Jun 11, 2006
We have a day in Tokyo with Kabuki and stuff and then we head off to Nikko on our first train expedition...everyone is eating adorable little Bento boxes of Sushi on the train. They look delicious, so, off I go to purchase one...
Bad idea. Tasteless, sticky and no Wasabi or soy sauce! NY Delis have better Sushi. I’m confused.
We arrive in Nikko, a beautiful little mountain town a few hours North of Tokyo.
Ahhhh, no more city for this city girl (with a country girl heart). What a sweet place.
Our Ryokan (Japanese Inn) was so quaint. This was our room, complete with traditional Tatami mat floors and futon mattresses on the floor. This river was running right by our windows and we could also see and hear the river right from the Onsen (traditional Japanese bath). See video of Onsen below right.
I discover convenience stores have better Sushi than the trains...and Nikko’s “Save On” rules because they have a Hello Kitty contest where you can add up Bento box points and collect a HK prize!! Me, Leila and Rhona (our fearless tour leader) pool our points (including contributions from weird sources that will remain nameless) and collect the HK purse (see below).
stay tuned for some truly magnificent temples and shrines...
We venture out of our first day, to see Jizo statues, protectors of unborn children (and tourists--thank God!) They have hats and bibs to keep them warm. Rhona leads the way, HK style.
