Tochigi: Nikko

9:12 AM

Location: Nikko, Tochigi, Japan

On our second and final day, we decided to see the other side of Nikko; the side that many has grown to admire. I like calling this place as the “historic center” of Nikko because in this area, the beautiful Nikko Temple Complex is located and with a few minutes walk across the Daiya River, you’ll reach the Kanmangafuchi Abyss; where the famous statues of Bakejizo can be seen.

When you’re in this area, The Temple Complex is a must see. It’s a collection of 103 religious structures and just standing there is a wonderful experience (Even more wonderful for me since it just snowed, mud all over!). You might miss a few places here since the structures are just scattered all-around but in my opinion, Toshogu Shrine is a must see. Its intricately designed entrance, The Yomeimon, is already something worth seeing!

But for me, the walk to the Kanmangafuchi Abyss is very much worth it. The place is lined with 40 Jizo statues but there’s an interesting myth that if you count it on the way up and on the way down, you’ll get a different number each way and not to mention the feeling you get while walking in front of them and hearing the roaring Abyss just below you. No wonder they’re called “Bakejizo” which directly means “Ghost Jizo”.

It was also a smart move for us to stay at the Kozuchi No Yado Tsurukame Daikichi Ryokan because of its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage sites. We just had to cross the street to get there! Not to mention the rooms that have private baths overlooking the mountains and River Daiya! Too bad they weren’t available when we stayed there. Since it was our first time in this part of Japan so we were very fortunate to find such a place that made everything easy for us. They even picked us up in the station when we arrived! I think that’s how my adoration for Japanese hospitality really started.

Places like these give the real meaning to "Passport Out". Escaping to a whole different world, just like here. Escaping from the glimmering lights of Tokyo and finding both peace and serenity in the beautiful mountains of Tochigi.