This day we got up bright and early because cousin Isamu and his wife were coming to pick us up and take us to Isesaki, where his sister lives. It's a long drive through the mountains that were so beautiful. On the way we stopped at a train station for a bathroom break in the middle of nowhere, tiny place and we saw a semi blooming cherry tree. I was so excited even though it was barely blooming. If I ever go back I'll brave the crowds and go during the Spring so not only can I see the cherry blossoms in bloom but see Hitachanaka seaside park in bloom with the Nemophila.

We also stopped in Nikko to eat at a famous hotel that served curry that was delicious. We visited the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It was built for the first shogun, Tokugawa in 1617.

I have so many pictures I'd like to share with you all from this day so I will have several different parts to it so it doesn't take forever to load each one.

My cousin was so good to us. He took off work several times to take us places. I was planning on taking trains to Mito from Tokyo and from Mito to Isesaki but he just took over and picked us up.