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Shinkyo Bridge

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Shinkyo Bridge is a wooden lacquered bridge that spans the Daiya River. At 28 meters long, 7.4 meters wide and 10.6 meters above the river, the bridge marks the entrance between Nikko Town and the town’s Shrines and temples. This bridge belongs to Futarasan Shrine and is designated as an important cultural property. In addition, Shinkyo was registered as the World Heritage in December 1999.
The Shinkyo Bridge is listed as one of Japan’s finest bridges. The other two are Kintaikyo in Iwakuni Prefecture and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture.

While the exact origin of the bridge remains a mystery, legend has it that the famous Buddhist priest Shado Shonin crossed the Daiya River riding on the back of two giant serpents. From 1636 when it was built, the bridge was off limits to the public. Only the Shogun Generals and imperial messengers were permitted to cross. Shinkyo Bridge remained off limits to the public until 1973. The opening coincided with the celebrations of Mt Nantai’s 1200th anniversary of being enshrined.

It is now possible to cross the bridge for an entry fee of 300 Yen, however better views of Shinkyo Bridge can be had from road bridge about 10 meters further downstream. Unless you rent a kimono and would like to have a perfect picture taken from the road! (check out our Kimono Experience post).

Address: 2307 Sannai, Nikko

Access: On foot, about 1.5 km from Nikko station, and it takes about 25 minutes.
By bus, take the bus to Chuzenji or Yumoto-onsen, get off at Shinkyo stop.

Reitaisai at Toshogu Shrine

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Today, the Reitaisai was held at Toshogu Shrine. At 11:15am the Portable Shrine Procession (Mikoshi togyo sai) started. It is referred to as the procession of 1,000 Samurai and it included over 1,200 attendants divided into 53 categories, including warriors in armor who escorted the portable shrines to the Sojourn Hall.

Also, special food offerings were made, and other activities such as Sacred Artistic Rites performed by Eight Shrine Maidens and incantations read by the Chief Priest were performed.

The ceremony ended when the procession returned to Toshogu Shrine.

Did you miss it? You can see it again on October 17th, but in the meantime here are some picture we took today.



Grand Festival at Toshogu Shrine

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The Reitaisai (Grand Festival) will be held next May 17 and 18 at Toshogu Shrine, so you shouldn’t miss it if you are in the area!

From 10 in the morning on May 17, a ceremony is held at the shrine in the presence of the head of the Tokugawa family, Sanshikai officials, and other dignitaries and guests.

From 1pm, archery on horseback is be performed in a special area, and in the evening three portable shrines are brought to Futarasan Shrine and the Yoinari-sai (Evening Arrival Ceremony) is conducted by priests from both shrines.

On May 18, the Portable Shrine Procession (Mikoshi togyo sai) will start at 11am. It is referred to as the procession of 1,000 Samurai and it includes over 1,200 attendants divided into 53 categories, including warriors in armor who will escort the portable shrines to the Sojourn Hall.

Also, special food offerings will be made, and other activities such as Sacred Artistic Rites performed by Eight Shrine Maidens and incantations read by the Chief Priest will be performed.

The ceremony will end when the procession returns to Toshogu Shrine.



See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil

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When visiting Nikko, you cannot miss Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868.

The shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest, and the use of paths and stairways that follow the natural topography of the site create a magnificent atmosphere.

You will note that Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements. The buildings are lacquered and decorated with vibrant colors and gold leaf, and there are countless wood carvings covering the structures and pillars. Do not miss the symbol of peace “Sleeping Cat”, and the “Three Monkeys” with the “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” poses!






Hours

8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November to March); admission ends 30 minutes before closing

Admission

1300 yen (shrine), 1000 yen (museum), 2100 yen (shrine and museum)

Access

Toshogu is located a 30 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (310 yen one way, 500 yen day pass, covered by the Nikko Passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko Stations.


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