Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮, Nikkō Tōshō-gū) is a Shinto shrine located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the “Shrines and Temples of Nikkō”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tosho-gu is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu’s son Hidetada was shogun, it was enlarged during the time of the third shogun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined here, and his remains are entombed here. During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine’s annual spring and autumn festivals re-enact these occasions, and are known as “processions of a thousand warriors.” Nikko Toshogu Gate - Picture by BorgQueen Five structures at Nikko Toshogu are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and numerous other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the Yōmei-mon, a gate that is also known as “higurashi-no-mon.” The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the Kara-mon, named for its carvings in the Chinese style. The decorations on this one are painted white. Nearby, a carving of the sleepy cat, “Nemuri-Neko”, is attributed to Hidari Jingorō. The stable of the shrine’s sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture. Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nikko Toshogu Tours Organised tours from Tokyo to Nikko Toshogu are available. These tours also include the nearby Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall. Further information and online booking are here. (Article based on Wikipedia article and used under the GNU Free Documentation License) |