Took a trip out to Nikko, Tochigi over the three day weekend and had an incredible time. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate my girlfriend's sister's college graduation so we wanted to make it as memorable as possible. I don't have enough room to fit this into one post so I'll post the rest throughout the week. We started out from Tokyo and had lunch somewhere Nikko Toshogu Shrine. I'm not sure if Yuba is a local specialty but it seemed like literally every single restaurant in the area was selling it so I'm assuming that was the case. It was my first time trying it and it was pretty interesting I guess you could say. It tasted alright with the soy sauce and radish but I think I prefer normal tofu instead. Either way it was a nice experience. After eating we headed out to Nikko Toshogu Shrine nearby and man was it amazing. Everything was so lavishly decorated that I couldn't stop taking photos. The pagoda was incredibly beautiful as well and the snow covering the Nikko area made everything even more beautiful. I was lucky enough to get a really nice shot of the corridor full of lanterns while no one was walking through the area as well. I also took a photo of the torii gate at the top of the steps as it had a very strong presence and signaled the end of the long journey up the steps to reach the inner shrine. Unfortunately the main gate was undergoing repairs so it was completely covered in tarp and surrounded by staging so I wasn't able to get a photo of it, but I did get some really cool shots of the main shrine. I tried as hard as I could to get some good photos of the grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and while I think the photo of the gate isn't bad, I think I'd need a better camera to get a good shot of the crane and his tomb. That being said it was still really awesome to see. After checking out the shrine we headed out to Kegon Falls and I managed to get some really nice videos and some decent photos as well. I can't post the videos or I would. It was really awesome seeing the icicles surrounding the waterfall and all of the frozen scenery as well. Even just taking the lift down to the waterfall was an experience. After we left the waterfall observation deck and went back up the elevator we got some suiton 水団, flour dumplings in soup and shared it between the three of us as a light snack before dinner later that evening. We also visited Lake Chuzenji and admired the scenery there for a bit as well. We didn't spend a ton of time here so this photo was the best I could do. I like that I was able to get the sign in the shot though so I can't complain. After enjoying the view of the lake we headed to our hotel and ate dinner and had some wine. The place we stayed at was called "Lamb Chop" ペンション・ラムチャップ日光. The food was great and service provided by the the owners was top notch, so I definitely recommend checking it out if you're looking for a place to stay in the area. After dinner we headed back to our room and I was so exhausted I fell asleep almost instantly. And that was the end of day 1! I'll post day two tomorrow since this post is getting quite long now!

Heian Jingu Shrine Yormoude The asymmetrical lights were illuminated, and the color changed as time went by, which was beautiful. This is because by intentionally making the photo asymmetrically illuminated, it is a beautiful photo regardless of whether you look at it on the left or right.

Shooting locationTakeda City My family ate Ehomaki at a house in the countryside on Setsubun Day. Wishing for the happiness of each and every family, the Ehomaki I ate was very delicious.

