The complex of temples and shrines from Nikko constitutes one of the most representative places of Japanese spiritual architecture and a testimony of Tokugawa family’s power. Several dozens of buildings, scattered in a lush forest, are creating a place where you can enjoy the fine architecture in communion with the nature. And all was carefully planned - even the hundreds Japanese cedars (cryptomeria) were planted here when the construction started.

Each construction from this complex is unique, with lavish and perfectly crafted decorations, like this entrance gate to the Taiyuin Mausoleum, called Yashamon Gate, which enshrines four female devils, the Buddhist protectors of the four directions (East, West, South and North).

Yashamon Gate, Taiyuin Mausoluem, Nikko

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Roppongi Hills Arena wide-angle and some musings on photography