Nikko: Taiyuinbyo

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Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa Shogun, was not content with building the world’s most elaborately decorated shrine for his grandfather. He also build an elaborate mausoleum for himself, located a short distance away. This is the Taiyuinbyo, which also serves as a functioning Buddhist temple.

The outer gate of the Taiyuinbyo is another Thunder Gate,
Thunder Gate

guarded by the gods of Wind
Fuijin the God of Wind

and Thunder.
Raijin the God of Thunder

From there a pathway (with no shops) leads to a middle gate with four impressive guardians.
Middle Gate

Middle Guardian

Middle Guardian

Middle Guardian

Middle Guardian

Another path and flight of stairs leads to the inner gate, with its own guardians.
Inner Gate

Inner Guardian

Inner Guardian

The view looking down the steps.
View from Steps

Here is the entrance of the actual temple building. As usual no photographs are allowed inside.
Entrance

All Entries For This Trip.