[Heisei#41] Tokugawa’s mausoleum deep in Nikko’s nature

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Nikko

Tochigi’s prefecture only landscape of the Heisei 100 list is Nikko, the ancient and religious city standing 125 kilometers North of Tokyo. Three temples and shrines are World Heritage sites, including the Toshogu – Tokugawa Ieyasu‘s mausoleum – and the Rinno-ji temple, founded in 766 by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin. And the Toshogu is known to be one of Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine. Nikko is also the gate to the Nikko National Park.

Nikko
The five story pagoda dates back from 1650 but was rebuilt in 1818 after a fire. The Toshogu’s entrance is facing it (everyday from 8am to 4 or 5pm, 1300 yen).

Nikko

Nikko Nikko

Nikko

Nikko

Nikko

Nikko

Nikko Nikko

Nikko

Many paths are to be found in the surrounding mountains – a good way to explore the area and discover small shrines and temples less visited by travelers.

Nikko

Nikko
The sacred bridge Shinkyo standing where Shodo Shonin first crossed the river is the beginning of Takinoo path.

Nikko

Nikko Nikko

Nikko

Nikko Nikko

Nikko

How to get there?

Many options are available from Tokyo to Nikko. The city is to be be reached with the Tobu railways from Asakusa (1360 yen, 2h); with the JR lines from Shinjuku(4000 yen, 2h); or with the JR Tohoku Shinkansen through Utsonomiya (5000 yen, 100 minutes, the best option with a JR pass).

From April to November, highway buses are available from Narita airport (4500 yen, 3,5 hours).

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