Day 4: Nikko->Yumoto

Almost every trip I take there is a segment where I hike all day, take pictures and eat a rewarding meal for my efforts. Today was that day.



Shinkyo bridge

Okunikko

This is where I begin my hike up into Yumoto. It begins with a waterfall, and seemingly never ends. As I made my way to the trailhead I noticed that all the other hikers had hiking poles and bells to scare away bears. I was concerned.


Ryuzu Falls



Further upriver



The widest point before the falls

Senjogahara marsh

The Japanese really know how to conserve an area and yet still have hundreds of visitors.




I liked these trees




These ones too




Mid hike snack at Yudaki waterfall. Not pictured because the platform was under construction




Poor little delicious sucker

Yumoto

Finally made it! Taking my victory lap around the lake




There are monkeys here. I got lucky and spotted this guy lurking in the trees




My ryokan kaiseki reward after a dip in the onsen. What followed was a deep deep sleep

Day 9: more ocean, more falls

Decided to go see the ocean today. Going through my Yakushima pics makes me miss the ocean. It's funny how close I am to the ocean, and yet I probably see it once a year.



Yakushima waves and sunshine.



Another waterfall



I liked the patina on these guardrails.