Japan: Lanterns, Nikko

Located in the epic World Heritage Park across from Shinkyo Bridge are a number of temples and Shinto shrines.

Now I love a shrine as much as the next girl, but they don't always deliver you the most dynamic pictures. Also, if you're not an expert on Japanese or Shinto belief systems and can't read Japanese script (both me), it can be hard to tell one shrine or one temple or one pagoda from another.

Lanterns are equally as beautiful in their construction and detail. There's also something oddly calming when you find yourself on a deserted track (to be deserted anywhere in Japan can be a difficult situation to find yourself in) surrounded by them there's something very peaceful about it.

They're also excellent for that sweet social media photo op... cause we all know that these days if it hasn't happened on social media, it hasn't happened...