Last weekend Chris surprised me with a Valentines Weekend Getaway to Nikko. The Oji Eagles played three games as a part of the All Japan Tournament so needless to say I was SO EXCITED to be able to go along. Not only do I love watching Chris's games, but the town of Nikko was fantabulous. I cannot even tell you how wonderful the trip was. Nikko is a beautiful, quaint little resort town nestled in the mountains and covered with pine trees that are several hundred years old. As much as I love the other cities we've traveled to within Japan, Nikko is my favorite thus far.
We stayed in a hotel that was very similar to an American 'bed and breakfast' or 'boutique hotel'. The only guests at the hotel for the weekend were the team, so we were able to take full advantage of all of the facilities. The mens and ladies locker rooms had their own indoor hot tub and also an outside hot spring. It was amazing to sit in the outdoor hot spring while there was a foot of snow on the rocks surrounding the bath. It was very relaxing and a great way to spend the night after sitting in a cold ice rink all day!!
On Saturday Chris's coach arranged for his brother (who lives in Nikko) to take us to the Toshugu Shrine. We met his friend who works at the shrine who gave us a 'VIP' tour of the shrine grounds. It was an amazing experience, as we were able to view many rooms of the shrine that are closed to the general public. One of the private rooms we got access to is the Worship Room of the oldest Shogun Family in Japanese history. It was veryexciting to sit in a room that is generaly competely off limits to anyone besides member of that particular family.
The Toshogu Shrine was built in 1616 to honor the late shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. The present buildings of the Toshogu Shrine, which consist of fifty-five main structures, span over 80,000 square meters. Construction required a total of 4,533,648 workers over a period of 17 months. Total expenses being estimated at $400,000,000 in the present currency.
Five Storied Pagoda which was constructed in 1818.
'See no evil, Say no evil, Hear no evil Monkeys'
These monkey (along with many other carvings) are featured on the Sacred Stable within the Shrine.
A view of the Shrine.
Yomei-mon Gate
Front Entrance of the Shrine which houses the two Ni-o statues which protect the shrine grounds.
Chris and I in front of the Shrine's main entrance.
On Saturday Chris's coach arranged for his brother (who lives in Nikko) to take us to the Toshugu Shrine. We met his friend who works at the shrine who gave us a 'VIP' tour of the shrine grounds. It was an amazing experience, as we were able to view many rooms of the shrine that are closed to the general public. One of the private rooms we got access to is the Worship Room of the oldest Shogun Family in Japanese history. It was veryexciting to sit in a room that is generaly competely off limits to anyone besides member of that particular family.
The Toshogu Shrine was built in 1616 to honor the late shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. The present buildings of the Toshogu Shrine, which consist of fifty-five main structures, span over 80,000 square meters. Construction required a total of 4,533,648 workers over a period of 17 months. Total expenses being estimated at $400,000,000 in the present currency.
These monkey (along with many other carvings) are featured on the Sacred Stable within the Shrine.
Front Entrance of the Shrine which houses the two Ni-o statues which protect the shrine grounds.
The Skinkyo, or Sacred Bridge, which crosses the Daiya River was constructed in 1636.
After the third game on Sunday we headed to Tokyo for the evening so we could catch an early flight on Monday morning. We took advantage of being in Tokyo and went to visit Taka's family and to see his childhood home. It was a great experience to visit with his family and to see a 'traditional' Japanese home.
We are off to Tokyo again this weekend for the last two regular season games against the Nippon Paper Cranes! Hopefully the team will play well and claim the regular season title!! Go Eagles!!
