The Shrines and Temples of Nikko refer to the area’s 103
religious buildings and its surrounding natural setting.
The temples were first founded around the 8th century by
Priest Shodo, a follower of mountain Buddhism. They are
considered sacred for its preservation of religious
practices. The structures are also closely associated with
Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), a symbolic figure
during a prominent chapter of Japanese history. This
combination of important history and harmonious
integration of structure and natural scenery dictate a
universal value. The Shrines and Temples of Nikko were
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The whole property area encompasses 23 buildings of
Futarasan-jinja Shrine, 42 buildings of Toshogu Shrine,
and 38 buildings of Rinnô-ji Temple. Together with their
natural surroundings, the structures are all artistically
integrated with each other, demonstrating a sacred and
high level of achievement. Although the sites have
suffered from natural disasters over the centuries, the
buildings have always been faithfully restored using
original plans, materials, and techniques. Visitors still visit
the site today for its religious rituals and traditions, intact
both physically and spiritually.
