Nikko Things to Do

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this remarkable structure is dedicated to the 5-Wisdom Buddha. Originally built in the 1600's, it was reconstructed in the early 1800's incorporating an anti-earthquake technique by which the central pillar floats above the ground. Animal sculptures on the lower levels indicate the zodiac signs.

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This ware house is used to 1200 costurmes for periodic Samurai parades as well as equipment for archery on horseback. It is most noteworthy for the elephant sculptures on the front gable. Seems the painter had never actually seen an elephant so the ears are all wrong. Now called "Imaginary Elephants"

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this magnificent gate is the masterpiece of the Toshogu shrine, named after an Imperial Gate in Kyoto. It is over 30 feet high and has over 500 sculptures. Many are of animals both real (giraffe, tapir) while others are of imaginary animals like horse-dragon and flying dragons. Three detail photographs of the shrine are included in this set.

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This exquisite gate, done in Chinese syle, is the front gate of the Honsha or main shrine. It is painted in white powder with dragons on the pillars. One carving is the basis for the crane used as the symbol for Japan Airlines.

this temple was founded by Shodo Shonin who introduced Buddhism to Japan in the eighth century. It houses 3 gold-lacquered wooden statues corresponding to the three mountain Shinto gods enshrined at the Futarason shrine nearby. Besides the hall of the 3 Buddhas, there is an adjacent classic garden and the Taiyuin Mausoleum dedicated to the thried Tokugawa shogun Iemetsu. It was a mecca for pilgrims and those training in religion.

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The first shrine in Nikko was built by a Buddhist priest named Shodo Shonin 1200 years ago. Legend states that he crossed the Baiya River pictured here on the back of two snakes, one red and one green, thrown in the air by an old man. The bridge was first built in 1636 for use by the shogun and his party only. Destroyed by flooding, the current bridge was rebuiilt in 1907. It is the property of the Futarasan Shrine and is the first cultural highlight encountered on entering the shrine area from the village of Nikko.

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The Five-Storied Pagoda stands at a height of 36 m and is located on the left of the main Ishdorii (Stone Gate).

Apparently, there are no floors inside & each story is connected directly. As an anti-earhquake device, the central pillar, with a diameter of 60cm, hangs from the height of the 4th floor by a chain and floats about 10cm off the ground.

This pagoda was built by Tadakatsu Sakai, the governor of Obama (former Fukui prefecture) in 1650, and burned down in 1815. It was rebuilt by Tadakatsu?s descendents in 1818.

The pagoda shows the historical influence of Buddhism to these parts.

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This beautiful white horse was a gift from the government of New Zealand to the Japanese government. It lives in a stable within the compounds of this massive Toshogu temple complex. The sacred horse is only brought out for public viewing only twice a day for a few minutes. We were lucky because we were there during one of these times.
Isn't he just magnificent? I was lucky enough to see him up close and managed to take a few photos.

There is some protocol to be observed. We were informed to keep very quiet in order not to startle the horse. In addition, no one must come near the sacred horse or try to touch it. The path is cleared before the keeper brings the horse out. The horse allows itself to be photographed, and after a few minutes is led away back to its stables.