"Nikko - UNESCO World Heritage Site" a Nikko Travel Page by nicolaitan

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Sorinto pillar

welcome to the pilgrim city

The pilgrim city of Nikko is about 130 km. northeast of Tokyo, easily reached in 2 hours by direct train from Asakusa station. The site is centered on the mausoleum and shrine to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) originally built in 1616 and renovated by Iemitsu, a grandson, some years later. He became shogun in 1603 and established Tokyo as the seat of government of a (more or less) unified Japan. A bloodthirsty creature, even members of his own family died at his hand. The Tokugawa regime controlled Japan until 1868. He established the trade monopolies that led to the almost total isolation of Japan from the rest of the world for two centuries.

Nikko is unquestionably one of the most remarkable achievements from the past, a monument to ancient leaders and a physical reminder of the beauty of architecture and embellishment. It's beauty leaves one in awe, set among magnificent mountain background and yet easily accessible on a day-trip from Tokyo. The guide books all comment on the adjacent lakes, rivers, scenery, hiking paths, whatnot. Forget it. The temples and shrines of the Tokugawa regime are absolutely where you want to spend the whole day. Period. NB - bring walking shoes.