CityBuddy
Taiyū-in Mausoleum
Beste tijd om te bezoeken
The first hours of the morning (before 10:00) offer soft light that highlights the golds and avoids the bulk of organized groups. Autumn tints the cedars red and amber, making the walk especially photogenic between late October and mid-November.
Budgettips
Admission costs 550 yen (about 3.50 euros) and is not included in the general pass for Nikkō's shrines, so plan to pay separately. If you visit several temples and shrines in the area, consider the combined Nikkō Pass ticket to save on transportation; admission to the mausoleum itself is one of the most affordable in the city.
Aanbevolen voor
Lovers of Japanese history, Travelers seeking tranquility, Architecture photographers, Enthusiasts of traditional art
Plan je bezoek
1-1.5 hours
Over
Korte feiten: This mausoleum houses the remains of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shōgun, and stands out for its decoration in golden lacquer and vibrant colors that contrast with the natural tones of the surrounding cedar forest. Its more than 200 stone and bronze lamps flank the access path, creating a solemn and mystical atmosphere.
Hoogtepunten: Unlike its more famous neighbor, this space preserves an almost secret atmosphere of seclusion; only about 300,000 visitors arrive each year compared to the millions who come to the main shrine. The dragon painted on the ceiling of the prayer hall, created by artist Kanō Yasunobu, is said to sing at dawn when light passes through the golden lattice.
Insidertips
- Wear comfortable footwear because the cobblestone path is uneven, especially after rains that make it slippery.
- The dragon on the ceiling of the prayer hall is best seen from a low angle; crouch down to appreciate the three-dimensional effect of its painting.
- Must-take photo at the stone staircase with bronze lanterns, but go early to avoid harsh midday shadows.
- Don't skip the rear side garden, almost empty, where the centennial trees frame the mausoleum from a unique perspective.
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