North to Nikko

---

We travelled to Nikko via Shinkansen (bullet train) and then transferred to a local train, arriving about 8pm when most of the town was closed. Our leader brought out the origami paper when we were on the local train and had us making paper cranes - which had the locals in stitches and soon the whole car was involved in the process. I'm afraid they despaired of us ever having the ability to grasp the finer points, but at the same time were quite taken with the attempt. Everyone from school children to seniors got involved. This is truly the upside to small group travel and using local transit.

Our ryokan was perfect, the Toshogu shrine absolutely breathtaking, the local hikes outstanding, and the onsen - well, a great way to end the day. An onsen is a Japanese bath - often shared - where you scrub very very thoroughly, rinse even more thoroughly and then climb into an onsen that is filled by the local hot springs. There is quite an involved set of etiquette and rules to be followed so as not to offend. Since Japan is a volcanic country, there are many of these

Nikko is in the alps so it was quite frosty - with snow still on the ground in some places - and the weather didn:t really cooperate with our plans but it was all good. The people we have encountered have been outstanding and being in a rural area is quite a contrast to Tokyo.

---

Photos

Incense burner
Cleanse with the smoke from the incense first