“What’s in the backpack?” She’d launched the small black bag over her shoulders when we left the car.
“A few supplies.You’ll see.”
“Wait, is that aFinding Nemokeyring?” I went to grab it to take a closer look. She spun like lightening and swatted my hand away.
“Don’t you pick on my keyring.” She smirked. “I know it’s childish, but I saw it in Tokyu Hands, and I couldn’t resist.”
“Didn’t they have anAvatarone?” I asked.
“Unfortunately not.” She eyed me suspiciously.
“It’s my favourite film too, remember?” I played it down, but either way I would’veremembered.
We began our climb up the stone steps into the temple complex. The whole area was covered in gardens and manicured forest. There was greenery as far as the eye could see. Following the path upwards we arrived at a large clearing. I followed Brooke through a gate and into a Japanese-style garden called Shoyo-en. The spring greenery throughout the garden looked beautiful. Surrounding the pond were vines of white wisteria; pointing that out to Brooke was my only contribution. It was the one plant I knewfor certain.
The next stop involved walking down a sloping incline from the clearing towards Toshogu Shrine. Over a dozen old heavily embellished shrines were located in the forest; the whole experience felt enchanting. They were lavishly decorated and well preserved.
“This is one of Japan’s most decorated shrine complexes. I think it’s from the 1600s, which is crazy when you think about it,”Brooke said.
I observed the intricate wooden carvings of animals, including elephants and cats. The gold detail and moss covered stone lanternswere unique.
“Would you like to hike? There are a couple of waterfalls in the area.” Brooke asked.
My feet were screaming,Don’t do it to me. Had I been better informed of the day’s itinerary I wouldn’t have picked Converse as my footwear of choice. Brooke saw my concerned look and glanced downat my feet.
“Probably should’ve told you the plan was to hike. We can turn back if you like?”
“No, it’s fine; lead the way.” I wasn’t about to let some slim toed trainersruin my day.
The further we climbed, the terrain became more rugged and mountainous. We tried to follow the tree lined routes to avoid the suns direct rays. Brooke pulled two caps from her backpack, which was the first I’d seen of the mystery supplies.
The first part of the trail was predominantly flat. I was thankful for the cool breeze that rippled through the trees every so often. In the distance I heard the tumbling and crashing of water as it hit rocks. We must be close. Brooke led the way for most of the walk. I fixated on how her shiny calves tightened and her bum clenched with every extended stride. What a pervert.
The waterfall was flanked by yellow and red trees. A fellow hiker told us to follow the river upstream to enjoy the more impressive views of the water rushing towards Lake Chuzenji. We grabbed a bottle of water from a small food stand and continued on our way. Brooke estimated the trail would take no more than three hours. That would be enough time to get a taste of the national park.
We marched through the marshy plains and long grass of Nikko for over an hour until we reached Yumoto Onsen. It was a hot spring town. The scenery was magnificent, but the town looked a little run down, abandoned almost. When we got closer I noticed the crowds gathering around the foot bath.
A gentleman approached and ushered us over to the wooden structure.
“This is the perfect place to soothe tired legs after hiking, please, enjoy.” He bowed and moved on to the next group of hikers. We removed our socks and shoes; as soon as my feet hit the warm water my whole body loosened.
“Why is the water white?” Brooke asked.
“Sulphur, I think; it’s what makes it so smooth. I read about the hot springs on the flight over.” We both dipped our hands deep into the water and began bathing our arms and legs.
“I’ve never actually been here before.” Brooke looked beyond the hot springs into the vast natural surroundings.
“I thought you knew where we were going?” I asked suspiciously.
“Nope, I knew up until a point, but I’m not entirely sure how we got here.”She giggled.
“That’s good to know. I don’t think I’ll be using you as a tour guide again,” I joked. I wasn’t concerned. It couldn’t be that difficult to find our way back—I hoped.
The fatigue I felt from hiking for two hours disappeared as we gathered our belongings and left, but first we ate some soba noodles to refuel. Brooke handed me a fresh pair of socks (another item from her mystery backpack). I was thankful because I’d had to peel my sweaty ones off. I was concerned that my feet were now warm. Converse don’t agree with warm swollen feet.
We continued trekking for 4.3 miles. I know that because my Apple Watch told me so. My feet were starting to sting, and as much as I loved Brooke’s company, the only thing getting me through was the thought of being sat in the car on thedrive home.
*
