Nikko is set in a mountain valley and the main attraction is a shrine to the first Shogun.
We took a bus to the entrance and climbed these steps. It was just the start of a lot of steps.
More steps going up the mountain side. I am walking much better than a year ago so this was all very good for me.
It was a beautiful cool morning. The travel sites warm you to come early before the hordes.
Another hill to climb.
A Japanese couple did an intricate figure 8 loop through this circle. Presumably it brings good luck.
There was no chocolate inside.
The trees are magnificent.
Moss on a tree.
A portable shrine, parked in its garage.
Wishes.
Special water to give you good health.
More steps to climb.
We had been looking at some of the less important shrines. This impressive path led to the main shrine area.
The number of visitors increased dramatically.
Even more steps.
There are lots of these small temples.
This is famous for obvious reasons.
The school groups had arrived. They seemed to be well behaved.
The usual class photo.
Onwards and upwards.
More steps. I found them particularly difficult because there were no railings. I needed Robin's support to come down them safely.
Japan is not very good at supplying seats where you can rest. It's not only at places like this, it's also at train platforms.
Below are photos of a couple of panels.
We had now reached the main shrine. You can go in but you can't take photos.
Another portable shrine.
We now descended back down.
Placed elsewhere, this would be a major tourist attraction. Here, it is just one of many.
Moss.
We were near the bottom of the mountain and there were a few interesting entrances.
It's easy to see why this is a World Heritage Site. It's truly amazing and makes us both so glad we came.
Robin just announced that we have done our 10000 steps today. Let me add that 9000 of them were uphill.
We celebrated by having a refreshing icecream and returning to the inn for a good nap.
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