I spent the first week back in Japan at a friends place in Utsunomiya. Needless to say, I ate lots of gyoza while I was there as that is what Utsunomiya is famous for.
I also went to Nikko to do some hiking. The area I went was called Kirifuri, and the long course I chose took me in the mountain forests, up to Mt. Oyama, through mountain cow pastures, and down along the river to see 4 beautiful waterfalls:

On my way over one of the streams I found a soccer ball that seemed to have washed downstream from somewhere. I was able to fit in in my bag and take it home

It is not a very used path, and it was sometimes hard to find.

At the top of Mt. Oyama! 1158m

Looking back at where I started from.

Strolling through the cow pastures. The cows have already gone someplace warmer for the winter.

Waterfall #1: Makkura Falls

Waterfall #2: Tamatsudare Falls

Waterfall #3: Choji Falls

Waterfall #4: Kirifuri Falls. This was the biggest of the falls but it was already getting dark by the time I got to it.

My favorite meal in Nikko: Hot Yuba Soba.