One of the recommended day trip out of Tokyo is a visit to the historic town of Nikko, the gateway to the Nikko National Park. The quickest way to the town is to take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya and switched to the JR Nikko Line. When we arrived at Nikko Station, we had to walk about 200m to the Tobu Nikko Station to buy our one-day pass.
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| Walking towards Tobu Nikko Station with the snow-capped mountain in the background |
The bus stop servicing the various Nikko attractions is located in front of the Tobu Nikko Station.
Unfortunately, we missed the first stop at the Toshogu Shrine which is a lavish mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. We alighted instead at the Futarasan Shrine.
Fortunately, stopping over at Futarasan Shrine turned into a blessing as there was a link from the shrine to Toshugo Shrine. If we had stopped at Toshogu Shrine bus stop, we would have to climb a steep flight of steps. Going through the link was a much better option.
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| Entrance of the link way from Futarasan Shrine to Toshogu Shrine |
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| Looking down the flight of steps leading to the Torii to Toshogu Shrine |
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| Another possible link way from Toshogu Shrine to Futurasan Shrine after the main torii |
The Toshogu Shrine complex has an impressive array of buildings, some of which are pretty well known.
Unfortunately for us, the main entrance to the Toshogu Shrine or Yomeimon, with its elaborate craving was under renovation.
Next, we proceeded to see Tokugawa Ieyasu mausoleum which was situated at the summit. The entrance to the mausoleum is through the Sakashitamon which bears the famous carving of the Nemurineko (sleeping cat). It was peaceful climb through a long flight stairs to the mausoleum.
More random shots of the impressive Toshogu Shrine.
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