Though the colors are fragrant, la-ri-ru-re-ro

It has become quite cold, but I'm an old guy who keeps the cold at bay with my own built-in meat-tech ☺️

At this time of year, when it looks like it might even snow, I went on a mysterious quest to visit waterfalls.
The temperature has dropped, the autumn leaves are gone, so there shouldn't be many tourists left, right❗️
If it starts snowing, I won't be able to go up the Irohazaka Slope, so isn't now the only chance❓️
That's what I thought, but...

I pushed straight ahead on the Nikko Kaido road and things were going smoothly at first, but once I got near Nikko Station, the flow of cars suddenly stopped 🚗
The flow of people coming and going at the station 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🚶🐒🚶‍♂️🚶 and the line of unmoving cars 🚗🚗🚗🏍🚗🚗, my heart was already starting to break 😢
But I couldn't just turn back either.
While feeling like I might give up, I moved forward little by little.
In the end, I lost over an hour due to a huge traffic jam until I passed the 'Shinkyo Bridge' ⏳
After clearing the traffic, it was smooth sailing as if nothing had happened 🚗💨
In no time, I reached the entrance to Irohazaka.
I went to the parking lot 🅿️ to use the restroom before heading up.
Wait❓️ Can I go down to the river by the stairs❓️
I finished at the restroom and took a little detour.

Pulling myself together, I set off again～⁉️
I went up the winding Irohazaka Slope, and without even glancing at Lake Chuzenji (though I really wanted to stop by, the parking lot was full and I didn't have enough time 😭), I headed for my first destination.

I arrived at 'Yutaki Falls'～⁉️
Without giving in to the temptation of the teahouse, I went straight to the waterfall.
Wow‼️
It's been so long since I last came here that I can't even remember when it was❓️
There were a few tourists here and there, and some even had huge cameras and tripods.
I found myself looking at other things, like how they had lenses thicker and longer than an old guy's legs❗️ 👀

When I came here in the past, I only went as far as this point, but there is a wooden path that continues further back.
It takes about 30 minutes to go around.
Let's go❗️ I thought, and walked along 🚶‍♂️

While enjoying the atmosphere of wandering through the primeval forest (I hope no bears come out 💧), I proceeded to the end

True to its name, a small 'Odaki' (small waterfall) appeared.
Compared to 'Yutaki', it's modest and not flashy, but it has a beauty that 'Yutaki' doesn't have 😊

I continued to enjoy the scenery and arrived safely at the starting point 😄
I got into the car to head to the next destination without a moment's delay 🚗
Next is 'Ryuzu Falls'

I was a little hungry, so I had a late lunch here 🍙

I had the secret spicy meat udon and chimaki (sticky rice dumpling) 😋
It tasted like kimchi hot pot, with thin, supple noodles and plenty of meat, it was very delicious 😋💕
The chimaki was also packed with chunks of meat and was a satisfying dish.
By the way, the reason it's a secret is because here in Nikko, it's read as 'Himitsu' instead of 'Nikko'❗️ apparently 🤣

My stomach was full and my body was warm, so I paid my respects and headed to the next place.

I set off in high spirits for my next destination, 'Kegon Falls'❗️ but💦 there was another traffic jam 🚗🚗🚗⚡
Why me 😡
Then I realized, 'Kegon Falls' is lit up from sunset 🔅🔆🔅🔆🔅🔆
No wonder the cars were concentrated there 💧
Every parking lot was full 🈵️🚗
It was getting dark, so unfortunately I gave up this time and moved on to the next one❗️

After driving down Irohazaka for a while, I saw a small sign for 'Urami Falls'
It's not very major, a waterfall that tourists probably rarely visit.
While driving on the narrow road to the waterfall, I only passed one car.
I drove on, aiming for such a waterfall.
Contrary to my expectations, there was a well-maintained parking lot 🅿️ and a nice public restroom 🚻
There was only one car there ahead of me.
I parked next to it and entered the mountain path (there's no one around 💧 it's starting to get dark 💧 bear activity time is approaching 💧 the sign says bears are active)
I proceeded with a pounding heart 🚶‍♂️
I went up and up, then down and up, and there was a river flowing far below

And then the waterfall came into view

Finally arrived⁉️

Wait❓️
Isn't this the most impressive waterfall of the day❓️
This is the main event for today❗️
I really like it‼️

But the sun is setting and it's getting dark🌙✨
This is bad💦
I have to head back now💦
Shaking off the reluctance to leave, I head back the way I came.

I actually intended to visit five spots (the small waterfalls were unplanned), but due to getting caught in traffic and losing a lot of time, I only managed three this time.
Kegon Falls and Kirifuri Falls will have to wait for next time😢
By the time I would have reached Kirifuri Falls, the sun would have set and it would be too dark to see anything.

On the way home, I took a bathroom break at 'Michi-no-Eki Nikko Nikko Kaido Nikoniko Honjin'🚻
The sun has set and the temperature has dropped rapidly😱
I'll go home and warm up in the bath.
I walked a lot today👣
I feel like I'll sleep well tonight💤
Assuming I'm not disturbed by the cat😓

It was a great waterfall tour☺️
I'll go again when it gets warmer❗️
Maybe I'll be able to see a different side of them then😌