Nikko Tosho-gu, Kanto, Japan

4Hiroaki Kaneko 5:00 PM Nov 9, 2021

The most gorgeous shrine among the temples and shrines in Nikko
世界遺産に登録されている日光の社寺の中で、恐らく最も参拝客の多い神社と言えよう。 他の社寺と比較して、境内にある建築物の配色は色鮮やかで、梁や柱などに施された緻密な彫刻には目を見張るものがある。『絢爛豪華』とはまさにこの神社を指すのだろう。境内そのものが彫刻作品の屋外ギャラリーと言っても過言ではない。その分、写真撮影のために立ち止まる観光客も多く、特に土日祝日の日中の混雑ぶりは敬遠したくなる。建物の彫刻は勿論、建物内の絵画（鳴き龍や狩野探幽筆の麒麟等）も素晴らしく、数百年経過した今でもはっきりと鑑賞することが出来る（御本社や薬師堂等の建物内は撮影禁止）。 境内の各建物間の移動は基本的に階段であるため、車椅子等の障碍を持つ方等にとっては利用しづらいかもしれない。境内にはコインロッカー等は無いため、大きな荷物はホテルもしくは駐車した車内に置く必要がある。 Of all the shrines and temples in Nikko that are registered as World Heritage sites, it's probably the most visited shrine. Compared to other shrines and temples, the color scheme of the buildings in the precincts is more vivid, and the intricate carvings on the beams and pillars are remarkable. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the precinct itself is an open-air gallery of carvings. However, they are the cause of many tourists stopping to take pictures, and the crowds during the day, especially on weekends and holidays, make you feel to avoid to visit there. In addition to the carvings on the buildings, the paintings inside the buildings (such as Naki-Ryu (Singing dragon), and a Qilin by Kano Tanyu) are wonderful. Even after hundreds of years, you can still see them clearly (photography is not allowed inside the buildings such as the main shrine and Yakushido). The buildings on the precincts are basically accessed using slightly bumpy passage or stairs, which may be difficult to use for people with disabilities such as wheelchairs. There are no coin-operated lockers in the precincts, so you'll need to leave your large luggage at your hotel or in your parked car.

5angelap442018 5:00 PM Feb 14, 2023

A Must See UNESCO World Heritage Site
This place is a must see. It is worthy of UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Yomeimon gate is a one of a kind in Japan. Intricate highly artistic work of carvings and paintings went into this structure and I'm sure it takes a lot of care to preserve these structures on the vast grounds of many temples, shrines, and a pagoda. Rinoji temple is nearby and Tokugawa's grandson's shrine too. It'll be a lot of walking, but if you have the time and energy, see all of it. Not many places to eat though. There was a place that sold food, but it's probably better to eat in town before coming or eat afterwards. Just bring some snacks and water.