Nikkō (日光市, Nikkō-shi, lit. sunlight) is a city located in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Located about 140 km to the North of Tokyo, it is a popular destination for Japanese tourists, housing the mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (Nikko Toshogu) and that of his grandson Iemitsu, as well as the Futarasan Jinja, a shrine which dates to the year 767. There are also many famous hot springs (onsen) in the area. The mountains west of the city are part of Nikko National Park and contain some of the country's most spectacular waterfalls and scenic trails.
Waiting for the Kinugawa-onsen train to Nikko. Onsen actually means hot spring bath, which are plentyful in Kinugawa.
Lots of rice fiedls and the landscape is getting a little more hilly.
Nikko Shinkyo Sacred Bridge.
The entrance to Nikko National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
After climbing a few hundred steps I thought I reached my destination when I saw these red buildings.
But no, there was several hundred more steps to conquere.
A copper statue of Priest Shoto, who civilized mountainous area of Nikko
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Rinnoji Temple.
A small Jizobosatusu shrine.
Rinnoji Temple is not a name of the building, but it is the generic name of Buddhist temples in Nikko. Central building of Rinnoji Temple is the Sanbutsu-doh Hall. Sanbutsu can be translated as three Buddha. In fact, three images of Buddha are enshrined inside.
Model of a court dancer.
Scenery behind Ronnoji Temple.
Small shrine behind Ronnoji Temple.
Ishidorii -Torii Stone Gate. Nagamasa Kuroda dedicated the Ishidorii in 1618. It is 9m high, and the pillar is diameter of 3.6m, and central space between pillars is 3.8m. The Ishidorii is one of the best three stone-made torii gates in Japan, but it is the biggest among the stone-made torii gates in Edo period.
Five Storied Pagoda. It is 36 meters high and hangs in a 60 cm pole from the 4th floor.
Images of the Nioh, which are 4m high, are put on the side of the Omotemon Gate. Therefore, the Omotemon Gate used to be called Nioh-mon Gate. The Nioh is a pair of Deva Kings, and is guardian of Buddhism.
Three buildings named Shimojinko, Nakajinko and Kamijinko buildings.
There are two big sculptures of elephant on the gable of the Kamijinko. However, ears and tails are different from the real elephant because the chief painter, Tanyu Kano had not ever seen the real elephant when he painted. Therefore, those sculptures were called Imaginary Elephant.
One of the most famous elements of Toshogu is the Sacred Stable, where a white imperial horse is kept (a gift of New Zealand). The stable's fame derives from the original carving depicting the three wise monkeys, "Hear no evil, Speak no evil, See no evil."
The Karadou-torii was the first bronze Torii in Japan.
Stone wall and lanterns in front of the Toshugo Shrine.
Me in fron of the Yomeimon Gate which leads in to the Toshugo Shrine.
Archer guarding the Toshugo Shrine.
Offered barrels of sake in the inner shrine of the Tosho-gu.
Local sake brewers believe that spring water in the precinct of Takinoo Shrine makes tasty sake. They organized a group, and dedicated representative brand to the shrine.
The rear of Yomeimon Gate.
Some of the more than 500 figures carved in to the Yomeimon Gate.
Roof top ornament called a horse-dragon.
Human figurines.
The wall around Toshugo Shrine. There are 5173 sculptures in Toshogu Shrine totally.
Korou. Drum tower.
Chousengane (Korean Bell). Messengers from Korea dedicated the bell when they came to Japan in order to celebrate the birth of Iemitsu's son (Later the 4th successive Shogun Ietsuna). The bell has a small hole on the ceiling, and it looks like a worm-eaten spot. Therefore, the bell also is called "Mushikuino-kane (Bell of worm-eaten). However, that hole was made for better echo.
Omotemon Gate. Statues of the Nioh (Chinese lion) are 4m high. The Omotemon Gateused to be called Nioh-mon Gate. The Nioh is a pair of Deva Kings, and are guardians of Buddhism.
Chinese Lion in niche in inner facade of Toshugo Outer Gate (Omotemon Gate).
Torii to the Futarasan Shrine.
The red lacquered Shinmon gate.
Torii leading to one of the many path ways between the different shrines.
A Taiko drum.
The Watariden room is located between Honden main hall and Haiden oratory. This room is the same as Ainoma of Taiyuiin Mousoleum, Ishinoma of Toshogu Shrine.
Painting in Haiden Oratory. The actual date of construction is estimated to be from 1644 to 48.
Statue of chinese lion in Haiden Oratory.
Water from the mountains running through Nikko National Park towards the Daiya River.
The Daiya River.
Dusk falling in Nikko.
Back in Tokyo. Sumida River by night looking south from Asakusa towards Ginza.
Kawaguchiko & Mt. Fuji
