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  • JR Nikko Station is the oldest wooden building in JR East. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building, who also designed the former Imperial Hotel, which also was built with the Oya stone. Nikko Station is well known as a model of Meiji period architecture.
    JR-nikko-station-3.jpg
  • JR Nikko Station is the oldest wooden building in JR East. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building, who also designed the former Imperial Hotel, which also was built with the Oya stone. Nikko Station is well known as a model of Meiji period architecture.
    JR-nikko-station-2.jpg
  • JR Nikko Station is the oldest wooden building in JR East. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building, who also designed the former Imperial Hotel, which also was built with the Oya stone. Nikko Station is well known as a model of Meiji period architecture.
    JR-nikko-station-4.jpg
  • JR Nikko Station is the oldest wooden building in JR East. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building, who also designed the former Imperial Hotel, which also was built with the Oya stone. Nikko Station is well known as a model of Meiji period architecture.
    JR-nikko-station-1.jpg
  • JR Nikko Station is the oldest wooden building in JR East. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building, who also designed the former Imperial Hotel, which also was built with the Oya stone. Nikko Station is well known as a model of Meiji period architecture.
    nikko-station-1.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrines are found throughout Japan. The most famous is located in Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists. Five structures at Nikk&#333; T&#333;sh&#333;-g&#363; are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.  The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.<br />
Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated.
    Tozai-Kairo-4.jpg
  • Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Nikko Edo Village is a Disneyesque recreation of the Tokugawa era capital of Tokyo, then called Edo. Edo Village emphasizes entertainment so you won't confuse this amusement park for a museum or anthropological site.
    edo-mura-1.jpg
  • Kegon Waterfall is the most famous among the many other falls in Nikko National Park The water falls from 97 meters high and you will enjoy natural beauty around the fall. Nachi waterfall in Wakayama, Fukuroda waterfall in Ibaraki, and Kegon waterfall in Nikko are known as the finest three waterfalls in Japan. The name of the Kegon was derived from a Buddhist sutra.
    kegon-waterfall-01.jpg
  • Taiyu-in at Rinnoji Nikko - Taiyuin-byo is the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa the shogun who was the grandson of Ieyasu. Rinnoji Temple was founded in 766 AD by the Buddhist hermit monk Shodo Shonin.  Rinnoji quickly became a popular retreat for ascetic monks who wished to meditate in the mountains.  It was once so important that it had 500 sub-temples under its rule.  Rinnoji is best known for its Sanbutsudoh Three Buddha Hall and the beautiful Japanese meditation garden Shoyo-en on its grounds.  The layout at Shoyo-en is modeled after Lake Biwa, showing the Japanese knack for representation through reduction and miniaturization.
    taiyu-in-5.jpg
  • Taiyu-in at Rinnoji Nikko - Taiyuin-byo is the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa the shogun who was the grandson of Ieyasu. Rinnoji Temple was founded in 766 AD by the Buddhist hermit monk Shodo Shonin.  Rinnoji quickly became a popular retreat for ascetic monks who wished to meditate in the mountains.  It was once so important that it had 500 sub-temples under its rule.  Rinnoji is best known for its Sanbutsudoh Three Buddha Hall and the beautiful Japanese meditation garden Shoyo-en on its grounds.  The layout at Shoyo-en is modeled after Lake Biwa, showing the Japanese knack for representation through reduction and miniaturization.
    taiyu-in-2.jpg
  • Nikko Antique and Curio Shop
    japanese-antique-shop-image.jpg
  • Rinnoji Temple's Shoyo-en Garden in Nikko. The garden was made in the early Edo period originally but revised in the beginning of the 19th century. A Confucian scholar, Issai Sato gave the garden its name. The temple's main building, which enshrines successive members of the Imperial family.
