Nikko is famous for being the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and center for Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship.
Nikko (日光) is a city that developed around the temples
that were established in the 8th century. The shrines and
temples of Nikko were inscribed as a World Heritage site
in 1999 for its breathtaking sceneries, magnificent
craftsmanship and cultural impact. Many of the
architecture in Nikko were influenced by the teachings of
Esoteric Buddhism and Ryobu Shinto that resulted in the
creation of magnificent representations of those beliefs.
The 103 structures and nature surrounding area of Nikko
is a World Heritage, however the most famous are the
Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.
The Toshogu Shrine is home to the famous carving of the
“See no Evil, Hear no Evil and Speak no Evil” monkeys.
The Futarasan Shrine was the first Shinto shrine built and
is comprised of smaller reliquaries that embody the
fusion of man with nature much like the city Nikko itself.
This also includes the famous red lacquered bridge
called Shinkyo or The Sacred Bridge. Since Nikko’s
religious roots also connect to Buddhism, the Rinnoji
Temple, which was built in 766, provided solitude for
monks because of its location deep in the mountains.
Nikko was first established by Buddhist Priest Shodo who
was a follower of Mountain Buddhism, a sect under
Esoteric Buddhism. Then a famous high priest named
Kukai visited the shrine, which was heavily influenced by
Esoteric Buddhism and Ryobu Shinto, changed the
original name of Futara no Yama to Nikko-San.
The literal translation of Nikko is “Sunshine,” but the
name is derived from a Buddhist scripture where Dainichi
Nyorai’s glory is mentioned. Nikko experienced a decline
during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s reign until Tokugawa Ieyasu
chose Nikko to place a mausoleum for his final rest. The
city Nikko was left in charge as the chief religious
caretaker of the Tokugawa and gained continued
prosperity. It was around this time that a number of roads
were built to make the travel easier for citizens to pay
their respects to the deceased Shogun. During the Meiji
Restoration of 1868, a policy was given out by the new
government to separate Shinto from Buddhism. Many of
the Ryobu Shinto relics were destroyed because of this
policy, but the people of Nikko campaigned to keep the
religious buildings from destruction.
Aside from the religious aspects of Nikko it is also a
popular destination in the autumn season. When the
leaves reflect fall colors many tourists gather in the area
to see the spectacle. Kegon Waterfall, the second tallest
waterfall in Japan, is especially popular to see in fall.
There is an elevator available to take to reach the bottom
of the waterfall for a breathtaking view. In order to reach
the Nikko by car or bus you will have to pass through the
winding road called Irohazaka. There are a total of 48
hairpin turns that go through the very mountainous
Okunikko region. Otherwise you can take the Tobu
Railway on the Nikko line that was established in 1929.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Irohazaka Winding Road
Irohazaka Winding Road has 48 hairpin turns, which goes through the mountainous region of Okunikko and ends at Nikko.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Nikko Yumoto Onsen
Nikko Yumoto Onsen is a hot spring town located in Nikko National park in the back part of the Okunikko region.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is the place where the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, are enshrined.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Kegon Waterfall
Kegon Waterfall is listed as one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan along with Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Waterfall in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Yuba (Bean Curd Layer)
Yuba is made by gently scooping off this layer. It first came from China along with tofu and has since developed as part of the Japanese food culture.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Futarasan Shrine
Futarasan Shrine is situated next to Toshogu Shrine and is dedicated to the three deities of Nikko’s sacred mountains.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Rinnoji Temple
Rinnoji Temple is the most important temple in Nikko as it was founded by Shodo Shonin who introduced Buddhism to the area.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji is located in the mountains near Nikko at the foot of Mount Nantai and is beautiful around the autumn season.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Nikko Pilgrimage
Nikko Pilgrimage Route is part of the Nikko National Park and is known as one of the top 100 places to view cherry blossoms.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Shinkyo Bridge
Shinkyo Bridge is located at the entrance to the shrines and temples of Nikko and is part of the Futarasan Shrine.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Tamozawa Imperial Villa
Tamozawa Imperial Villa has 106 rooms that feature a fusion of Western culture from the Meiji Period and traditional Japanese architecture from the Edo Period.