Discover One of Japan’s Most Powerful Spiritual Sites! The Beauty of the World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Tochigi Prefecture's Nikko is a classic destination for school trips and has become a well-known power spot in recent years. It is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations. In 1999, Nikko was registered as a World Heritage Site under "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." In this article, we will introduce the highlights and attractions of this World Heritage Site that is familiar to many Japanese. Let's explore the charm of Nikko, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site!

What are the Shrines and Temples of Nikko?

Nikkō Shrines and Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. They were registered as a cultural heritage site in 1999. One year before the World Heritage registration, in 1998, they were designated as a National Historic Site under the name "Nikkō Sannai." The Nikkō Shrines and Temples mainly consist of three structures known as Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Nikkō Futarasan Shrine, and Nikkō Rinnō-ji, along with their surrounding buildings and landscapes, which together form the World Heritage Site.

Nikkō is also the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined, making it an important site for understanding Japanese history and religion. It is also deeply related to Japan’s unique mountain worship and Shinto beliefs, where mountains and forests are considered sacred. This spiritual culture has been passed down to the present day.

In recent years, Nikkō has become one of Japan’s most famous power spots, attracting visitors from all over the country seeking blessings and good fortune.

Access to Nikkō Shrines and Temples

To reach Nikkō, take the Tobu Limited Express Spacia from Asakusa Station or Kita-Senju Station in Tokyo. It takes approximately 2 hours with no transfers. Alternatively, the JR and Tobu direct express train from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro also takes around 2 hours.

The most comfortable way to travel is by the Tohoku Shinkansen. It takes 50 minutes from Tokyo to Utsunomiya, followed by a 40-minute ride on the JR Nikkō Line to Nikkō.

Additionally, there is a direct bus from Narita Airport to Nikkō, which takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.

The nearest station is Tobu Nikkō Station, from where buses depart to the shrines and temples.

Recommended Points of Nikko Shrines and Temples

◆ Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is arguably the most famous spot among the World Heritage-listed shrines and temples of Nikko. This shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate who established the Edo government. It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu left a will expressing his wish to be enshrined in Nikko.

The grounds of the World Heritage-listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine contain eight national treasures and 34 important cultural properties. The buildings, constructed in 1617, were said to have been built using the highest technology of the time. When sightseeing at the World Heritage Nikko Toshogu Shrine, do not forget to see the unique animal carvings, such as the "Sleeping Cat" and the "Three Wise Monkeys" (see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil). These animal carvings are said to symbolize peace. There are several other animal carvings, so be sure to find them!

◆ Nikko Futarasan Shrine

Nikko Futarasan Shrine is known as the origin of mountain worship in Nikko. It is said that Mount Nantai was once called Mount Futarasan. In recent years, the shrine has become popular among tourists as a place of blessings for matchmaking. In mountain worship, it is a fundamental belief that the main shrine has a sacred mountain behind it. Behind Futarasan Shrine is Mount Nantai, one of the three mountains of Nikko. The shrine enshrines the deity Okuninushi-no-Mikoto.

Also, do not miss the "Shinkyo Bridge," which is a structure of Futarasan Shrine and is also called the gateway to Nikko. The beautiful 28-meter-long red wooden bridge over the Daiya River is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is part of the World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." With Nikko’s mountains in the background and the murmuring of the river, the scene creates the sacred atmosphere of Nikko, known as a spiritual site. No wonder Nikko is called a power spot! If you visit the World Heritage Site of Nikko, be sure to stop by Shinkyo Bridge to receive its divine energy!

◆ Nikkō Mountain Rinnō-ji Temple

Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnō-ji, collectively known as "Nikkō's Two Shrines and One Temple," are must-visit spots when exploring the World Heritage temples and shrines of Nikkō. Rinnō-ji is not just a single temple's name but refers to the collective halls and sub-temples of Mount Nikkō.

The main hall of Rinnō-ji, Sanbutsudō, is said to be the largest wooden structure on Mount Nikkō. A fascinating annual ritual called "Gohan-shiki" takes place here on April 2nd. This unique tradition, which has been passed down since the Nara period, involves a designated participant being served a massive bowl of rice and commanded to eat "75 bowls without leaving a single grain." Those who take part in this ceremony are believed to receive blessings such as good health and well-being. Rinnō-ji continues to preserve the rich history of Nikkō as part of this World Heritage Site.

◎ Summary

In this article, we introduced the World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō" in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Some may think Tochigi is far, but it is conveniently accessible from Tokyo in about two hours! Whether you are visiting for the first time or have been here before, Nikkō offers tranquil shrines and beautiful nature that bring peace to the heart. Why not take a trip to this World Heritage Site to relax and recharge your spirit?

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Discover One of Japan’s Most Powerful Spiritual Sites! The Beauty of the World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Nikko