| Page Views: 3,733 Last Visit to Nikko: May, 2005 | Nikko - A World Heritage Site by Wild_Orchid - last update: Jun 20, 2005 |
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. |
|  | 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, 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! | | |
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| 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!" |
Wild_Orchid's Nikko Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 4 - Photos: 6 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Wild_Orchid's Nikko Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for Wild_Orchid about Nikko | | | | |
victorwkf Fri Dec 7, 2007 07:10 UTC
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 Sat Oct 20, 2007 16:37 UTC
last visit was 20 years ago and your photos reminded me where it is. Greetings | robertgaz Wed Sep 19, 2007 08:34 UTC
It would be interesting to depict an animal only from descriptions ;~) | Jim_Eliason Thu Jul 20, 2006 01:56 UTC
Nice tips Orchid! like the new passport photo also! |
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