Nikko Toshogu Shrine | One of the greatest World Heritage Sites in Japan

0:00 Japan Adventure Series--Part Nineteen: Nikko Toshogu Shrine 0:30 Ishi-torii 1:06 Five-storied pagoda 1:17 Omotemon 1:29 Kamijinko 1:53 Three Wise Monkeys of Toshogu Shrine 2:11 Rinzo 2:22 Middle torii 2:34 Drum tower and Yomeimon Gate 2:47 Chinese Gate 3:01 Toshogu Grand Shrine 3:36 Sleeping Cat of Toshogu Shrine 4:02 Inner Shrine copper torii and Inner Shrine oratory 4:24 Inukimon Gate and Grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu 5:04 Yakushi-do (Roaring Dragon) _____________________________________________ Toshogu Shrine One of the greatest World Heritage Sites in Japan, Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Shogun active in the 15th -16th century. The highlight of Nikko Toshogu is, without a doubt, its magnificent buildings in the temple precincts. Among 55 buildings, 8 are designated as National Treasures while 34 are designated as Important Cultural Properties. In addition to this, Nikko Toshogu is known as one of the strongest spiritual places in Japan. Toshogu is a large and lavish shrine located in Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture in the north of Tokyo. This extensive set of richly decorated buildings is organized around the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu a prominent feudal lord. The religious complex, both Shinto and Buddhist has been undergoing renovation works since 2007. Construction is believed to have cost 40 billion current yens (~282 million dollars). Several buildings of the Toshogu shrine either became Unesco World Heritage sites in 1999 or have received official recognition from the Japanese Government as National Treasures and Major Cultural Property. Dozens of variously-sized buildings, each more richly decorated than the last, spread over these extensive premises in the heart of the forest of Nikko National Park. The unusual mix of Shinto shrines and Buddhist buildings gives the Shinto architecture a grandiose dimension. Simplicity is simply not the point, and the ornate buildings offer a wealth of colors and details, including gold leaf decorations which may surprise careful observers. In the midst of this architectural profusion, you will even be able to contemplate one of the original representations of the three wise monkeys (Sanzaru). Despite the crowds, Toshogu is pervaded with a peculiar atmosphere which is well worth the high price of the entrance ticket. A few extra hundred yens will open the doors of the Treasure House for you as well as those of the Museum of Art, both built recently. https://www.kanpai-japan.com/nikko/to...