[English/Japanese] Snow is predicted to fall in Tokyo this week. In Japan, there are many tourist destinations where winter sports are popular, such as Hokkaido, but in Tokyo, snowfall is not that common and the city is not prepared to handle it. As a result, even a 5 cm accumulation of snow can cause many problems. In this article, I will tell you how to deal with snow in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train schedules are often disrupted. Trains may be cancelled or the number of trains may be reduced, so you may be late for work. Try to leave your house early on snowy days. Roads can also be crowded, and few people buy snow tires for the rare snowfall in a year. As a result, many people drive with regular tires on snowy days, which can cause slip accidents. Try not to walk near cars on snowy days. 2 The day after it snows Unlike Hokkaido, the snow that falls in Tokyo has a high moisture content. Therefore, the day after a snowfall, the roads are often icy. Since there are many buildings in Tokyo, there is no sunlight and the snow may not melt even after a week. Some people slip on the icy roads and get seriously injured because of it. On the day after a snowfall, try to walk in the sunshine. 3What to wear What you wear the next day is more important than what you wear when it is snowing. The roads are very slippery, so it is best to wear long boots or other non-slip shoes. You should also wear gloves because the ice can cut your hands if you slip and fall on them. A hat is also necessary to protect your head. A backpack or other bag that allows you to keep both hands free is also a good idea. If you don't have boots, there is a life hack to prevent slipping by putting an adhesive bandage on the back of your sneakers. Please give it a try. Many of the students at our school come from warm countries. Some of them have caught colds from playing in the snow because it was their first time to see snow. Please play in the snow in moderation. This time, we are planning to spread snow-melting agent in front of the dormitory. If your neighbors are having a hard time shoveling snow, let's help them out. It's also a chance to make friends with Japanese people. Also, it's best not to go outside too much on snowy days, so get your shopping done as soon as possible! Snow is forecast to fall in Tokyo this week. In Japan, there are many tourist spots where winter sports are popular, such as Hokkaido, but it does not snow that often in Tokyo, so the city of Tokyo is not equipped to cope with snow. Therefore, even if 5 cm of snow accumulates, various problems will occur. This time, I would like to tell you about snow countermeasures in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train schedules are often disturbed. Trains may be suspended or the number of trains will be reduced, so you may be late for the company. Try to leave the house early on snowy days. Roads can also be crowded. Because of the snow that may or may not fall in a year, few people buy tires for snow. Therefore, many people drive on ordinary tires on snowy days, and some people have slip accidents. On snowy days, try not to walk near cars as much as possible. 2 The day after the snow fell Unlike Hokkaido, the snow that falls in Tokyo is moisture. Therefore, the roads are often icy the day after the snow falls. There are many buildings in Tokyo, so the sunlight may not shine and the snow may not melt even after one week. Some people slip on icy roads and get seriously injured because of it. The day after it snows, choose a path that gets as much sunlight as possible. 3 Clothing What you wear the next day is more important than when it's snowing. The road is very slippery, so wear shoes that are not slippery, such as long ones. Also, wear gloves as ice can cut your hands when you slip and get your hands. You will also need a hat to protect your head. Also, it is good to have a backpack or other bag that can be used with both hands. There is a life hack that people who do not have boots can put adhesive plasters on the back of their sneakers to prevent them from slipping. Give it a try. At our school, many students come from warm countries. Some people took off their shoes and played in the snow for the first time to see snow, catching a cold. Let's play in the snow in moderation. This time, we plan to sow snow melting agent in front of the dormitory. If your neighbors are having a hard time shoveling snow, help them. It's also a chance to get to know Japan people. Also, it's better not to go outside too much on snowy days, so be sure to finish your shopping early!

Demon Dance Setsubun Luzanji Temple

First visit ⛄ Igusa Hachimangu Shrine in Ogikubo, it was ⛩😊 a large and cozy shrine

First visit at Meiji Jingu Camera: canon eos40d Lens: TAMRON XR Di II We also do Twitter and Instagram, so please follow us! Both have an account ID etuko_photos!!

From the snowy Meiji Jingu Shrine. Camera: canon eos40d Lens: TAMRON XR Di II We also do Twitter and Instagram, so please follow us! Both have an account ID etuko_photos!!

I usually visit my hometown for the first time, but when I went to the Himeji Manto Festival, an event that has been going on since 1978, I was surprised by the number of lanterns. Since tripods are prohibited, I took a picture so as not to disturb the worshippers.

I usually visit my hometown for the first time, but when I went to the Himeji Manto Festival, an event that has been going on since 1978, I was surprised by the number of lanterns. Since tripods are prohibited, I took a hand-held photo so as not to disturb the worshippers.

I usually visit my hometown for the first time, but when I went to the Himeji Manto Festival, an event that has been going on since 1978, I was surprised by the number of lanterns. Since tripods are prohibited, I took a hand-held photo so as not to disturb the worshippers.

I usually visit my hometown for the first time, but when I went to the Himeji Manto Festival, an event that has been going on since 1978, I was surprised by the number of lanterns. Since tripods are prohibited, I took a hand-held photo so as not to disturb the worshippers.

I usually visit my hometown for the first time, but when I went to the Himeji Manto Festival, an event that has been going on since 1978, I was surprised by the number of lanterns. Since tripods are prohibited, I took a hand-held photo so as not to disturb the worshippers.

