After leaving the Rinnoji Temple area, its time to move on north to head to the Nikko Toshogu area and it’s important to note that this area is actually quite large, especially with the huge trees around, it’s best to stay around the main path and looking at the map markers to see areas that you still need to see.
So, let’s take a look at the map and see where I’m currently at.
You can decide to go right from where the marker to check out the Toshogu Museum and right next to it is Toshogu Butokuden. Or take the left path to the Nikkofutarasan Shrine Daikokuden and the other option is to go straight to the Toshogu Shrine area.
I decided to go straight!
You will pass through “Ichi no Tori” (the first gate) and then you will be in a center leading to a second gate…
…And to your left is the Toshogu Gojunoto (five story pagoda)..
And now it’s time to go through the main gate (Omotemon)… Just look at the size of the trees (height and width) in this area. Impressive.
OK, before you proceed, purchase a voucher ticket to go inside and the first thing you will see are the Nikko Toshogu Shinkyu, a shrine to the left, restrooms to the right. But once you pass this gate, it’s like being transported to a past.
The structures look so different, a lot of gold and vermilion red but you will see a lot of detail around the gates, the structures and you see elephants and monkey carvings.
Time to head left….
But once you turn to your right and see what’s up ahead… Your jaw just drops by the sheer beauty of the structures ahead.
To be continued in part 6!
