Nikko

The five-story pagoda stands between Rinnonji temple and the Toshogu shrine.

One of the giant guards on the sides of Omote-mon gate

A view of the courtyard past Omote-mon gate

Unlike the other buildings, the monkey carvings in Shinkyusha (the shrine's stable) are the only part of it that's painted.

The most famous carving in Shinkyusha: hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil.

The bronze torii and, behind it, Yomei-mon gate, sided by the smaller drum and bell towers

Yomei-mon gate is the most ornate building in the whole shrine.

A detail of the carvings on Yomei-mon gate

A lateral altar in the main courtyard

The bronze torii, the inevitable souvenir stall and the stable, seen from Yomei-mon gate

The wooden torii gate sets the boundaries of Toshogu shrine.

Buddhist priests and priestesses at the entrance to Rinnonji temple

An interesting presentation for lunch: the tempura veggies are clearly seen, while the tofu, the miso and the udon noodles are "hidden" in the containers.

A view of lake Chuzenji

The Kegon waterfall