Nikko (Japanese letters. "Sunlight") is one of Japan's oldest religious and pilgrimage centers. Located 140 km north of Tokyo. As of May 1, 2006, 93,568 people lived in the municipality. With an area of approx. 1,500 sq. km it is the third largest municipality in Japan.
Japanese historians claim that the Shinto idol acted in Nikko back in the 4th century. n e. Be that as it may, in 767, the Fututarasan Sanctuary was founded on the top of an extinct volcano. Its walls, as well as an old bridge over a mountain river, are painted in bright scarlet color, symbolizing blood.
Nikko's main attraction is the Tosho-gu Shinto Shrine - the resting place of the great general and statesman Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. Nearby is the mausoleum of his grandson Iemitsu. These structures are located in a grove of huge Japanese cedars and are distinguished by an abundance of gilded details.
Nikko is a part of the national park of the same name with picturesque mountain views, rich trout Lake Tyuzenji and views of the 100-meter Kegon waterfall. In Japan, there is a saying: "Do not say" great "until you see Nikko."