UNESCO sites in Nikko

Nikko's UNESCO Heritage Sites

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko comprise 103 buildings across three main complexes: the Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine, the Futarasan-jinja Shinto shrine, and the Rinnō-ji Buddhist temple. Dating primarily from the 17th century, these structures represent the pinnacle of Edo-period architecture and artistic decoration. The site serves as the final resting place of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and illustrates the historical fusion of Shinto and Buddhist traditions within a sacred forest landscape of ancient cedar trees.

Nikko's UNESCO Heritage Sites — Map

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Tōshō-gū shrine

Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

DXR / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Shinkyo Bridge

One of the most beautiful bridges in the entire country, this bridge is part of the Nikko sanctuary complex, to which it leads.

Joao Figueira / CC-BY-SA

C

Rinnō-ji Temple Complex

Rinnō-ji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Futarasan-jinja shrine

Futarasan jinja is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Kamila Nitta / CC-BY-SA

E

Taiyuinbyo Iemitsu Taiyuin Temple

Part of the Rinno-ji complex, this temple serves as the outer structure of the mausoleum for the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu.

Koichi Sato / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Shrines and Temples of Nikkō

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikkō encompasses 103 buildings or structures and the natural setting around them.

G

Sambutsudo (Hall of Three Buddhas)

The main hall of Rinno-ji Temple, housing three large, gold-leaf wooden statues representing the manifestations of Nikko's mountain deities: Amida, Senju-Kannon, and Bato-Kannon.

H

Futarasan Haiden

The primary hall of worship at Futarasan Shrine, where traditional Shinto ceremonies and prayers are conducted.

I

Shōmen Karamon Gate

A Chinese-style gate located within the Taiyuin complex, featuring intricate carvings and traditional white and gold accents.

J

Futarasan Honden

The main sanctuary of Futarasan Shrine, dedicated to the three deities of Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro.

K

Bettōsho Ryūkō-in

A historical administrative residence and sub-temple within the sacred Nikko precinct.

L

Shin-yosha shrine

A dedicated building at Futarasan Shrine used for the storage and maintenance of sacred portable shrines known as mikoshi.

M

Taiyū-in Mausoleum

The mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. The complex is noted for its black and gold lacquerwork and its architectural blend of Shinto and Buddhist elements.

N

Sayū Sodebe Gate

Also known as the Koka-mon, this Ming-dynasty style gate marks the entrance to the innermost sanctum of Shogun Iemitsu's tomb.

O

Mitomo Shrine

A small auxiliary shrine located within the Futarasan grounds, traditionally visited to pray for wisdom and academic success.

P

Yashamon Gate

Known as the Gate of the Night Yakshas, this structure is decorated with colorful peony carvings and houses four guardian statues.

Q

二荒霊泉

A sacred spring at Futarasan Shrine. The water is believed to benefit eyesight and is frequently used by local sake brewers.

R

Niōmon Gate

The grand entrance to the Taiyuin mausoleum, guarded by two large Nio statues representing the beginning and end of all things.

S

Daikoku-den shrine

A shrine building dedicated to Daikokuten, the deity of wealth and good fortune, located within the Futarasan complex.

T

Jogyodo Hall

A Buddhist hall at Rinno-ji used for circumambulatory meditation, dedicated to the Amida Buddha.

U

Nitemmon Gate

The second gate of the Taiyuin complex, housing statues of Komokuten and Jikokuten, two of the Four Heavenly Kings.

V

Hokkedo Hall

A meditation hall of the Tendai sect, connected to the Jogyodo Hall by a covered corridor.

Other Lists

Nikko's Sacred Treasures and Natural Wonders Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples Scenic Nature Views