kenleewrites in 日本

Some photos from my Nikko trip earlier. These photos are of the Shinkyo Bridge or Sacred Bridge or “Deity Bridge”. One of the three mystical bridges in Japan… sadly I don’t know what the other 2 are ><. I’m going to just be a little lazy and quote,

“Legend has it that the hermit who settled Nikko was carried across the river here by two serpents. In feudal times, the sacred bridge could be used only by the emperor.The Shinkyo has long been considered one of the most beautiful structures in Japan, its simple elegance contrasting with the wildness of the river gorge, the green hills, and the tumbling waters.”

Quoted from here. The red really stands out against the green, blue and gray background. It’s quite a sight!

Some relaxing pics taken in Japan before I head off to Jeju. For the next few days, it’s just Jeju! These photos I took when I went to Nikko. Some other Nikko posts here. Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖) is a very nice lake, apparently formed by volcanic activity. I didn’t spend much time there. It was already quite late after visiting Kegon Falls… everywhere else closed at about 6pm. Not during tourist season I guess… Getting here was only a 5 minute drive from Kegon Falls. We just drove there, took some photos and headed back down to central Nikko. It does look like a nice and quiet spot to get some R&R… someday…

Where do you go for R&R?

Just some random shots I took with my R8 at Toshogu in Nikko. Forgot to consolidate photos. I guess that happens when you use 2 cameras. How many cameras do you use when on vacation? Now I usually carry 2. My trusty slr and a compact. The R8 does great marco shots! From 1cm away! Just mind-blowing!

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Another interesting spot to visit in Nikko. Kegon Falls is quite the majestic waterfall, apparently formed when the Daiya River was rerouted by lava flows (read it on wikipedia). Read something else about it I found quite disturbing…

“The Kegon Falls are infamous for suicides, especially among Japanese youth”

Probably not a good place to be late at night. ^^.

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If you missed part 1, it’s here. On to part 2!

This is another national treasure. The sleeping cat (眠り猫 nemuri neko). Sculpted by Hidari Jingoro, I think it’s supposed to symbolize Tokugawa Ieyasu since this sculpture rests on top of the entrance gate to his graveyard compound.

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