OMG, what a day in Nikko! Like, seriously, I can’t even. So, I woke up, right? Sun shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the famous Toshogu Shrine. You know, the one with the crazy intricate carvings? Yeah, that place. I’m strolling down Yasukuni Street, and I’m already vibing. But then, BAM! Tourists everywhere. Like, can’t a person breathe? I mean, I love people, but c’mon!
So, I’m trying to snap a pic of the Yomeimon Gate, and this dude just steps right in front of me. I’m like, “Bro, really?” But whatever, I just laugh it off. I mean, it’s a beautiful day, right?
Then, I decide to grab some lunch. I’m wandering down the streets, and I find this little ramen shop on Kanmangafuchi Path. The smell hits me like a freight train. I order the tonkotsu, and OMG, it’s like a hug in a bowl. I’m slurping away, and I swear, I could’ve eaten ten bowls.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. Like, monsoon-level rain. I’m soaked in seconds. I’m standing there, drenched, thinking, “Why me?” But then I see this cute little cat just chilling under an awning. I’m like, “Okay, universe, you got jokes.”
So, I duck into a nearby shop on Shinkyo Bridge. It’s a souvenir place, and I’m browsing. I find this ridiculous keychain shaped like a koi fish. I’m like, “I need this in my life.” I buy it, and the shopkeeper gives me this huge smile. It’s like, “Thanks for supporting local!”
After that, I’m feeling a bit better. I head to the Nikko National Park. Nature therapy, right? I’m hiking up to Kegon Falls, and it’s stunning. The water’s crashing down, and I’m just standing there, soaking it all in. But then, I trip on a rock. Classic me. I’m on the ground, laughing at myself.
Finally, I make it to the top. The view is insane! I whip out my phone to take a pic, and guess what? My battery dies. Ugh! I’m like, “Seriously?!” But I just sit there, enjoying the moment. Sometimes, you gotta just be present, ya know?
As the day winds down, I’m walking back through the streets, and I see this little festival happening. There’s food stalls, games, and people dancing. I’m like, “Heck yes!” I grab some yakitori and join in. I’m dancing like nobody’s watching, and honestly, it feels amazing.
But then, I see a guy drop his entire plate of food. I’m like, “Noooo!” But he just laughs it off. I love that vibe. People here are so chill.
By the time I head back to my place, I’m exhausted but happy. Nikko, you wild! You threw everything at me today, and I loved it. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. But for now, I’m crashing. Peace out, Nikko! You’re a gem.