Travels to Japan - Nikko, pt 1 - The Entry Gate
By Ali Canary
@AliCanary (3249)
February 20, 2017 6:44pm CST
My husband is a native of Japan, although we met in the United States. When we got married, we went to Japan for our honeymoon so I could meet my new in-laws and so he could reconnect with his family. Of course, we did a lot of sight-seeing while there! Above is the entrance to the temple complex at Nikko. This style of gate is very common in Japan, and it is hundreds of years old. As you can see, this is a popular tourist destination, although most of the tourists are actually Japanese people, who like to tour around their own country as much as Westerners do!
15 people like this
15 responses
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
22 Feb 17
@AliCanary That's a pity, especially as you get on so well with the majority of them.
3 people like this
@AliCanary (3249)
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22 Feb 17
Quite well, actually! I've heard horror stories about mother-in-laws being evil to the new brides, but she was a peach. Dad was totally sweet, too. Brother wasn't friendly, but whatever. Sister was very nice. Uncles were whatever, but aunts were absolutely charming and funny and just crazy about me, as was an older female cousin. I really like his family--unfortunately, he doesn't stay in touch with them, and I think he's missing out.
4 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
30 May 17
It is nice that the Japanese like to tour as well.
I hope you had a very nice welcome there from your new in laws.
I hope you had a very nice welcome there from your new in laws.1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
31 May 17
@AliCanary That is so great to hear Ali! Yes because we have heard the horror stories. I am pleased to know all was well for you there with the family. Will they ever come to you and visit no?
I also notice in this photo the golden thing that looks like a shamrock..
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@AliCanary (3249)
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1 Jun 17
@TiarasOceanView - I doubt they have any plans to. My father in law has passed away, and unfortunately, my husband doesn't really keep in touch with his family. That is the family crest of the Tokugawas. The temple was built for the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.
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@AliCanary (3249)
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31 May 17
Despite some horror stories I had heard (apparently mother-in-laws are expected to be quite evil to the brides of their sons), they were actually quite nice! Both parents were very sweet and laid back, and the aunts were hilarious!
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@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
12 Apr 17
They are beautiful. Japan has a rich history.
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@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
19 Apr 17
@AliCanary I hope you got lots of pictures!
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@AliCanary (3249)
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19 Apr 17
@Shellyann36 - I got TONS of pictures. I need to step up writing more of these travelogues!
@silvermist (19702)
• India
22 Feb 17
@AliCanary This entrance to the temple complex is so very unique.What does the writing on the pillar say?
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (3249)
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22 Feb 17
It says "Toshogu" - it's the name of the shrine (Nikko Toshogu) and also refers to any shrine that is related to the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (that's the Tokugawa family crest at the top, and it shows up on lots of temples and shrines throughout Japan). By the way, these are Shinto shrines, not Buddhist, just to clarify. Buddhism definitely has a presence in Japan, but the indigenous religion is Shinto.
2 people like this
@AliCanary (3249)
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25 Feb 17
Probably Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). They are frequently mistaken for redwoods. These are probably hundreds of years old!
@AliCanary (3249)
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21 Feb 17
Unfortunately no, it's very expensive. He would like to go back, but I would like to go other places, first, like Europe. First on the list, my ancestral homelands in the British Isles, and also to Italy for the Renaissance art and architecture.
@FourWalls (69008)
• United States
21 Feb 17
Are those people tourists or are they going to worship at the temple? I love religious architecture.
BTW - good to see you again! 
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (3249)
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21 Feb 17
They are just tourists, I think. We didn't see anyone in meditation, and I don't think there was any kind of service. Good question, though!
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@LeaPea2417 (37379)
• Toccoa, Georgia
12 Mar 17
That is a nice , interesting tourist sight. I can understand why many would go to visit it.
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@AliCanary (3249)
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12 Mar 17
There's a lot of in-country tourism in Japan as well as international tourism. They really appreciate their own stuff!
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@JudyEv (342088)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Feb 17
@AliCanary I'm sure it is. Our friends went with a tour group which is an easy way to go.
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@AliCanary (3249)
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21 Feb 17
It shouldn't be too hard to get there from Australia--you should go, if you get the chance. It's really lovely, and it's mind-blowingly different, culturally. A good way to broaden your human experience in general!
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@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
21 Feb 17
Ah, wow, that is really cool. Never been there.
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@AliCanary (3249)
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21 Feb 17
It was a wonderful experience and I'm really glad I went, but I was definitely ready to come back home after three weeks!
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@responsiveme (22926)
• India
8 May 17
The photo looks like a painting. Is that a memorial on the right?
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@AliCanary (3249)
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15 May 17
It's a bit age-faded, but that does give it a ore artistic look. It's just a monument-style sign, with the name of the temple. If you scroll to the comment left by @Silvermist , you can find out more specific information about it and what it says.
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@DianneN (247186)
• United States
6 Jun 17
@AliCanary Lucky you! We need a tour company when we travel. We are total morons!
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@AliCanary (3249)
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6 Jun 17
@DianneN - No shame in not being familiar with things. That's how you learn!
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@AliCanary (3249)
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6 Jun 17
No, my husband is from Japan, so we saw some of the places with his family, and we just went off on our own for a lot of it. It's quite safe to travel in Japan, and there are a lot of helpful Americans who would offer help when we were standing and looking cluelessly at a map!
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