    shoyo-en.jpg
  • Taiyu-in at Rinnoji Nikko - Taiyuin-byo is the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa the shogun who was the grandson of Ieyasu. Rinnoji Temple was founded in 766 AD by the Buddhist hermit monk Shodo Shonin.  Rinnoji quickly became a popular retreat for ascetic monks who wished to meditate in the mountains.  It was once so important that it had 500 sub-temples under its rule.  Rinnoji is best known for its Sanbutsudoh Three Buddha Hall and the beautiful Japanese meditation garden Shoyo-en on its grounds.  The layout at Shoyo-en is modeled after Lake Biwa, showing the Japanese knack for representation through reduction and miniaturization.
    taiyu-in-7.jpg
  • Taiyu-in at Rinnoji Nikko - Taiyuinbyo is the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa the shogun who was the grandson of Ieyasu. Rinnoji Temple was founded in 766 AD by the Buddhist hermit monk Shodo Shonin.  Rinnoji quickly became a popular retreat for ascetic monks who wished to meditate in the mountains.  It was once so important that it had 500 sub-temples under its rule.  Rinnoji is best known for its Sanbutsudoh Three Buddha Hall and the beautiful Japanese meditation garden Shoyo-en on its grounds.  The layout at Shoyo-en is modeled after Lake Biwa, showing the Japanese knack for representation through reduction and miniaturization.
    taiyu-in-3.jpg
  • Colourful guardian at Futarasan Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nikko.
    futarasan-2.jpg
  • Yomeimon Gate at Toshugu Shrine - Toshogu Shrines are found throughout Japan though the most famous is located in Nikko. It is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists. Five structures at Nikko are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.  The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.  Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated.
    yomeimon-nikko-2.jpg
  • 28. Toshogu Shrine 日光東照宮  - Toshogu Shrines are found throughout Japan though the most famous by far is located in Nikko. The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.  Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated and covered with gold leaf and colored carvings.
    28.NIKKO-TOSHOGU-01.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists. Five structures at Nikko are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.  The second shogun Hidetada ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated.  Yomeimon Gate is the highlight of the shrine, far more lavishly decorative than the usual austere shrines in Japan.
    yomeimon-nikko-3.jpg
  • 28. Toshogu Shrine 日光東照宮  - Toshogu Shrines are found throughout Japan though the most famous by far is located in Nikko. The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.  Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated and covered with gold leaf and colored carvings.
    28.2.NIKKO-TOSHOGU-03.jpg
  • 28. Toshogu Shrine 日光東照宮  - Toshogu Shrines are found throughout Japan though the most famous by far is located in Nikko. The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.  Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated and covered with gold leaf and colored carvings.
    28.1.NIKKO-TOSHOGU-02.jpg
  • 29.1 Shinkyo Bridge 神橋- When the monk Shodo Shonin came to Nikko in order to tame the mountains, at first he could not cross over the Daiya river.  Jinjaou, the God of Snakes, appeared from the clouds when Shoto burned a holy fire to ask for help. The Jinjaou threw two dragons into the river and these transformed themselves into the bridge. Shinkyo Bridge was lacquered vermilion in 1636 but the bridge was washed away by a flood in 1902 and rebuilt in 1904.  It is considered to be the official gateway to Futarasan Shrine.
    29.1.NIKKO-SHINKYO-03.jpg
  • 29. Futarasan 二荒山神社  Futarasan Shrine is much older than its more lavish neighbor, Toshogu Shrine.  Futarasan was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and also founded nearby Rinnoji Temple. This is an unusual juxtaposition of Shinto and Buddhism, particularly since they were both founded by a Buddhist monk - presumably to keep his options open.  At the back of the shrine there is a spring of pure holy water, so pure that it is used for making sake.
