Nikko Things to Do

This is a five-storied pagoda where a statue of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana Buddha) is enshrined). It is about 36m high and is situated to the left of the Ishidorii.

This building was first conceived in 1650. After a fire burnt it down in 1815, it was rebuilt in 1818.

Interesting thing to note is that there are actually no floors inside and each story is connected directly. The central pillar is the diameter of 60cm. It is hung from the height of the 4th floor by chain. The bottom of the pillar is not attached to the ground, but is floating about 10cm. This building was also built to be an anti-earthquake construction.

The Taiyuin is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. Like the Toshogu, the Taiyuin combines many Shinto and Buddhist elements, and is also lavishly decorated and constructed. However, it is relatively more modest than the Toshogu Shrine, perhaps done so intentionally.

When visiting Taiyuin, it is recommended to purchase a combination ticket, which also includes admission to the Toshogu, the Rinnoji's Sanbutsudo and Futarasan Shrine.

The Ishidorii is the gateway and entrance to the Nikko temples and shrines. It has remained in its original form since its construction in 1618. The torii gate, which is 9.2 m tall and 13.2 m wide, is made out of 15 blocks of stone, instead of wood, which is the material usually used for torii. The Ishidorii is said to be a structure designed in a unique way to be earthquake-resistance. The primary top rail and the secondary top rail, called Kasagi and Shimaki, are hollowed in order to minimize the weight and a pair of grafted stone columns are set firmly to support them.

The Sanbutsudo is the main building of the Rinnoji Temple. The Buddha hall houses large gold-lacquered statues of the Amitabha Buddha, Senju-Kannon (Kannon with 1000 arms) and Bato-Kannon (Kannon with a horse head). These three deities are regarded widely as manifestations of Nikko's three mountain Shinto gods which are enshrined at Futarasan Shrine.

It is recommended to purchase a combination ticket to visit the Sanbutsudo which also includes admission to the Toshogu, the Tokugawa Iemitsu's mausoleum and Futarasan Shrine. However, a separate 300 Yen admission fee applies for the Rinnoji Temple's treasure hall.

Entering through the Yomeimon, you come to a little courtyard with even more elaborate buildings. The Shomen Karamon and Haimen Karamon, erected in 1636, are found here. Its attractive decorations and skilful workmanship in its structure draws many tourists here to admire it.

The Yomeimon, erected in 1636, is one of the outstanding piece of architecture in Nikko. It is the most elegantly decorated among the shrine buildings of Toshogu, and constant efforts have been made to maintain it especially its beautiful decorative sculptures. The Yomeimon is extremely grand, and its decorations consists of not only paints and color, but also includes intricate metal fittings and ornaments.

You should try the hot spring bath (onsen) . Women and men have separated bath. You must take off your clothes before you enter the bath area. It felt strange because I am not used to it, but that's the way it is. And before you get in the water, you had better have a shower to clean up yourself, so you enter the bath clean.

The water feels very hot at first but your body will adapt to it soon. It's recommended to cover your hair with a towel because the hot water may not be good for your hair.

It is a theme park imitating situation in Edo period. Very nice view with Japanese architectures & people with traditional clothes.

There are many typical Japanese attractions to see, like Ninja, Japanese plays, Edo-period punishments diorama (sadistic!), etc. There are also many small shops and food.