Kinugawa Plaza Hotel

Visit the Five Storied Pagoda

by Wild_Orchid

The Five-Storied Pagoda stands at a height of 36 m and is located on the left of the main Ishdorii (Stone Gate).

Apparently, there are no floors inside & each story is connected directly. As an anti-earhquake device, the central pillar, with a diameter of 60cm, hangs from the height of the 4th floor by a chain and floats about 10cm off the ground.

This pagoda was built by Tadakatsu Sakai, the governor of Obama (former Fukui prefecture) in 1650, and burned down in 1815. It was rebuilt by Tadakatsu?s descendents in 1818.

The pagoda shows the historical influence of Buddhism to these parts.

Nikko City

by tim_japan

"Three Levels"

There are really three levels to the area. First is Nikko City which has best tasting tofu I have ever had called Yuba Tofu and is of course home to the famous temple and shrine complex in Nikko park. The second level is Chuzenji-ko where there are wonderful lake side lodgings. And the third level is Yumoto where you can ski and snow board or eat hot noodle soup at one of the restaurants.

"Yuba Daba Doo......"

I think even someone who professes not to like tofu would like Yuba tofu. I'm not sure why it is so special but I think it is in large part due to its' thin layers. You can even have Yuba tofu sashimi like we did - dip it into a little shoyu (soy sauce) and it's greaaaaaat!

"Plains, Trains & Automobiles"

It doesn't matter what the mode of transportation you are talking about - the Japanese do it great! We all know about the success of Honda and Toyota. Many of us have heard of the first class service you receive even in coach on ANA All Nippon Airways flight. And of course there are the trains, frighteningly punctual, clean, safe, and fast.