
Shogun was based on is buried in a Mausoleum here.
They had a tossing game the boys played.
Into the Treasure House of the Rinnoji Temple
Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil is carved
into one of the walls along with 7 other Monkey Scenes.
It's thought the saying originated from this carving.
Building after building of stunning carvings.
Five tier Pagoda. We spent several hours and the rains began
so we headed to find a restaurant.
Passed by the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge.
Then back to the hotel and our room. Small,
spotless and overlooking the river..good sleeping tonight!
but first some solitare and a little planning..then off to bed.
GREAT DAY!!
