by Nicola, staff writer of japan-guide.com
|
|
One of the most impressive (and most visited) shrines in Japan is in Nikko, two hours north of Tokyo in Tochigi prefecture. Nikko's proximity to Tokyo may be part of the reason for its popularity with tourists, but the shrines and temples are more than just convenient to Tokyo-ites and travelers, they are spectacular.
A quick search will tell you that Tokugawa Ieyasu is an important figure in Japanese history and as such, there are many Toshogu shrines in Japan as this name refers to any site where he is enshrined. Tokugawa founded and led the first shogun in the Edo period (1603-1868). You can read more about Tokugawa and the period here.
Nikko is best known for the Toshogu, and Rinnoji shrines, as well as for its Three Wise Monkey carvings (`Speak no evil, Hear no Evil, See no Evil'). It's unclear where this image originated from, as sites in both Japan and China claim to have the first renditions of the three wise monkeys. However, itfs safe to say that Nikkofs is both very old and very famous.
I drove to Nikko via the Romantic Road which I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys scenic drives. The windy National Route 120 is part of the Romantic Road and offers some very impressive views of mountain scenery, although the narrow, windy roads are not for novice drivers, or the faint of heart.
Nikko is quite high up in the mountains, so the climate is a little cooler than nearby Tokyo. The temples themselves are set fairly far back into the forest removing them from the noise and bustle of nearby roads and the town. In addition to the quiet, the natural beauty of the surrounding woods combines with the colours and woodwork of the buildings to create a really spectacular, almost fantastic-looking scene.
Tokugawa's actual resting place is not in one of the bright red and gold coloured shrines, but set even further back in the woods in a plain, stone structure with a simple shrine in front. A stone pathway leads to his tomb.
If you are planning to visit Nikko, getting up early to avoid the crowds (particularly in the summer) is probably worth your effort. As well, make sure you have some money on hand for the shrine entrance fees, as well as for the special treats, like strawberry and honey flavoured kasutera (Japanese sponge cake) that Nikko has to offer afterwards.
|
|
| List of Posts: |