After several work trips back and forth to China with layovers in Tokyo’s Narita airport, I finally decided to extend a layover and get out to explore some of Japan. On an August return trip from Shanghai, I arranged a 4 day layover and began making my plans to get the most out of it. With little time available, I couldn’t travel far from Tokyo, but with so many sites and attractions in and around the city, I didn’t need to. Along with exploring Tokyo itself, I planned to travel to Nikko National Park to the north, to see the beautiful Kegon Falls, and to Lake Kawaguchi to the south, which is known for having an excellent view of the majestic Mount Fuji. Although the time was short, it was a great experience and introduction to the incredible culture and beauty of Japan.
TOKYO - MORI TOWER
August 12, 2011
Arriving in Tokyo in the late evening, I wanted to get out and get my first views of the city at night. A little bit of research pointed me to Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, just a few subway stops from the hostel I was staying in. As soon as I arrived in Roppongi Hills, I was impressed by the modern and artistic architecture of the area. Mori Tower looked striking, reaching into the night sky illuminated by a nearly full moon. The Mori Arts Center and Museum span the top six floors of the tower and, although I mainly visited for the city view, I was intrigued by the art gallery and spent a couple hours browsing through the beautiful art exhibits.
LAKE KAWAGUCHI
August 13, 2011
From Tokyo, I took a train to the small town of Kawaguchiko, excited to see the beautiful view of Mount Fuji that I had seen on the internet. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas. The clouds were so low and thick that I could hardly see the mountains just on the opposite side of Lake Kawaguchi. I passed the afternoon wandering around the lake, hoping the clouds would clear.
LAKE KAWAGUCHI - MT. FUJI
August 13, 2011
Not getting a break in the weather all afternoon, I was starting to think my efforts were hopeless. So far, nothing had given me an indication that the notorious volcano was even there. But then, just as the evening light was fading away, the clouds thinned just enough to reveal a giant silhouette rising above Lake Kawaguchi. The dim light and hazy clouds kept the mountain shrouded in mystery - revealing its existence, but keeping its beauty concealed.
LAKE KAWAGUCHI - EARLY MORNING
August 14, 2011
I woke up before sunrise and went back out to the lake, hoping that the weather was clear enough to see Mount Fuji illuminated by the rising sunlight. However, to my disappointment, the clouds continued to keep the mountain hidden from view. I took some photos of Lake Kawaguchi, which looked peaceful in the filtered morning light, but the grand photo of Mount Fuji will have to wait for another trip.
TOKYO
August 14, 2011
Travelling from Lake Kawaguchi to Nikko, I stopped in Tokyo just long enough to transfer from a bus to a train. This was the first time I had been in downtown Tokyo during the daylight. For a city that’s home to over 9 million people, the sense of order and cleanliness is incredible. The skyscrapers boast unique and innovative designs and brightly colored advertisements add a vibrant touch to the streets and intersections.
TRAIN RIDE TO NIKKO
August 14, 2011
The trains in Japan depart on time and not a second late. When I got to the train station and inquired about the next train to Nikko, I was quickly rushed to the platform and pushed onto a train, just before the doors closed. Now on my way to Nikko, I got to observe some of the open Japanese countryside as we left the mass of buildings and skyscrapers behind.
KEGON FALLS
August 15, 2011
One of the main features of Nikko National Park, Kegon Falls, appears out of the forest and plunges 97 meters into a lava rock basin. Many smaller waterfalls flowing through cracks in the cliff face, add to the beauty of this already impressive waterfall. This was my first stop in Nikko National Park and the low morning light was perfect for capturing the contrast between the cascading water and the bright green vegetation around it.
NIKKO SHRINES AND TEMPLES
August 15, 2011
Later in the afternoon, after photographing Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, I went back down towards the entrance of the park and explored some of the historic shrines and temples in the actual town of Nikko. Built in the 1600s, these shrines and temples were used for mountain worship by the Shintos and Buddhists. The detail and artwork that went into the decoration on the shrines is absolutely amazing and the temples and mausoleums have a peaceful aura, tucked into the dense forest.
TOKYO SKYTREE
August 15, 2011
Back in Tokyo, I got off the train and walked a few blocks to the river, where I had an unobstructed view of the Tokyo Skytree. It was just after sunset and the city lights were starting to come on, which made a beautiful scene against the deep blue sky.
TOKYO TOWER
August 16, 2011
For my last morning in Tokyo, I went down for a close up view of the Tokyo Tower. An icon of the city, this bright orange communications tower stands 333 meters tall – the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world. Built in 1958, it was Tokyo’s primary broadcast antenna until 2012, when it was replaced by the Tokyo Skytree. From the base of the tower, the structure becomes an interesting conglomeration of orange steel frames extending into the sky.
