Tag: Tokyo

The Tokugawa Shogunate was established in Japan in the 17th century under the leadership of Ieyasu. Following his death, Ieyasu was deified as a Shinto god and numerous shrines were built in his honor throughout Japan. The most famous and elaborate of these is located in Nikkō, Japan and was built in 1616 on the site of the Kanei-ji Buddhist temple which is now part of Ueno Park in Tokyo.

Kanei-ji was a Buddhist temple that was patronized by the Tokugawa family and was one of the funerary temples for the shoguns. What remains of the original temple today is just the shrine, some stone lanterns, and a 5-story pagoda. The shrine was originally part of the temple complex but now stands alone in Ueno Park.

The Kanei-ji Buddhist temple itself was moved to a new location and now sits outside of Ueno Park on the site of a sub-temple. Despite this transformation, the ornate woodwork that adorns the shrine is a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese architecture.

The shrine in Nikkō is known for its elaborate decoration, which includes intricate carvings and gold leaf. The ornate woodwork is a testament to the skill of the craftsmen who created it, and it is considered one of the finest examples of traditional Japanese architecture.

As a Shinto god, Ieyasu became an object of worship for the Japanese people. The shrine that was built in his honor in Nikkō is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the cultural contributions that it made to Japanese society.

Visitors to the shrine can appreciate not only its beautiful architecture and decoration but also the history and legacy of the Tokugawa family. The shrine remains an important part of Japanese culture and tradition to this day.

Posted by Rekishi no Tabi on 2014-07-05 02:26:10