A long avenue lined with cryptomerias, a kind of cypress tree, leads to the city, making a picture worth seeing, with the tall, pinkish trunks and masses of green against the blue sky. Often one gets a glimpse of some temple wonderfully carved and coloured, or a waterfall rushing down.
The temples and waterfalls are famous, and also the mausoleum of Iyeyasee, the most wonderful man in Japanese history. A long flight of stone steps leads to a marvellously carved gate, inside of which is a court with storehouses full of ancient treasures, and a stable with a wonderful frieze of monkeys. In the stable is the sacred steed said to bear away the spirit of Iyeyasee. Through a bronze gate, then through another gate of white and gold, one passes through court after court until the shrine is reached.
Another interesting thing in Nikko is the red lacquered bridge over the river Daiya. Only the Emperor is allowed to cross this bridge.
Japanese Lady in a Yama-kago (Mountain Chair) crossing the Daiya River near Nikko, Japan
From Stereograph, copyright 1904, by Underwood & Underwood, New York
THE UNICYCLE OF KOREA
We very often see bicycles and tricycles, but did you ever before see a unicycle like this? The uncomfortable looking vehicle can only be used by very high officials in Korea, and it is a mark of great distinction to have four coolies instead of two. See the very elaborate robes of the high general. I should think he would have to sit very still on his high seat. A coolie marches ahead of him carrying his robe of state when he goes to the royal palace.
Korea is a strange country; the people look like the Japanese; the customs are somewhat like those of the Chinese; and yet the Koreans are quite different from either. The country is hilly, and when walking one no sooner gets to the bottom of one hill than he begins to go up another. Korea is famous for its paper, which is very strong and does not tear easily. The houses have partitions and windows of oiled paper. Glass is quite uncommon.
Looking down into Seoul, the chief city, from the wall one is reminded of a bed of mushrooms. The houses are one-storied, with sloping roofs tiled or covered with turf, and very close together. The wall has eight gates, each with a name, as, “Gate of Amiability,” “Gate of Everlasting Ceremony.” The Northern Gate is up on a high hill, from which at night signal lights shine out to let the people know if all is well with Korea.