::NIKKO::

日本語ver. HERE

Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi prefecture is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. The reason is that some of Ieyasu Tokugawa's ashes is buried here. He is the first "shogun" who founded the government of Edo era in 1600. "Shogun" literally means "a general" and practically ruled the country in place of the emperor.

It seems like the buildings there have huge influence of Chinese culture. 

One of the buildings has this famous relief sculpture called "San-Saru" which means three monkeys. The origin of these "three wise monkeys" is said to be the ancient Egypt or Cambodia. Every monkey is closing his ears or eyes or mouth. It means it is wise to hear / see / speak no evil. 

The shrine is surrounded by many huge trees that are about 400-800 years old.

The gate of the main shrine.

After passing a little gate behind the main shrine, you will see more than 200 stairs in the woods.

After going up all the steps, there is Ieyasu's grave.

Though I have no photo of it because I thought it might be inappropriate.

My ootd (fashion) details in the previous post HERE

After having a nice lunch break.... we dropped by to see the huge waterfall called "Kegonnotaki".

It looks much smaller in photos than it is in real. But actually the water is falling from the altitude of  97 meters from the bottom.

The weather was not really good on that day so it was sooooo cold down there.
It might be much better to visit here in summer. It would make you forget the summer heat.


My Nikko trip continues!!

Thank you for reading.

xoxo
Lynn♪