Nikko Toshogu Shrine a World Heritage site famous for the sculptures of the Three Wise Monkeys and decorative gate. Nikko Toshogu Shrine makes a great day trip from Tokyo.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a
Shinto shrine located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture,
Japan. It is part of the "Shrines
and Temples of Nikko", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, after his death in 1616. Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 – 1616) was the founder and the first Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate and one of the most famous people in Japanese history. He was a very powerful man and controlled the country even after his retirement. He left his will, "After my death, built a small shrine in Nikko and enshrine me as the God. I will be the guardian of Japan." Thus, his successor Tokugawa Iemitsu built Nikko Toshogu Shrine to bury and enshrine Ieyasu. Despite Ieyasu's will, Iemitsu made it one of the most gorgeous shrines in Japan.
Picture: Yomeimon Gate, Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Unlike most Japanese temples and shrines, the buildings are very ornate, with multi-color carvings and plenty of gold leaf, and show strong Chinese influence.
Yomeimon Gate
This double layered 11.1 meter high gate is the masterpiece of building in Toshogu Shrine. Twelve pillars are colored by white pigment, and scrolling patterns are carved on the pillars. Over 500 sculptures are made on the gate and they are really amazing. Yomeimon Gate is designated as a national treasure.
Sculptures of the Three Wise Monkeys
Sculptures of monkeys are put on the Shinyosha (Sacred Stable). It consists of 8 panels, which express way of life. Among them, the Three Wise Monkeys, who 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil' are the most famous ones.
Karamon Gate
This gate is small but is the front gate of the most important building, Honsha (Main Shrine). It is painted with white powder, and dragons are decorated on the pillars. Sculptures of people are put on the upper side of the gate. These are related to Chinese legend including "The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove." Also, three of seven lucky Gods are sculptured on the west side. The Karamon Gate is designated as a national treasure.
Corridor
The Corridor extends from the Youmeimon Gate to the left and the right. It is 220m long. There are many sculptures on the Corridor and they are related to the sky, ground and water. Every one of these is transparent carving. The Corridor is designated as a national treasure.
Last edited on
02/05/11
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