Within a 3-minute walk from a World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine,
Nikko Tokanso is ideally located for sightseeing.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
【Access】3min on foot
Registered as a World Heritage Site in 1999 under the World Heritage Convention, Nikko Toshogu Shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu. Yabusame horseback archery and other rites are held in May during the Toshogu Shrine Annual Spring Festival.
Registered as a World Heritage Site in 1999 under the World Heritage Convention, Nikko Rinnoji Temple is a temple founded by Shodojojin in the Nara period. It was originally called Shihonryu-ji Temple. Then, after several changes of its name, it has been called Rinnoji Temple since the Edo period when Prince Rinnoji came to this temple.
Futarasan Shrine has been worshiped since ancient times as the center of mountain worship. Large numbers of shrine buildings were erected especially during the medieval period. At the beginning of the Edo Period, the main shrine and the other shrine buildings were newly erected by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Located close to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko designated as a World Heritage Site, it has a view of mountains of Nikko including Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohosan in the north. It is surrounded by the rich nature of Nikko; beautiful Daiya River in the south and the Tamozawa River originating from the Jakko Falls in the west.
Passing by Toshogu Shrine, you will find the Nikko Botanical Garden on the left hand side and there is the Daiya River behind the garden. This area is called Kanmangafuchi Abyss. It is said that Matsuo Basho visited Kanmangafuchi Abyss at noon after the Urami Falls in 1689. This place offers the most beautiful view of the Daiya River.
It is said that these Jizo statues were offered by about 100 followers of Jigen Daishi Tenkai and situated along the right bank of the Diya River for praying for departed souls as well as for self-enlightenment. They are called “Bake Jizo” because the number of Jizo statues sometimes is different on the way to and back.
Nikko Botanical Garden is an institute for research and education of Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo established in 1902. About 2,200 species including native plants are grown in the 32,000 tsubo (about 106,00 square meter) grove. Enjoy watching seasonal wild plants.
It is the approach to the Takio Jinja Shrine. You will find a signpost telling “Takio Pathway starts here” near the Kaizan-do Hall behind the shrine office of Toshogu Shrine. This is an ideal footpath to walk in the wood while having forest bathing.
