Nikko Getaway (Part 2)

Sorry to keep you guys waiting!
I'm now back to continue the previous post on Nikko Getaway (Part 1) .
Do read that post first before reading this one!

This post is mainly about the 3 World Heritages that I went to visit.
Which means that more photos of mother nature will be post in this entry! =)

For those who have no idea where and what is Nikko, do search here!
It is said that if you have never been to Nikko, then you don't know the true meaning of magnificent!

Nikko designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Japan’s most beautiful regions. The shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, have for centuries been a sacred site known for its architectural and decorative masterpieces. They are closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns.

#1

It was such a turndown because by the time we  reached the UNESCO World Heritage site, the shrines and temples had already started to close. And the worst part was we already bought the combination admission ticket for 3 of the shrines beforehand! 



No name Shrine
It's just a mini shrines before the entrance of to the World Heritages.

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#4

Taiyuinbyo
We missed out Taiyuinbyo mausoleum this time.
But I want to give the introduction here because it is one of the must go shrine in Nikko. (if you happen to go there don't miss out this one!)
Taiyuinbyo is said to be the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu (the founder and first shogun of Japan).
It resembles the Toshogu in its layout and lavish decorations in gold, black and red framming.

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Photo credit to http://youinjapan.net/

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Photo credit to http://www.photostaud.com/

Futarasan Shrine

This shrine act as a guardian of the nearby Toshogu Shrine.

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The circle placed before the main entrance is said to bring good luck if you walk through it as instructed. 

1. Walk through and turn left. Get back to the starting point. 
2. Walk through and turn right. Get back to the starting point.
3. Walk straight towards the shrine. 

#8

 A Japanese making prayers

#9

Inside peek

#10

These are the bad Omikuji (fortune note) received after offering. 

When the prediction is bad, it is a custom to fold up the strip of paper and attach it to a pine tree or a wall of metal wires alongside other bad fortunes in the temple or shrine grounds.

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#12

This is Ema, a small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshippers write their prayers or wishes.

#13

I have no idea what are these containers. Does anyone know?
I think most probably it's the sake barrels. But why is it placed there?



Toshogu Shrine
The Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. For more history of Toshogu, read here. 

#14

 Photo credit to http://muza-chan.net/

Three of Toshogu's most famous carvings

The beautiful 5 storeys Pagoda infront of Toshogu's entrance.

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The epic part.
We tried to take a romantic pose using self-timer infront of the pagoda but it seemed to be rather mission impossible.
We gave up trying for more that 20 shots!
And this turn out to be the best one I think!XD
You are welcome.

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Rinnoji Temple
Rinnoji is Nikko's most important temple. It was founded by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century.
The Rinnoji temple has been under renovation for quite some time now. 
It's another unfortunate event that we can't see the "naked" Rinnoji temple. 

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The cover up Rinnoji

#22

Photo credit to http://www.houseofjapan.com/

The how-it-is-suppose-to-look-like Rinnoji

We were very lucky that it was a cloudy day! Because I cannot imagine sweating while doing sight-seeing in such a beautiful place.  

For people who loves nature, this is a must visit! 

The surrounding of the shrines are peaceful and serene and I cannot love it better.

Hope that you enjoy the post although it seems to be a boring mother nature post XD

I've been spending a lot of time on this post because I did a lot of look-up on term used by the shrines and temples because I'm not familiar with it.

Hopefully I didn't make any mistake regarding the info!

Until next time!