%b%crSacred Bridge%b%c* and other Nikko, Japan Things to Do Tips

The Sacred Bridge or Snake Bridge (Shinkyo) was built in the year 1636 and leads over the Daiya river. This is a brightly colour red lacquered bridge, 28 metres long and 7 metres wide.

According to an ancient legend, Shodo-shonin crossed this bridge in the Nara period protected by the virtues of Jinjyao. The effect of the redness of the bridge and the lush green of the background is lovely.

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Address: Nikko National Park, Nikko, Japan

Niten-mon Gate is found at the top of a flight of tone steps opposite the Sacred Fountain. The inscription on the tablet at the front was made by Emperor Gomizuo.

The name Niten-mon (Two Heavens Gate) is derived from two heavenly patron gods enshrined inside the side wings. In the rear there is the Wind God and Thunder God who protect people from evils..
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Address: Nikko National Park, Nikko

The picture of a dragon on the ceiling is reported to be the greatest masterpiece among all the paintings in the Nikko Temples. The roof is copper gabled and is supported by 12 granite pillars. The art of transparent engraving was applied for the first time to the metal articles.
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Address: Nikko National Park, Nikko

This is the smallest gate in Taiyium Mausoleum with the design said to be nobel and graceful. There are a pair of cranes under the gable and a white dragon on the golden waves carved on the beam. The door is a golden embossed carving.

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This is a Deva King (Guard). One of the colourful characters you will see at the entrance fo the Toshogo shrine.

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Address: Nikko

the Futaarasan Shrine was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin who was a Buddhist monk that introduced Buddhism to Nikko and who also founded Rinnoji.

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Address: Nikko

This is the Shoro Belfry and Koro Bell Tower (drum tower). It was built in the Buddhist style on the right and left side of the Yomei-mon Gate.Behind the drum tower is the Honji-do.

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Address: Nikko

Five-storey Pagoda of the Toshogu Shrine. Originally this pagoda in which the statue of Five Wisdom Buddha is enshrined, was donated in 1650 by a feudal lord but it was destroyed by a fire in 1815. Four years later his family reconstructed it. The pagoda stands 34.4 metres high.
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Address: Toshugu Shrine

Toshogu was built as a shrine and mausoleum to deify Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543-1616), founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868). The main hall of Toshogu was first built in 1617, but 20 years later it underwent a major renovation which has become the splendid group of buildings that remains today set in the forest. Toshogu is very famous for being highly colourful and intricately decorated and much of it is covered with 2.5 million sheets of gold leaf. Copper from a nearby mine was also abundantly used in the construction, particularly as material for most of the roofs.

The architecture appears to be Chinese and is a baroque version of the Muromachi period which was know for its decorative detail. The Eight buildings in the compound have been designated National Treasures. In addition, the 37 km route extending from Nikko City ot Nikko Toshogu is called “Nikko Suginamiki” because it is lined with 15,000 Japanese cypress trees planted in the 17th century. This route is designated a Natural Monument.
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Address: Nikko National Park, Nikko

The inner grounds of Toshogu.
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Address: Nikko National Park, Nikko