    29.NIKKO-FUTARASAN-02.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-12.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-11.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-10.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-15.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-8.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-7.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-4.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-5.jpg
  • Ninjas were warriors specially trained in a variety of unorthodox battle techniques.  Ninja first appeared in 14th century Japan and remained active from the Kamakura to the Edo period.  The role of the ninja included sabotage, espionage, scouting and assassination as a method of destabilization in the service of a feudal lord  or shogun.
    ninja-show-4.jpg
  • Ninjas were warriors specially trained in a variety of unorthodox battle techniques.  Ninja first appeared in 14th century Japan and remained active from the Kamakura to the Edo period.  The role of the ninja included sabotage, espionage, scouting and assassination as a method of destabilization in the service of a feudal lord  or shogun.
    ninja-show-1.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-14.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-6.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-2.jpg
  • Ganmangafuchi Abyss a part of the Daiya River in Nikko.
    ganmangafuchi-2.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-13.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-9.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-3.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa Goyotei blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 100 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. Initially the building served as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family before being moved to Nikko where it was turned into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family.  In the year 2000 the villa was opened to the public after renovation. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles. Many floors are carpeted, and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Although impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Villa occupies only one third of its original space and now functions as a museum and memorial park with a manicured Japanese garden that surrounds the villa.
    tamozawa-villa-1.jpg
  • Ninjas were warriors specially trained in a variety of unorthodox battle techniques.  Ninja first appeared in 14th century Japan and remained active from the Kamakura to the Edo period.  The role of the ninja included sabotage, espionage, scouting and assassination as a method of destabilization in the service of a feudal lord  or shogun.
    ninja-show-5.jpg
  • Ninjas were warriors specially trained in a variety of unorthodox battle techniques.  Ninja first appeared in 14th century Japan and remained active from the Kamakura to the Edo period.  The role of the ninja included sabotage, espionage, scouting and assassination as a method of destabilization in the service of a feudal lord  or shogun.
    ninja-show-2.jpg
  • Omikuji or paper wishes, are a method used for divining personal fortunes which involves drawing straws from a cylinder and then receiving a printed fortune or poem corresponding to a cypher printed on the stick. This is the type of omikuji found most commonly today at shrines.
    wishing-papers.jpg
  • Shoji at Edo Mura - In traditional Japanese architecture, a shoji is a door, window or room divider consisting of translucent paper over a frame of wood or bamboo. While washi is the traditional paper, shoji may be made of modern paper. <br />
Shoji doors are designed to slide open, and thus conserve space that would be required by a swinging door. They are used in traditional houses especially in the washitsu  or Japanese-style room.
    edo-mura-2.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrine was built in 1617 as the mausoleum of the Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main shrine buildings were built by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1636. Building of the Toshogu represented the climax of the Gongen zukuri style which characterizes Japanese shrine architecture. Skills of the highest level available at the time were applied to the structures.
    toshogu-shrine-torii-3.jpg
  • Ninjas were warriors specially trained in a variety of unorthodox battle techniques.  Ninja first appeared in 14th century Japan and remained active from the Kamakura to the Edo period.  The role of the ninja included sabotage, espionage, scouting and assassination as a method of destabilization in the service of a feudal lord  or shogun.
    ninja-show-3.jpg
  • Shinkyo Bridge -  When Monk Shoto came to Nikko in order to civilize the mountains he could not cross over the Daiya river. Jinjaou, the God of Snakes,  appeared from the cloud when Shoto burned a holy fire to ask help. The Jinjaou threw two snakes and these transformed themselves into the bridge. Shinkyo Bridge was lacquered vermilion in  1636 but the bridge was washed away by a flood in 1902, and was rebuilt in 1904.
    shinkyo-bridge-1.jpg
  • Ganmangafuchi Abyss or Gorge is a great nature trail in Nikko and a nice break from the temples and tourists.   At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail.  However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902.
    ganmangafuchi-1.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-2.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-9.jpg
  • The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.<br />
Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated.
    wise-monkeys.jpg
  • Shinkyo Bridge -  When Monk Shoto came to Nikko in order to civilize the mountains he could not cross over the Daiya river. Jinjaou, the God of Snakes,  appeared from the cloud when Shoto burned a holy fire to ask help. The Jinjaou threw two snakes and these transformed themselves into the bridge. Shinkyo Bridge was lacquered vermilion in  1636 but the bridge was washed away by a flood in 1902, and was rebuilt in 1904.
