Overview:

: The Shrines of Nikko in Japan are a set of eight shrine complexes reignited by Ieyasu Tokugawa and his family in 1617 in order to honor and venerate the spirit of the great Japanese statesman and warlord, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Located in the mountains of Tochigi prefecture, these shrines were designed by some of the greatest architects of the time, creating a complex of stunning beauty that has been designated a World Heritage Site. These shrines represent fusion between Shinto and Buddhism and are a deep representation of the relationships between nature, culture, religion, and history. Although most shinto shrines are dedicated to the gods of nature, this complex uniquely honors a human being. For visitors, this is a spectacular site containing breathtakingly beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and art that displays the various religious and cultural affiliations in ancient Japan and gives insight into an incredible part of Japanese history. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

Shrines of Nikko are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Nikko in the Tochigi Prefecture of Japan. The shrines consist of multiple structures, including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Toshogu shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Taiyuin Rinnoji. The shrines are also collectively known as the Nikko Temples and are renowned for their intricate and elaborate structure and decoration. Other prominent features of the Nikko Shrines include the beautiful and intricate carvings of the Three Wise Monkeys, the Yomei Gate, the five-story pagoda, and the sacred Kegon Waterfall. The Nikko Shrines also boast some of Japan's best-preserved Edo Era architecture and are a great place to go if you want to experience some of the country's feudal era history and culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

The history of the renowned Shrines of Nikko in Japan dates back to 766 AD, when the Buddhist priest Shodo Shonin built a temple in honor of the founder of the Buddhist Tendai order, Nichiren Daishonin. For centuries, the temples and shrines of Nikko were considered holy places of worship. Insho-ji, Rinno-ji, and Futarasan Shrine were all built during the late 9th and early 10th centuries as part of a two hundred year expansion project by the Fujiwara clan. In the early 17th century, the great unifier of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, declared himself Shogun and made Nikko a center of worship and power for the ruling Tokugawa dynasty. The following centuries saw the construction of many complex and stunning structures. The tower gate, Yomeimon, with individually painted carvings, was built in 1636 and the brightly colored Buddhist and Shinto roofs, and the sleepers at the Toshogu Shrine, were added in the mid-17th century. By the early 19th century, Nikko had become a favorite destination of the Imperial Court and wealthy citizens looking for a good spot for vacationing. The structures were all made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and there are now over 100 shrines and temples in the Nikko area. Visitors, Buddhist monks and Shinto priests from around the world come to experience the spiritual and religious beauty of these incredible structures. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The five most important Shrines of Nikko are Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuin and Kongobuji Temple. 2. The Toshogu Shrine, the most important and well-known of these shrines, houses the mausoleum of the first shogun of the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu. 3. The shrine is made of dozens of elaborately painted buildings, including a five-tiered pagoda and an eagle-shaped gate. 4. The Futarasan Shrine is dedicated to the mountain gods and is the oldest in the area, dating back to the 8th century. 5. The Rinnoji Temple is devoted to the bodhisattva Kannon and is the main temple of the Tendai Buddhist sect. 6. The Taiyuin and Kongobuji Temples are both devoted to Tendai Buddhism and offer visitors a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. 7. The world-famous Shrines of Nikko are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its splendid architecture and beautiful forest surroundings. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era