On day 4 of my first-ever trip to Japan in 2006, I made use of my Japan Rail Pass to make a day trip to Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture north of Tokyo. The most famous place to see there is Nikkō Tōshō-gū, a Shinto shrine that is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Toshogu is known for its elaborate architecture and intricate carvings, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Scene at Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.
Scene at Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

I am taking my time to explore and enjoy Toshogu, a beautiful and unique place. I arrive back at Ueno Park in Tokyo (again!) around dusk - I found that in addition to the cherry blossoms, it is really interesting to watch the locals and other visitors go about a variety of activities.

A woman is talking on her phone amidst moving crowds of cherry blossom watchers at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.
A photographer is setting up a shot of illuminated cherry blossoms while people in the background are having picnics at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

All photos shot with Nikon digital SLRs, edited in Adobe Lightroom 5.7 / LR Classic.

写真の撮影場所：日光、東京