Exploring the Historic Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko's World Heritage site is a vast complex, mainly divided into four parts: Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Futarasan Shrine, and Taiyuin Mausoleum. You can purchase a combined ticket for Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin Mausoleum for 1000 yen, while Futarasan Shrine is free. Toshogu Shrine requires a separate ticket, with an adult ticket priced at 1600 yen, or 2400 yen if you include the Treasure Hall. However, the Treasure Hall might not be worth the extra cost, as the main attractions can be seen with the 1600 yen ticket. The Five-Story Pagoda costs an additional 300 yen, but it might not be worth it just to see the interior carvings. On the other hand, the 500 yen audio guide is highly recommended for its convenience and informative content. Nikko is closely associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, as it is the main shrine dedicated to him. The shrine is one of the most ornate in Japan, with the Yomeimon Gate being the most magnificent, followed closely by the Karamon Gate. There are many auxiliary buildings, such as the Kaguraden, Rinzou, and Prayer Hall. A short hike leads to the Okunoin, where Tokugawa Ieyasu's tomb is located. Other interesting sites include the Shinyoden, which houses festival palanquins representing Tokugawa Ieyasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Minamoto no Yoritomo. The Treasure Hall offers a closer look at these artifacts. The Crying Dragon Hall is another highlight, where the echo of bamboo clappers resembles a dragon's roar. Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the main shrine and photography is prohibited. Although it's a Shinto shrine, it features many Buddhist and Confucian elements, such as the famous 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' monkeys. Visitors can also find familiar Chinese cultural references, like the story of Sima Guang breaking the vat.