Exploring Chinese Cultural Heritage in Japan: Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the most famous palace among the World Heritage shrines and temples in Nikko, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. Most of the buildings were renovated in the 17th century and include eight national treasures and important cultural heritage buildings, featuring exquisite lacquer paintings and sculptures that are highly ornamental. The shrine houses many national treasure-level buildings and is a World Cultural Heritage site. To fully appreciate each detail, a single day is not enough, so visitors can choose their favorites to explore. The Stone Torii, an important part of Japanese shrines, symbolizes the boundary between the secular and the divine world. Passing through the 'Torii' allows entry into the world where gods reside. The Five-Story Pagoda, with carvings of the twelve zodiac signs, immediately captures attention with its grandeur. The Sacred Stable is the only unpainted wooden building in the shrine, featuring eight monkey reliefs symbolizing different life stages. The Three Sacred Storehouses are where the shrine's ritual tools are kept, with carvings of elephants that the sculptor imagined without having seen them, resulting in some differences in the ears and tails from real elephants. The Yomeimon Gate, a symbol of Nikko Toshogu, is a Japanese national treasure, lavishly decorated with over 500 carvings of flowers, birds, and mythical creatures. Detailed examination reveals a dragon without whiskers, mythical beasts from China, lions, and children in Tang dynasty attire playing, symbolizing peace and prosperity. The Kara-mon Gate is predominantly white, painted with shell powder, and features reliefs depicting stories like Ruan Ji washing his ears and the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, illustrating scenes from ancient Chinese legends of Emperor Shun meeting his ministers. Attraction Name: Nikko Toshogu Location: 2301 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1431 Transportation: From JR Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus (towards Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen) for 5 minutes, get off at Shinkyo, and walk for 10 minutes. From Tobu Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus (towards Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen) for 5 minutes, get off at Shinkyo, and walk for 10 minutes. Ticket Price: 1300 yen #Nikko #JapaneseCulture #WorldHeritage