...but only in replica while the shrine is repaired, revitalised, rejuvenated.
So yes, dear reader, you recall the three monkeys at the bottom of the town marker outside the uni when I was there last week. Of course you do. Every page of this blog commands your full attention day in, day out.
Well, today was a trip to see the original, at Toshogu Shrine at Nikko, north of Tokyo. The shrine itself is 'celebrating' 400 years, and the surrounding districts some 1250 years. Quite a birthday. But part of the deal is that large parts of the complex are out of bounds, hence the replica monkeys, the replica sleeping cat and other things for which the shrine is famous.
Lucky for me, my main purpose was to see the autumn leaves, Nikko is one of the famous places for the turning colours. The shrine is known for its elaborate and colourful carvings and being the final resting place of the Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu (whose tomb is at the top of some 200 steps, which I climbed, just for you, dear reader).
The weather and hence the light wasn't the best for pics, but there was enough to see. I'm glad I went on a weekday, given the numbers, I'm not sure I'd see quite as much on a weekend when I expect visitor numbers would double.
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| The approach to the Shrine |
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| A hint of pagoda |
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| Mossed lantern |
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| Pagoda, front on |
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| Lanterns leading to a smaller shrine |
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| Mossed |
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| Broked |
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| Stone wall, orange moss |
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| Torii |
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| Lanterns |
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| Through the trees |
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| The replica |
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| Tree, lanterns |
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| Part of the outer buildings |
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| Elaborate carvings, everywhere |
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| The sleeping cat |
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| Part of the two hundred stairs |
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| Someone placed stones to resemble a tortoise |
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| The gate to the tomb |
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| Ieyasu's tomb |
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| ...and surrounds |
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| Roof |
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| More detail |
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| Colour and carving |
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| No place unadorned |
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| Roof upon roof |
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| Outer wall |
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| Inside the art gallery gardens |
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| Cleansing water |
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| Dark, atmosphere |
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| In the gardens |
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| Gardens and pond |
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| The rather famous (1250 yo) bridge |
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| Bridge detail |
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| Wishes at the bridge |
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| Spring water |
I've split this post into two. I haven't done that for a while. This post focuses on the buildings; the next post focuses on the leaves...
[Camera : Canon 60D, 28-80mm, 10.22am-2.47pm; 21 November 2016]
