Shrines and Temples of Nikkō, Religious complex in Nikko, Japan
The Shrines and Temples of Nikkō comprise 103 buildings belonging to two Shinto shrines, Futarasan and Tōshō-gū, and one Buddhist temple, Rinnō-ji, set among forested mountain slopes in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture. Nine structures are National Treasures and 94 are Important Cultural Properties; the cedar forest around them was planted in the early 17th century.
The complex began in the 8th century when a monk established the first temple, and the place gradually grew over time. A major expansion happened after Tokugawa Ieyasu, an important historical leader, decided to be buried there.
The site is called Nikkō San'nai, or "two shrines and one temple", after its three components: Tōshō-gū, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji. Futarasan includes its branch shrines Hongū and Takio, and Rinnō-ji holds the Taiyūin mausoleum. The cedar forest around the buildings was planted in the early 17th century during the construction of Tōshō-gū.
The 103 buildings stand within a 50.8-hectare Historic Site, with the cedar forest planted in the early 17th century during the construction of Tōshō-gū. The three component groups are Tōshō-gū, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, whose Taiyuin Mausoleum lies beyond the main clusters. Parts of the surrounding slopes fall within Nikkō National Park.
The Yomeimon Gate holds over 500 different carved figures including dragons, flowers, and mythical creatures that underwent extensive artistic restoration work. This ornately designed gate stands as one of the most remarkable examples of craftsmanship throughout the complex.
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