Tonight is Purple Snow Commercial complex in Fukuoka City Canal City's lights and fountain illuminations On this day, add color to the production with a faint snow decoration I accompany it.

"New Year's Day to God" First visit to Kasuga Shrine

"The End of the Flame Dance" Demon of Dazaifu Tenmangu One of the three major fire festivals in Japan. It is said that it was started in the 2nd year of Kanwa 986 by Sugawara no Michishinko's great-grandson Sugawara no Michishinko. It is a sacred ritual of extinguishing calamity and fire to exterminate demons, which is a symbol of calamity, It is a festival where many worshippers pray for happiness for the whole year to the huge flame that burns every year.

"Fire and smoke scorched the demon" Demon of Dazaifu Tenmangu One of the three major fire festivals in Japan. It is said that it was started in the 2nd year of Kanwa 986 by Sugawara no Michishinko's great-grandson Sugawara no Michishinko. It is a sacred ritual of extinguishing calamity and fire to exterminate demons, which is a symbol of calamity, It is a festival where many worshippers pray for happiness for the whole year to the huge flame that burns every year.

"The Great Fan of the Smoker" Demon of Dazaifu Tenmangu One of the three major fire festivals in Japan. It is said that it was started in the 2nd year of Kanwa 986 by Sugawara no Michishinko's great-grandson Sugawara no Michishinko. It is a sacred ritual of extinguishing calamity and fire to exterminate demons, which is a symbol of calamity, It is a festival where many worshippers pray for happiness for the whole year to the huge flame that burns every year.

"One Heart" Demon of Dazaifu Tenmangu One of the three major fire festivals in Japan. It is said that it was started in the 2nd year of Kanwa 986 by Sugawara no Michishinko's great-grandson Sugawara no Michishinko. It is a sacred ritual of extinguishing calamity and fire to exterminate demons, which is a symbol of calamity, It is a festival where many worshippers pray for happiness for the whole year to the huge flame that burns every year.

"Go to Taiko Bridge" Demon of Dazaifu Tenmangu One of the three major fire festivals in Japan. It is said that it was started in the 2nd year of Kanwa 986 by Sugawara no Michishinko's great-grandson Sugawara no Michishinko. It is a sacred ritual of extinguishing calamity and fire to exterminate demons, which is a symbol of calamity, It is a festival where many worshippers pray for happiness for the whole year to the huge flame that burns every year.

"The Beginning of the Flame Dance" Onisube One of the three major fire festivals in Japan. It is said that it was started in the 2nd year of Kanwa 986 by Sugawara no Michishinko's great-grandson Sugawara no Michishinko. It is a sacred ritual of extinguishing calamity and fire to exterminate demons, which is a symbol of calamity, It is a festival where many worshippers pray for happiness for the whole year to the huge flame that burns every year.

Happy Balloon Christmas EventBalloon in Kasai City, where I visited with my daughter and dog for the first time in the balloon boarding experience The view from the sky was great.

Demon chase ceremony event in Inami Town, Hyogo Prefecture It is a small local festival held on February 9th and 10th every year, but everyone is desperate to catch the sparks thrown by the mochi and demons. And my daughter cried when she saw this demon.

Demon chase ceremony event in Inami Town, Hyogo Prefecture It's a small local festival, but everyone is desperate to catch the sparks thrown by the rice cakes and demons.

Snow

It is "Yokote kamakura" in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture. "Kamakura" is a small New Year's event dedicated to the god of water, and children among the kamakura shout "Enter! They talk to tourists and treat them with mochi and amazake. This photo is from the "Kamakura" photo session venue, but the best position was super full and I regretted being late, but if I dared to take it from a position where no one was looking, I was able to take a really nice photo and I was very satisfied with the "Kamakura" photo.

It snowed more than usual, and children jumped from the roof. I was scared at first, but I was able to do the numbers and jump vigorously!

In the snow that has accumulated in Kita Shinshu, the Shinkansen passes by.

Winter fireworks planned by a friend. It was fantastic and lovely. The first snow fireworks is almost like an annual event.

Funabashi Daijingu