Scene in Nikko

Well, its autumn in Japan and soon will be winter. So me and my colleagues from the lab went to Nikko to search for the autumn leaves.
In the train, on the way on the way there, we got a glimpse to what is part of the Japan Alps (I think).



















Unfortunately, it was already snowing on the way up to the Yumoto . Hence, there were no more autumn leaves to be sighted.















Nevertheless, we turned our journey to waterfalls sighting instead. Starting from the highest point in Nikko:

Yudaki. 'Taki' means waterfall in Japanese language.



















Kodaki















Ryuzu Falls. Its a twin waterfall :)















There is actually another waterfall, known as the Kegon Falls, but I missed that.
Down in the Nikko town, we finally saw some autumn leaves as it was warmer there. Happy :D





























The Shinkyo Bridge or Bridge of Gods.















Nikko is also a World Heritage Site. Next trip there I will surely visit the Shogun Temple 'Toshogu' etc.

First experience with Homestay

I stayed with the Iizuka family for one night at their home in Matsubara, Tokyo last weekend.

One big happy family : Rui (host father), Mariko (host mother), Me and Noa-chan















My room















Japanese powdered green tea preparation by a 4th grade student at the Setagaya-ku Cultural Festival. It was the National Cultural weekend in Japan.















Traditionally, the green tea is drunk after eating the served sweets to minimize the bitter taste of the tea. At the ceremony we were served red bean 'manju' (mantou).














Me and Noa-chan drinking the prepared green tea.















Kids fun time!















Twas a good Japanese language speaking practice last weekend and fun too!