Today we went on an excursion to Nikko, 2 hours north of Tokyo. Nikko has UNESCO listed shrines and temples, of which there are maaaany. We went to the biggest, and possibly most ornate, shrine in Japan, Toshogu shrine. It is also famous for its sleeping cat sculpture at the entrance up to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum.

The shrine has a shakabashira, an upside down pillar. Why? Because it was believed that once something reaches perfection, it deteriorates. So as long as the shakabashira remains, the structure will be incomplete and protected.

After a few more shrines we found a traditional Japanese restaurant serving vegan food and desserts, nestled in a sculpted garden. It was the first time sitting on tatami mats and eating. Different kind of experience. Hospitality and service is above and beyond in Japan, and overly polite. We always feel welcome wherever we go.

Back in Tokyo we visited Tir Na Nóg, a cocktail bar with a fairy theme with old keys and butterflies dangling from the ceiling and bottles of pixie dust lining the walls.