    shinkyo-bridge-2.jpg
  • Shinkyo Bridge -  When Monk Shoto came to Nikko in order to civilize the mountains he could not cross over the Daiya river. Jinjaou, the God of Snakes,  appeared from the cloud when Shoto burned a holy fire to ask help. The Jinjaou threw two snakes and these transformed themselves into the bridge. Shinkyo Bridge was lacquered vermilion in  1636 but the bridge was washed away by a flood in 1902, and was rebuilt in 1904.
    shinkyo-bridge-3.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-1.jpg
  • Japanese service quality is light years ahead of the rest of the world. Almost everybody who visits Japan raves about it.  The Japanese style of service quality comes very much from their culture and upbringing. From young, kids in Japan were taught religiously - at home or in school - to observe being respectful to their elders and to think of others before themselves.  Delightful service encounters in Japan are fairly universal. You can get it not only in five star hotels, but also in the little family restaurants tucked away in the allies.
    japanese-server-02.jpg
  • Japanese service quality is light years ahead of the rest of the world. Almost everybody who visits Japan raves about it.  The Japanese style of service quality comes very much from their culture and upbringing. From young, kids in Japan were taught religiously - at home or in school - to observe being respectful to their elders and to think of others before themselves.  Delightful service encounters in Japan are fairly universal. You can get it not only in five star hotels, but also in the little family restaurants tucked away in the allies.
    japanese-server-01.jpg
  • Japanese School Kids on Excursion at Toshogu Shrine - built in 1617 as the mausoleum of the Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main shrine buildings were built by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1636. Building of the Toshogu represented the climax of the Gongen zukuri style which characterizes Japanese shrine architecture. Skills of the highest level available at the time were applied to the structures.
    toshogu-school-excursion-3.jpg
  • Japanese School Kids on Excursion at Toshogu Shrine - built in 1617 as the mausoleum of the Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main shrine buildings were built by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1636. Building of the Toshogu represented the climax of the Gongen zukuri style which characterizes Japanese shrine architecture. Skills of the highest level available at the time were applied to the structures.
    tobu-world-square-11.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  Itís at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    BW-Western-Village-08.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Shooting Range - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-21.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo Abandoned Mannequins - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-07.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-04.jpg
  • Rinnoji Temple's Shoyo-en Garden in Nikko. The garden was made in the early Edo period originally but revised in the beginning of the 19th century. A Confucian scholar, Issai Sato gave the garden its name. The temple's main building, which enshrines successive members of the Imperial family.
    shoyo-en-12.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  Itís at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    BW-Western-Village-01.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo Abandoned Mannequins - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-60.jpg
  • Haikyo Western Village Hanging - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-59.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Saloon - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-58.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Jail - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-53.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo - Abandoned Barber Shop -<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-50.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Stagecoach - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-45.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-41.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Mt Rushmore - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-38.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Buffalo - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-34.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-29.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Saddle - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-27.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Shooting Range - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-19.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Saloon - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-17.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Jail -  <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-15.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Jail - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-14.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo - Abandoned Bank - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-10.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo - Abandoned Bank - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-09.jpg
  • Buckingham Palace Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-5.jpg
  • Sagrada Familia Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-4.jpg
  • Old Imperial Hotel Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-8.jpg
  • Sphinx Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-2.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-8.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo - Abandoned Bank - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-70.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Pachinko - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-64.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Shooting Range - Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-61.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Jail -  <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-54.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo - Abandoned Barber Shop -<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-52.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-49.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Saloon - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-47.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-43.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Stagecoach - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-32.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Stuffed Animals - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-25.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-23.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo<br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-24.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Amusement Park - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-20.jpg
  • Western Village Haikyo, Abandoned Stuffed Animals - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-22.jpg
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