What i expected of nikko, serene and mysterious and foggy unsettling vibes. Peaceful, but somehow haunting. A perfect depiction of what i imagine of ancient nikko scenery looks like
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 spiritual atmosphere.
This mausoleum was actually somewhat empty, compared to the immense crowds visiting the area. This allowed for a more contemplative visit. The buildings are beautiful, and the grounds are wonderful. It was particularly enchanting in the second half of October (I visited on October 22), as the weather was beautiful and the trees looked great. A great gem for those vising Nikko and wanting to leave the most crowded attractions in the area.
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 non-slip soles.
Less crowded resting place of the Tokugawa family. In my opinion, it's more enjoyable because of the peace in the air. The gate statues are amazing. You can finally clear your mind and enjoy a little.
