Nikko, at Toshogu Shrine

 

From behind the window of the bus we were riding in, we could see a stunning view of the mountains. It was just the start of summer, the green leaves and grass look young and fresh, spreading across the mountains. The tour guide said that in autumn the view is even more beautiful, the leaves turn red and turn golden yellow before they fall, providing a stunning panorama along the way. We can only imagine it, from the photos we have seen, with the dream of one day being able to enjoy the original view in autumn. Of course, autumn is the busiest season, tourists, domestic and foreign, plan their trips here well in advance.

We were on our way from Tokyo to the Nikko mountains. Nikko is a historical place with beautiful views of the mountains north of Tokyo. The existence of historical places located on the slopes of the mountains, complemented by their rural charm, has inspired the saying: "Never say kekko until you see Nikko", meaning that if you go to Japan, never be satisfied until you see Nikko.

Our first stop was Toshugu Shrine. Tosho is the honorary name given to Tokugawa Ieyasu after his death, because this shrine is the burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was a Japanese samurai leader who led and unified Japan in the 17th century. He founded the Tokugawa Shogunate which ruled for more than 250 years, making him a prominent samurai figure in Japanese history. Like other Japanese leaders, his spirit is considered sacred and this shrine was built to house his spirit, according to Shinto beliefs. Therefore, this temple is full of historical value and is very sacred because this temple is the burial place and residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu's spirit.

From the entrance to the rear shrine, Toshogu is connected by an uplhill street that is quite wide. At the end of the path, there is a large Gate, called Torri (Ishidorii). The stone made Torri marks the entrance to Toshogu Shrine, which according to Shinto beliefs represents the gate to a holy place.

Usually, Shinto shrines are kept simple by considering harmony with the natural surroundings, inviting visitors to offer prayers and offerings at these shrines. Not so with Toshogu Shrine. This temple is a combination of a Shinto Temple and a Buddhist Temple, giving this temple a majestic dimension. Simplicity is not a consideration at all, the buildings are instead rich with ornaments of various colors, including gold leaf decoration, which can amaze visitors who observe them.

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Source:

https://www.kanpai-japan.com/nikko/toshogu

 

Tokyo, at Robot Restaurant

 

While wandering at night in the Kabukicho, we saw a very unique restaurant. The name is Robot Restaurant, which was hugely displayed at the top of the restaurant with glittering light bulbs, so it could be seen from far. Anybody visiting this area wouldn’t miss to notice this restaurant. We wondered what kind of restaurant it was, were we going to be served by robots or something like that? Actually, the place offered a spectacular Robot-themed cabaret show, and calling it a restaurant was a bit misleading. It was more a show rather than a restaurant. They did serve food there, but it was the kind of food to be eaten while watching the show. The room arrangement was like an arena stage surrounded by seats for the spectators, not like a normal dining tables arrangement in restaurants.

The show was astonishing, loud and full of energy from the beginning. Dancers, laser lights, dazzling spot lights, mixed with dinosaurs and robots danced in rhythm with the drum beats. It was spectacular. The movement seemed unchoreographed, but the performance is actually a carefully planned routine that requires weeks of preparation. The dancers must master everything from dancing to drumming, pole dancing and robot riding for the performance. So did one of the dancers told us after the show.

Though there seemed no storyline in the 90 minutes show, it appeared to be a classic battle between robot armies. The dancers ranged from the kawaii (cute) to the monstrous animals, the goofy anime characters to the ancient Japanese fantasy characters. There was blaring rock music in the room, with warrior princesses in bikinis fighting a 3 meter tall transformer robots.  They came to tease you at every corner and in front of your seat. There were also a giant shark attacking a robotic horse, a Kung-Fu panda wrestling on a Segway. They made us smile.

For 90 minutes we entered a different world, monsters and kawaii characters came in flesh, robot toys became huge, it was a show as well as a wild party.  It was one of the top tourist attractions in Tokyo, located in the Shinjuku nightlife district. It earned a reputation not long after it opened in 2012, but sadly it must close during the Covid 19 pandemic and remained closed forever.

 

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