"Nikko - A World Heritage Site" Top 5 Page for this destination Nikko by Wild_Orchid

Nikko Travel Guide: 289 reviews and 578 photos

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Nikko was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1999, becoming the tenth in Japan to achieve this status and recognition. Nikko is where nature's special beauty of centuries old cedar trees merge with the shrines and temples built in the honour of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Ieyasu was a military strongman who unified Japan and was so powerful that he started the rule of the Shoguns, a political legacy that would last for 250 years.

The cover picture shows the lavish Yomeimon Gate which is decorated with beautiful and unusual scupltures and carvings, some covered in gilt and gold leaf that shone in the sunlight.

overview of the Shrine

The Tosho-gu Shrine & Mausoleum

The Tosho-gu shrine and mausoleum is said to be Japan's largest and finest shrine and funerary complex. Tokugawa Ieyasu, was enshrined in the Toshugu Shrine in 1616. More than 1,500 craftsmen and artists were brought to Nikko to complete the shrine which was completed by Ieyasu's grandson & heir, Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1636 at a cost of more than $250 million. 8 of the 55 facilities here have been designated as "National Treasures" and all the rest of them as "Important Cultural Properties".

Lake Chuzen

Lake Chuzen, Nikko

No visit to Nikko would be complete without a visit to the nearby Lake Chuzen area. Our coach tour took us up the famous Iroha zig-zag slope to the Lake Chuzen area for lunch and to view the Kegon Waterfall. Much to our delight, due to the cold weather, late blooming cherry blossoms could still be found on the trees around Lake Chuzen. It was a photographer's delight!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Amazing historical Shrines & Temples and Marvellous Scenery
Cons:I've not found any.
In a nutshell:Don't say Magnificent until you have Seen Nikko!

Last visit to Nikko: May 2005
Intro Updated Jun 20, 2005
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Reviews (4)

Crest of the Tokugawa Family Things to Do (4)

Along the cedar-lined path heading towards the main shrine complex from the car park area, you will find this stone... more travel advice

Visit the Five Storied Pagoda Things to Do (4)

The Five-Storied Pagoda stands at a height of 36 m and is located on the left of the main Ishdorii (Stone Gate).... more travel advice

The Yomeimon Gate Things to Do (4)

The Yomeimon gate is also called Higurashino-mon. (“The Gate where people spend all day long looking.”) The name of the... more travel advice

The Sacred Horse Things to Do (4)

This beautiful white horse was a gift from the government of New Zealand to the Japanese government. It lives in a... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 8, 2005

4 photos

Late Cherry Blossoms around Lake Chuzen

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Comments (17)

RoyJava Sep 19, 2010 at 12:03 AM Report Abuse

Amazing part of the world, thanks Wild Orchid, for share, and have a wonderful B-day, greets Roy
victorwkf Dec 6, 2007 at 11:10 PM Report Abuse

Nikko is a very historical and beautiful place, will try to visit Nikko if I were to visit Tokyo again :) Thanks for sharing & merry christmas!
Toshioohsako Oct 20, 2007 at 8:37 AM Report Abuse

last visit was 20 years ago and your photos reminded me where it is. Greetings
robertgaz Sep 19, 2007 at 12:34 AM Report Abuse

It would be interesting to depict an animal only from descriptions ;~)
Jim_Eliason Jul 19, 2006 at 5:56 PM Report Abuse

Nice tips Orchid! like the new passport photo also!
gregoryr1m Jul 16, 2006 at 6:31 PM Report Abuse

Orchid, you keep changing your passport picture... It's making me dizzy ;*)
Bilimari Jun 12, 2006 at 5:43 PM Report Abuse

Great photos! You know... I've never been to Nikko. It's one of those places I always thought that I could go there anytime, and now, I live a half world away!
FruitLover Dec 12, 2005 at 12:14 AM Report Abuse

B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l !
DaDrifter Oct 11, 2005 at 9:28 PM Report Abuse

Interesting ... the life of a horse :)
sayedaburas Oct 11, 2005 at 8:16 PM Report Abuse

Fantasticooooo. >:D: :x :)