after sunset, I went back to the hostel just to check one last time to see how much the river was flooding. a view from the 2nd story common room hallway window of Zen Hostel in Nikko Japan. these 3 photographs are the same area in this video; http://images.zenhostel.jp/1 http://images.zenhostel.jp/2 http://images.zenhostel.jp/3
a bike ride away is this surreal swimming area. don’t let the perspective fool you, the depth in the middle is over your head. We have rental bikes.
Not quite the rainy season but, it’s been raining like it is. The temperature outside is pretty warm and that must make the water feel warmer. A little rain didn’t stop this group of 6 travelers from enjoying a refreshing swim in the river in front of the hostel.
Swimming season officially begins today with Kayla and Anthony making the plunge into the beautifully clear river (Kuro kawa) in front of Zen Hostel. Other guests have talked about going in…but, none as brave as Kayla and Anthony. Yes, that’s Anthony doing a cannonball. They were in for a good 30 minutes….but, I don’t think [...]
The following photographs were made on April 20th, within 400 meters east and 400 meters west of Zen Hostel in Nikko Japan. Rt. 149 is certainly the most beautiful road to get to the world heritage area, Toshogu Shrine, Chuzenji Lake, Senjogahara. It is a very scenic road that follows KuroKawa (Black River) into the [...]
You might as well call Rich the “Last Samurai” as the water was pretty cold on November 2, 2010. Only a samurai can endure such conditions. Judging from his facial expression, he was clearly enjoying it. I must admit, I could never go in….you only see me in the river in July and August! Rich [...]
Near Zen Hostel there are many areas close by to see autumn leaves and foliage within walking and biking distance. We have bikes for hire for 500 yen for the length of your stay. leaves at Zen Hostel have started to change colors The top of Nantai mountain is ~2500 meters above sea level and [...]
The water is always clean. Even after a typhoon, Black River runs clean a few days later.
Sometimes the sightseeing comes to you. In August, the Nikko city fire department does river rescue training exercises on Black River in front of Zen Hostel. On this day, we lend the swimming area to a greater cause. There were here for about 4 hours and practiced various rescue techniques.