The best of traditions and modernity – 25 days in Japan

Stop 2 – Nikko, Japan 29 September 2024

Japan is more than just Tokyo. So, after 6 days in Tokyo, I went north searching for more. I headed to Nikko, a mountain town 2 hours train ride away.

The Sinkyo Bridge was iconic to Nikko, like the Mostar Bridge to Mostar of Bosnia. A bold red streak bent over the crystal-clear river flowing below and stood out amidst the lush green. Across the street, the Toshogu Shrine was quite a sight of a site. Some halls and gates were colored charcoal black as a solemn place, but they also wanted it to shine. So, the edges and roof lines were coated in gold. The architecture was elaborate and sophisticated. The centuries-old wooden Buddhist Rinnoji Temple was another acclaimed historical temple within the Heritage site.

The weather the following day was a dampener – the sky was overcast with clouds, and rain precipitated like vapors. Visitors grouched while they walked around in raincoats and umbrellas. Lake Chuzenji was shrouded in fog. I walked to Kegon Falls, where I could hear the splashes and the clashes, but I could hardly see the falls camouflaged in a misty background.

Sampling Japan’s snacks is a must. They are great comfort food especially in the miserable weather. Some of these are not uniquely Japanese but they infuse their unique touches and craftsmanship. When I ordered corn on the cob, the vendor took out a stick of it from the steamer and put it over a barbecue set glowing with coal. He flambeed it with a butane torch, browning it, then brushed it with his secret soya sauce. When I sank my teeth into the kernels, they popped with sweet juices. In a day, I sampled 8 different snacks, all of them done with finesse. The attention to details makes the simplest look sophisticated.

A great time in a little town.