We took the bullet train to Nikko to marvel St the shrine complex of three important Shogun of Japanese history. The most important/venerated of whom was Tokugawa Leyasu who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate. The last Shogun based ruling power.

The shrine was incredible, ornately decorated and the craftsmanship was amazing, especially the carvings on the Sunshine Gate, craftsmen from sll over Japan contributed to its creation. There was also a lantern which bore the sword strikes of some Samurai who mistook it for an evil spirit. Probably had one sake too many.

Katrine especially liked the sleeping cat guarding the final resting place of the Shogun. The birds on the reverse of the cat symbolised the unity and protection of the strong and the weak living in harmony. Cool.

The pictures really don’t do this place justice, it was beautiful.

We rounded of our day in Nikkō with our first Zashiki experience (traditional  dining eaten on the floor). The restaurant was absolutely gorgeous and the food unusual but good. The best part was eating in the traditional manner, although constant shifting was required to remain comfortable. Not sure I’m ready to chuck out our dining table just yet, but what a place and the staff were incredible. Which we’re fast discovering is the norm in Japan.

We got back to Tokyo and headed for tir-no-nÓg. An enchantmenting little bar I found with a fairytale theme and lovely cocktails. Yummy,