Rin’nōji Taiyū-in (Mausoleum of Iemitsu) — Attraction in Nikko

The Taiyū-in Mausoleum is the final resting place of Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651), the third shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate. Built in 1653, the complex is part of the UNESCO-listed “Shrines and Temples of Nikkō”. The mausoleum was deliberately designed to not overshadow the nearby Nikkō Tōshō‑gū (dedicated to Iemitsu’s grandfather, Tokugawa Ieyasu). Although lavish, its colour scheme and scale are more restrained.

It features several elaborately decorated gates (e.g., Niō-mon, Niten-mon, Yasha-mon, Kara-mon) and rich carvings of dragons, peonies and guardian deities, reflecting the architectural and artistic high-point of the Edo period.

The setting—amid cedar-lined slopes and stepping up through ascending platforms—adds to a serene and...

Serene and beautiful, I highly recommend visiting this area of the Nikko World Heritage Site. You need to purchase a separate ticket for this portion of the visit, but the cost of the ticket is worth it. When we visited in late December, there was no line to get a ticket. I also recommend at least scanning the informational displays to understand a little about the various components of the mausoleum and the traditions of the time. This area was not as crowded, so it was a nice break from the crowds. Strange that it wasn't as crowded, however, since it is equally as beautiful as the main temple. There are a lot of stairs, all made of stone, and it had recently snowed, so I recommend a good pair of shoes with...

This temple is my second favorite inside the complex. You can purchase a ticket for admission to the temple only, or a combination ticket that also includes admission to the Nikkozan Rin’nōji Temple, which was not particularly interesting. The Taiyu-in Temple was a beautiful structure with intricate details. It was worth spending a good amount of time examining every part.

After climbing many steps amongst a bunch of large lanterns, you'll reach the top and find a lavishly designed temple. Inside, you can remove your shoes, sit, relax, and listen to a dedicated guide explain the history of...