Nikko- 1(Toshogu Shrine)

Nikko.
About 2 hours from Tokyo by train.
A town in Tochigi Prefecture.
Toshogu Shrine. Other shrines and temples, beautiful Lake Chuzenzi, Kegon Waterfall, Senjogahara Marshland locate in Nikko National Park.

I thought Nikko is a perfect destination for Golden Week Trip!
Sightseeing traditional shrines and temples, lovely famous sleeping cat carving in Toshogu, hiking in marshland, fresh country air... Aren't they wonderful?

OK. Let's go to Nikko!

a lovely wooden bridge "shinkyo(sacred bridge)" was constructed in 1636.
this bridge stands at the entrance to shrines and temples.

"unesco world heritage, shrines and temples of Nikko"

yomeimon, the gate of toshogu shrine.
decorated by a lot of carvings.

Because it was in GW, actually it was not surprising so crowded everywhere in Nikko.
Queuing almost every gates of shrines and temples, honestly is it worth to queue?
I think Yes.
This Toshogu Shrine is different from other shrines.
Heavily decorated, especially so many animal carvings such as dragon, elephant, tiger, lion, bird,
monkey and cat, maybe much more.
The most famous one is "three monkeys" or "sleeping cat".

three wise monkeys.
see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.

sleeping cat.
this small carving of cat is a national treasure.

To enjoy Nikko, I just want to say one thing..
Prepare to walk!
Especially for girls, high heel shoes might not be comfortable.
you need to walk a lot from a shrine/temple to another one.

"yuba"(tofu skin) udon
yuba is nikko's speciality.
it tastes like a creamy tofu.

So, enjoy walking!
There are many small cafes in this area, you can walk while enjoy local foods.

☆About Nikko: japan-guide.com