Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In

"Nikko - A World Heritage Site" a Nikko Travel Page by Wild_Orchid

Search:
Home » Asia » Japan » Tochigi-ken » Nikko » Nikko - A World Heritage Site - Nikko, Japan

"Nikko - A World Heritage Site" a Nikko Travel Page by Wild_Orchid

See the Entire Nikko Travel Guide

Click Picture to enlarge.
 email me
 add as friend


Wild_Orchid    
... not seeking new lands, but seeing with new eyes


Real Name: Wild Orchid aka Aunty Agony
Lives In: Malaysia
Member Since: Jul 20, 2004
VT Rank: 159

 

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.
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, 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!
Lake Chuzen

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

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

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 4 - Photos: 6
 
RestaurantsHotels & Accommodations
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
TransportationLocal Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Wild_Orchid's Nikko Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Late Cherry Blossoms around Lake ChuzenMay, 2005 4

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!
See More Comments

About VirtualTourist10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTouristContact UsPress CenterHelpUser AgreementPrivacy Statement
Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.