Nikko - Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine is the most visited place in Nikko.  It is the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years, until 1868.  (The shrine is being renovated in stages from 2007 to 2024, but only a few buildings are being worked on a time.)

The five story pagoda stands in front of the main entrance gate area.

From this point forward is the paid entrance area.  The cost of a ticket is 1300 yen.  That sounds rather pricy for a shrine admission, but I think it was worth it. It was beautiful and interesting and I'm sure the upkeep on this place is high.

These elephants were thought to be carved by an artist who had never seen real elephants.

The monkey carvings are very popular.  This is why I chose the monkeys for my wood carving experience.

It seems like every shrine and temple has a million steps, but this one really had a lot of steps. These steps lead up to the Yomeimon Gate, said to be the most ornate structure in Japan.

The colorful carvings everywhere really were amazing.  They were everywhere and the detail was very intricate. The entry to the gate was divided for traffic purposes. You go in on the right and there is a "usual route" to guide people around, finally coming out on the other side.

Yes, there are more steps.

Behind the worship hall is the Inukimon Gate, built in 1650.  The bronze masterpiece was cast in one piece.  The elaborate doors were cast separately.

This is the burial site of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Entry into the main hall is allowed, but you must remove your shoes and photographs are not allowed inside.

If you go to Nikko, this is a must see.

The People's Choice SAL - Bees

Jo at Serendipidous Stitching is hosting a Stitch A Long the first Saturday of the month, with the topics chosen by her readers.  This month's topic is "Bees".

I like bees and have stitched a few.

Can you see the bee button on this apron?

Nikko - Walking

After finishing the wood carving class, I walked from there to the Shrine area.  It was a nice walk through the woods, but maybe there are bears around.

A pearl hidden away all these years!

Next stop, Toshogu Shrine...

Weekend in Nikko - Nikko Kibori Class

Saturday morning, I left home at 4:00 am to catch the 5:13 am train.  I had to change trains two times to get to my destination, Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. This is what my train station looks like early in the morning (looking through a dirty window). 

The first place I went when I arrived in Nikko was the Tourist Information Center at the train station. I was happy that the person working there spoke English. He was very helpful.  I told him the places I wanted to visit and he gave me advice on which bus pass to buy.  There are several different options with different costs.  I decided on the 2000 yen, two day pass that would include Kegon Falls and all of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

I always like to take local arts and crafts classes when I am on a trip. The local craft in this area is Nikko Kibori, a wood carving craft.  I went to Kibori no Sato for my class.

There were many choices of carving pictures and objects and sizes, like plates and mirror backs.  I chose three monkeys because it is a famous shrine site in the area.  I probably should have chosen something with a difficulty level of one star instead of this with three stars, but it was okay.  This is the example of the piece I chose.

The teacher did not speak English, but had this written explanation for me and she showed me how to hold the cutting tool. 

She helped me a lot with the practice board, but left me to do my own project piece.  Some teachers want to work on your piece or want to try to fix your mistakes, but I was happy that she didn't try to do that.  I like the thing I'm making to be my own work, mistakes and all. I carved the lid of a bowl.  The picture is drawn on the wood, then the lines carved out.  

Here is my finished piece with my name and the date in Japanese carved on the bottom. It looks rough, but I did it myself.  

It was a fun class! I'll have more about my trip in the next few days.

Finish It in 2019 - September

This year I will finish what I start, and finish some other things too.

Finishes

Since my last Finish It post, I have finished 

Miniature Cushion 

Started 2019, Finished 2019

August Ornament

Started 2019, Finished 2019

Watermelon Chicken Scratch

Started 2018, Finished 2019

Hexagon Butterfly Kimono Bag

Started 2019, Finished 2019

New Starts - 2019 

Miniature Rug 

Two Hexagon Butterflies

Flapper Bear Ornament

Mill Hill "Camping Out" kit

Again, so far, so good.

Consumption Tax Increase in Japan

On October 1st, Japan is set to raise the consumption/sales tax from 8% to 10%. This is the second stage of a two part raise and it has been postponed several times.  The first was from 5% to 8% in April 2014. 

Food items purchased to be eaten away from the place of purchase will remain at 8%. If you eat at the restaurant - 10%, if you buy at the grocery store to eat at home 8%. If you buy something to eat at 7-11 and eat at the little counter inside - 10%, if you walk outside with it 8%. Will the cashier ask or do you have to be honest and tell him that you are eating in?  I don't know. 

The last time the tax went up, many people purchased big items before the increase to save on the tax.  In the months after, sales across the country were low. I've heard people I know say they will buy an automobile or appliances before October. I don't have plans to buy anything big, but I might stock up on toothpaste and laundry soap and toilet paper kinds of things to save a few yen.

I walk to the store and have to carry what I purchase, so I don't imagine I will stock up much. 

What is the sales tax rate where you live?

Monday Morning Star Count - Week 17

Year Three of the temperature quilt  

Week 17

August 18 - 24 

93, 88, 84, 86, 82, 81, 88

I am reporting the high temperature each day.  My Year Three temperature/color (Fahrenheit) scheme remains the same: 

100 + Brown 

90-99 Red  

80-89 Orange 

70-79 Yellow  

60-69 Green  

50-59 Blue 

40-49 Purple 

30-39 Pink 

20-29 White 

10-19 Black  

You can see my finished Year One Quilt here.

Japan Post to End Saturday Delivery Next Year

I think the Japanese postal service is great. It's not so expensive. The items I receive are intact and not damaged.  If a package can't be delivered because I'm not home, I get a notice and can schedule redelivery for a later time online.  That's right - I don't have to go to the post office to pick it up.  The employees at the post office are always friendly and helpful. 

I love getting real mail. I always have.  I don't get much here, but I do love it.

Because of a labor shortage in Japan, the Japan Post has announced that it will discontinue regular Saturday delivery sometime next year. Saturday delivery for packages, along with express and registered mail will continue. 

What is the postal service like where you live? Is mail delivered on Saturday?  Are employees friendly and helpful?