Pagoda outside Tosho-gu Shrine

This pagoda was donated by a feudal lord in 1650, but had to be rebuilt in 1818 after it was destroyed by a fire. Each story represents an element - earth, water, fire, wind and heaven - ascending in order.

From the chaos of Tokyo to the unspoiled natural beauty of Nikko

August 14th 2006
After two weeks of being absorbed in the busy city life of Tokyo I decided I was due for a trip outside of the city, so on August 14th (Statutory holiday for the Embassy) I boarded a train and headed north to Nikko in Tochigi prefecture. Nikko is considered part of Northern Honshu and is much more rural than Central and Western Honshu... it made for a great 1-day trip from Tokyo! A ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tochigi » Nikko

In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more

Joined	September 8th 2005	Trips	7
Last Login	January 20th 2022	Followers	1
Status	BLOGGER	Follows	2
Blogs	67	Guestbook	205
Photos	1,501	Forum Posts	4