In Japan, temples and shrines are usually moderate in colors and decorations. Mostly, you can meet dark-brown or red-colored "Otera" (temple) or "Jinja" (shrine) with golden decorations. But, the Nikko National Park complex fascinated me with its multi-colored paintings and intricate carvings. I discovered them one by one and got more and more excited. I believe it is the best place in Japan to see the objects of religion gathered in one place! Some of them, such as Toshugu shrine or Tokugawa mausoleum, are quite famous.
- 1 min read
Colors of Nikko National Park
Japan's most lavishly decorated temples & shrines

By Elena Lisina
Community writer

Multi-colored fragment (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Bright pagoda greets you at the very entrance (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Painted carvings (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Nikko's jumble (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

One more fragment (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Really old things (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Skillful wooden carving (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Beautiful painting upon carving (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Closer look at details (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Details are really fascinating! (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Portable shrines for festivals (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Details are worth to examine attentively (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Even one fragment has so many details! (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

So many efforts were put into creating this! (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Metal decorations also worthy of attention (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

One can see how excited I have been! (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

The entire entrance (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Blue color is rare (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Colors of old metal and stone lanterns (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Picturesque Pine tree (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Sacred Shinto stone (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

One of the temples (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

One of the "guards" of Nikko (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Guards are all different (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Spring flowers in Nikko (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Great figurine! (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Beautiful golden flowers (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

I could take photos forever! (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Sunset in Nikko (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Just picturesque view! (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

My clorful dinner in Nikko (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)

Oyasumi nasai... (Photo: Shiroi Tenshi)
Information
〒320-0027 Tochigi Prefecture, Utsunomiya, Hanawada, 5 Chome−2−70 (Directions)
Features animals
See our policy on animal welfare
Join the discussion
Preethu
8 years ago
Sugoi desune!
Hai, sou desuyo!
Corinna David
8 years ago
I love how you were able to capture the details. Truly fascinating!
Thank you! I WAS really facinated!
Reynald Ventura
8 years ago
Brilliant colours Tenshi sama
Arigatou! Sugoi deshita!
6 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Driving in Japan: Guide to ETC for Highway Toll Gates
Transportation -
2
Suica 2026 and Beyond: What’s New and What’s Cool
Culture -
3
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
4
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
5
Kamenoi Hotel Atami
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
6
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
7
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
8
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
9
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
10
Starbucks Japan Spices Up Summer
Food
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Adachi Fireworks
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto