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, many tourist destinations like Hokkaido are popular for winter sports, but snowfall in Tokyo is relatively rare and the city is not prepared for it. As a result, even a 5 cm accumulation of snow can cause various problems. In this article, I will explain how to cope with snow in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train schedules are often disrupted. Trains may be cancelled or services reduced, so you may be late for work. On snowy days, try to leave home earlier than usual. Roads can also become congested, and few people buy snow tires for such infrequent snowfall. Consequently, many people drive with regular tires on snowy days, which can lead to slipping accidents. Try to avoid walking close to cars on snowy days. 2 The day after it snows Unlike in Hokkaido, snow that falls in Tokyo has a high moisture content. For that reason, roads are often icy the day after snowfall. With so many buildings in Tokyo, sunlight may not reach some streets and the snow may not melt even after a week. Some people slip on the frozen roads and suffer serious injuries. On the day after snowfall, try to walk along sunlit routes. 3 What to wear What you wear the next day matters more than what you wear while it is snowing. Roads become very slippery, so wear long boots or other slip-resistant shoes. Also wear gloves because ice can cut your hands if you slip and catch yourself with them. A hat is necessary to protect your head. A backpack or other hands-free bag is also a good idea. If you don’t have boots, a life hack to reduce slipping is to stick adhesive bandages to the soles of your sneakers. Give it a try. Many students at our school come from warm countries. Some, seeing snow for the first time, have overdone it playing in the snow and caught colds. Enjoy snow play in moderation. This time, we plan to spread a snow-melting agent in front of the dormitory. If neighbors are struggling with shoveling, 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 finish your shopping as early as possible! Snow is predicted to fall in Tokyo this week. In Japan, many tourist destinations such as Hokkaido are popular for winter sports, but snowfall in Tokyo is not that common, so the city is not set up to handle snow. Because of that, even just 5 cm of snow can cause various problems. This time, I will tell you how to deal with snow in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train timetables often get disrupted. Trains may be suspended or their frequency reduced, so you might be late for work. On snow days, try to leave home early. Roads can also get congested. Very few people buy snow tires for snowfall that may or may not occur in a year. For that reason, many people drive on ordinary tires on snowy days, and some cause slip accidents. On snowy days, avoid walking close to cars whenever possible. 2 The day after it snows Snow that falls in Tokyo differs from that in Hokkaido in having a higher water content. Therefore, the day after snowfall, roads are often frozen. Tokyo’s many buildings block sunlight, and snow may not melt even after a week. People sometimes slip on frozen roads and sustain serious injuries. On the day after snow, choose streets with sunlight when you walk. 3 Clothing What you wear the next day is more important than what you wear while it is snowing. Roads are very slippery, so wear wellingtons or other slip-resistant footwear. Also wear gloves because ice can cut your hands if you fall and use them to brace yourself. A hat is necessary to protect your head. For bags, a backpack or similar hands-free option is best. If you don’t have wellingtons, there’s a life hack: sticking adhesive bandages to the soles of your sneakers makes them less slippery. Try it out. At our school, many students come from warm countries. For some, seeing snow for the first time led them to play too much and catch colds. Keep snow play moderate. We plan to spread de-icing agent in front of the dormitory this time. If neighbors are having a hard time shoveling snow, let’s help — it’s also an opportunity to become friends with Japanese people. Also, because it’s better not to go out much on snow days, complete 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