Gomado

This is part of the Rinno-ji Temple, the first temple founded at Nikko by Shodo Sonin in 766. The red Maple tree adds a splash of autumn colour.
Unfortunately we were disappointed that the Sanbutsu-do (Three Buddha Hall), which is the largest and most soectacular hall in Nikko, was covered up - as it is being extensively renovated as part of a massive 13-year long reconstruction process.
The engineering, rhe replacement of beetle-eaten wooden fabric, and the craftmanship of the woodworking restoration were simply amazing. The cost of restoration must be horrendous.
We walked miles today up and down some very steep inclines and by late afternoon had only seen a fraction of the temple complexes here.
There is a lot more walking to be done.
Let's hope we can find the energy and the determination to persevere. The weather is mild but misty.