Nikko, Japan

[Livinthalife]

Well we got back from Nikko a few days ago. It's one of Japan's world treasures. I have visited 3 of them so far. Need to get more under my belt, especially since I got a real camera since last time! Anyways, I plan on writing a blog later on with more details, but till then here are a few pics!

http://atgphotos.com/photos/440917841_BwoXV-X3.jpg

http://atgphotos.com/photos/440917783_G65uk-X3.jpg

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These are the pieces of paper that you receive when you do the fortune telling. These are very similar to our little horoscope fortunes, except these can be very bad as they are good. IF you receive a bad fortune, you just tie it to the post, and the monks burn them in the evenings. This is supposed to burn away the bad fortune. Sometimes you will see these posts packed with fortunes. I don't know what you would do if the post was packed, and you couldn't have your bad fortune burned...maybe just keep the bad luck ;)
http://atgphotos.com/photos/440918078_e2tiV-X3.jpg

This Yomemo gate. What a work of art. These thing was amazing with the numerous dragons and other art all over it. When being built, the people intentionally made one single fault on this piece. They did this because the God's can become jealous of perfection, So they made it imperfect. How cool is that! Well the imperfection is actually the 2nd pole from the right. The entire pole is upside down. The only way to see this is to look closely and you will see that the pattern is reversed.
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This one is taken during one of the Ninja shows we saw. This was at Edo Wonderland. This place ROCKS. The entire park is set to be in the EDO period. Very unique. The shows were unbelievable. This one with the ninjas was my favorite. No picture or video could do it justice. The lighting was insane, fight scenes, acting, music all incredibly choreographed. I won't go on...Going to have to read the blog when it goes up :) (ISO 3200!)
http://atgphotos.com/photos/440921355_BwUGA-X3.jpg

If interested, you can see more pictures here (http://atgphotos.com/gallery/6892069_diZ8c#P-1-20). Took well over 500 photos. I may add more to my site as I am really happy with a lot of the shots I got.

[troypiggo]

I've been to Nikko twice, but unfortunately both times were when I was younger and before I was "into photography". These shots you got are great. Love the atmosphere of that ninja shot.

[Livinthalife]

That was my problem when I was in Kyoto. I only had a P&S that couldn't make ends meet :(.

Glad you enjoyed the shots. That ninja show was amazing!!! You gotta see that sometime. By far, the best show I have ever have seen. Just wish it was a few hours long vs 20 min.

[troypiggo]

Did you see that tree that was 900 years old? Can't remember where exactly it was at Nikko, but at one of the shrines.

[Livinthalife]

We saw one that was 600 years old located near the grave of Tokugawa Eieyasu. It was already cut, and people would pray near that tree.

[Rio_mang]

Wow great shots man!

[Livinthalife]

Thanks Rio!

[L.Morey]

After seeing thos pics why does anyone need a better body?

[Livinthalife]

Morey, Thanks for that compliment!!!! Should I mention these were taken using a Tamron lens? ;) (Some 10-22 too)

[Jpiano]

Beautiful shots!

[edeca]

3, 4 and 6 are my favorite but all are excellent!

[john-in-japan]

Very nice!!!!!!
John

[Livinthalife]

Thanks John and Edeca!! Appreciate the compliments!

[nicksan]

Well done. Need to go back to my home country. Haven't gone back in a while...looking forward to bring my gear this time too!

But man, air fare is just so damn expensive!@#$%

[Livinthalife]

The prices are ridiculous! But the prices are coming down along with everything else.

[BlackSunshine]

Wow, there are some great pictures here. Nice series.

[ProjektSol]

those are awesome pics, i cant pick out my favorite though

[Livinthalife]

Appreciate the kind words projektsol and black sunshine.