Tokugawa Iemitsu is the third of the Tokugawa Shoguns. He had deep respect for Tokugawa Ieyasu, and upon Iemitsu’s death in 1651 said he would continue to serve his grandfather in the afterlife. Taiyuin is the shrine in Nikko where he is entombed. It is less ornate than Toshogu Shrine, and the style is different to reflect his desire not to imitate it. The basic colors are red framing with gold and black details. The buildings all face the Toshogu to show respect to the first Tokugawa Shogun.
Kokamon gate, Taiyuin-byo temple
Taiyuin is open from 8 am to 4 pm. It is not as famous as some of the other buildings in the Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site, but is well worth the walk to see its more isolated location. Many visitors appreciate the hike through the old woods and the less crowded, more peaceful atmosphere.
Taiyuin-byo Shrine
Taiyuin costs 550 yen to enter, but is one part of the combined ticket which includes Rinno-ji and Toshogu Shrine. It is a short walk from the Toshogu Shrine.
Tokugawa Iemitsu and Ii Naotaka in Nikko (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The website has a short description in English and more information on the buildings in Taiyuin: http://www.nikko-jp.org/english/taiyuin/index.html
photos by:
Andrea Schaffer &
robertpaulyoung
