When all the prepping for Japan felt overwhelming (looking at you simultaneously finishing the kitchen build, bathroom upgrades and back stairs creating) we would dream of our first weekend in Japan. Where would we go? What would we taste? Where could we explore first? Nikko often came up as a recommendation. Only a 40 minute train ride away, close enough to feel achievable in the blur of moving but unique enough to warrant a first adventure.
Hidden agenda of this first trip, figuring out public transit. We packed a bag and meandered down the path to the train station. A quick exchange at the counter and we have our magical cards. You put money on these and then can use them to swipe on/off the trains, easily hopping around the city! Plus the same cards work in bus stations and vending machines- Magic! Next train was leaving in 20 minutes, enough time to grab snacks, extra water and tiny little towels for wiping our already sweaty selves (cause it was 100*)
We're still working to figure out the Japanese Customs for eating on public transit. We've heard it's acceptable on the long trains but not local ones. Our train to Nikko is about 40 minutes, acceptable? Well since Jesse hadn't eaten yet today it was! Although he did it on the sly carefully picking up any crumbs. I decided to wait till we got to the park and found a shady spot.
We're still working to figure out the Japanese Customs for eating on public transit. We've heard it's acceptable on the long trains but not local ones. Our train to Nikko is about 40 minutes, acceptable? Well since Jesse hadn't eaten yet today it was! Although he did it on the sly carefully picking up any crumbs. I decided to wait till we got to the park and found a shady spot.
Off the train and following google maps recommendations to catch a bus! The trains here are meticulously on time, not sure about the buses. There's no way they can be with this much traffic right? The people on the sidewalk were moving faster than us. But we had air conditioning! Even if it was tightly squeezed on a bus air conditioning, still counts as a win!
Bus stops and no one moves. From the back you hear some rustling and Japanese phrases. I didn't recognize them, but pretty sure it was "get out of my way you ridiculous tourists" Once the crowd starts to part we swoop in to follow our fearless crowded bus navigators. Jump off the bus (and apparently everyone else followed our lead) to this beautiful site.
Beautiful bridge arching between tree covered hills, over crystal clear water and rapids- wow, Japan!
Bus stops and no one moves. From the back you hear some rustling and Japanese phrases. I didn't recognize them, but pretty sure it was "get out of my way you ridiculous tourists" Once the crowd starts to part we swoop in to follow our fearless crowded bus navigators. Jump off the bus (and apparently everyone else followed our lead) to this beautiful site.
Beautiful bridge arching between tree covered hills, over crystal clear water and rapids- wow, Japan!
We crossed the bridge for ordinary people and climbed up stairs into the hillside. Meandering around paths through various shrines and temples. I've never been in a place with this much history. With things people built thousands of years ago. Thinking about who built it, when that happened, what tools they used, how many people have walked in this same place, admired this same view- incredible. Wondering where the inspiration came from, what the structures represents, what the beautiful carved characters mean (and motivation to study my Kanji!)
I'm a read the plaque on the statue kind of person. I like knowing the vision was of why this was created, why this spot was chosen to be kept safe and sacred. Reading the plaques are harder here, sometimes they do include English versions, often shorter than the Japanese characters. I like to fill in the details left out, imagine the possibilities of what it could mean.
Crowds of tourists were moving South so we headed North. Nikko is famous for many beautiful waterfalls. We and only a handful of others followed this cobblestone hiking trail to this gorgeous space, nestled away from the crowds. Found a spot where the rushing water creates a vortex of cold air swooshing up. I may have leaned over that space for a good while enjoying the fresh icy air.
Crowds of tourists were moving South so we headed North. Nikko is famous for many beautiful waterfalls. We and only a handful of others followed this cobblestone hiking trail to this gorgeous space, nestled away from the crowds. Found a spot where the rushing water creates a vortex of cold air swooshing up. I may have leaned over that space for a good while enjoying the fresh icy air.
After lunch back in town we plotted out another waterfall adventure. Google map researched out strategy and we aimed for our first bus transfer. So far we've found our correct trains and buses following the strategy of we know it's coming to this location at this appointed time. Even when we can't read the 'name' of the bus route we know we're on the right one cause it's leaving where and when it was supposed to.
Well our bus transfer was at the bus station. A big station with multiple stops and no clear way to tell which stop to get our bus from, c'mon google! Quick map researching, google translating and we think we figured it out. But with not enough confidence to run across the station to catch a maybe bus that was leaving now. Next bus wasn't do for an hour. Instead of waiting we decided to wander a bit through town then head back to Utsunomiya. We know there's a lot more we want to explore in Nikko and with how easy it is to get to we see a lot more quick visits in our future!
Well our bus transfer was at the bus station. A big station with multiple stops and no clear way to tell which stop to get our bus from, c'mon google! Quick map researching, google translating and we think we figured it out. But with not enough confidence to run across the station to catch a maybe bus that was leaving now. Next bus wasn't do for an hour. Instead of waiting we decided to wander a bit through town then head back to Utsunomiya. We know there's a lot more we want to explore in Nikko and with how easy it is to get to we see a lot more quick visits in our future!