Welcome to Nikko!

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, designated as a World Heritage site in 1999, is one of Japan's most treasured tourist destinations. Nikko or Mount Nikko, is a sacred site encompassing both Shinto and Buddhist traditions dating back to the eighth century. Located in the verdant mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko covers more than 1000 acres including two Shinto shrines (Futaarasan and Toshogu), a Buddhist temple (Rinno-ji), and 103 buildings of which nine are designated National Treasures and 94 as Important Cultural Assets. Its buildings were designed by some of the foremost artists of the time and over the years were frequented by shoguns, imperial court officials as well as foreign dignitaries. Nikko is located 45 minutes north of Tokyo by train.

TOSHOGU SHRINE
Toshogu Shrine is perhaps the most recognizable of the compounds at Nikko. It consists of eight buildings all influenced by Chinese architecture and consistent with the ornately decorative style of the Muromachi period ((1333-1573). Its main hall was built in 1617 as a shrine and mausoleum for Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543-1616), founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868). The entrance gate to Toshogu Shrine (Yomeimon) consists of two stories and is one of the most elaborate in all of Japan. All together more than 2.5 million sheets of gold leaf were used to decorate Yomeimon, the Main Hall, Kamijinko and the adjoining buildings of Toshogu Shrine.

KAMIJINKO
Kamijinko, one of the buildings within Toshogu Shrine, was built as a storehouse for religious habits worn in the Togyosai festival. It was constructed in the 'azekura-zukuri' or 'log house' repository style. This style of architecture can also be seen at Shosoin in Nara.

FUTAARASAN SHRINE
Futaarasan Shrine is a compound including some 23 structures including a main hall, smaller shrines and torii. Futaarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple were founded in 782 by the Buddhist monk, Shodo Shonin who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Nikko. Both are Shinto shrines, and have been, since ancient times, associated with the worship of mountains. The main building at Futaarasan Shrine was reconstructed at the beginning of the Edo period by the Tokugawa Shogunate.

TORII
The entrance to the sacred Futaarasan Shrine complex is marked by a copper torii.

HONDEN
Honden is the main hall of Futaarasan Shrine and was originally constructed in 1619 then moved to its present location in 1645. While it has been refurbished over the years, its architectural integrity has been maintained and its decorative elements including lacquer work, ornate carvings and detailing remain a testament to the expert craftsmanship of the day.

HAIDEN
Haiden was first constructed in 1619 then reconstructed in 1645 to coincide with the relocation of Honden. The building has remained unchanged since 1645 except for routine maintenance.

RINNO-JI TEMPLE
Rinno-ji Temple dates back to the end of the eighth century when the priest Shodo, had Shihonryuji Temple built. In 1653, Taiyuin Reibyo was added to the site as the mausoleum for Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. The Rinno-ji Temple compound consists of the main shrine, the Taiyuin Reibyo and 37 other buildings.

NIKKO SUGINAMIKI
More than 15,000 Japanese cedar trees, planted in the 17th century, line the 30 mile route from Nikko City to the entrance of the Shrine and Temple grounds. This scenic drive and surrounding woodlands have been designated a Natural Monument.

JapanCorner 2005