Danny in Japan: 2008-02-03

After finals were over at the end of February, I screamed out of joy walking out of the classroom. I am sure everyone knows how I felt. But I didn't realize that it was time to say good-bye to my dear friends who are leaving after this semester. For the past two weeks, over ten people left, so farewell parties have been endless and more to come...

SO! we planned to do something special and went to a day trip to Nikko. Nikko is 2 hours away from Tokyo, and is famous for its hot spring, waterfalls, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine. We planned to first go to Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which is one of World Heritage. The shrine is famous for colorful and fabulously decorated buildings, Yomeimon Gate, Five Storied Pagoda, Nio Mon Gate and 3 carved monkeys. Then, we wanted to go to onsen, hot spring... but we didn't make it... because many of us had to do packing... After all, it was nice to be away from a forest of buildings and blend in nature with friends. But if anyone is traveling to Nikko, I strongly suggest to spend at least a night and enjoy with some time.