Oct 3, 2012 - 1 min read

Takino-o Path in Nikko

A Buddhist pilgrimage through a cedar forest

By Catherine Hagar

Community writer

Path through the cedar forest

Shinkyo Bridge arcs over the Daiya River. When the founder of Nikko, Priest Shodo, first came to Nikko. It's said that a god helped him cross the rapids by intertwining two snakes together. The snakes turned into a bridge, which still stands today.

An ancient sign carved in stone asking visitors not to relieve themselves in the sacred forest.

The Tomb of Priest Shodo, the founder of the first Buddhist temple in Nikko.

Kaizan-do, where Priest Shodo was cremated at the age of 83, stands in front of the tomb with its sweeping red roof. The building was built specifically for Priest Shodo’s cremation.

Around the tomb is Kannon-do, or Kyosha-do. Kyosha is a piece in Japanese chess, which moves forward in a straight line. The pieces are placed at the building by expecting mothers to pray for a safe and easy delivery.

Next to Kannon-do is Onyo-seki, or the Yin and Yang Stones. Two natural stones are placed next to each other; Yang symbolizes a male and Yin a female. Prayers for fertile land are given at this spot.

Behind the tomb is a cliff decorated by statues called Hotoke-iwa (Buddha’s Stones). Years ago, an earthquake destroyed many of the Buddha figures along the cliff. Now, only six remain.

In 1661, a scholar of the Heian period, Sugawara Michizane, was treasured as a God of Study.

This huge boulder, called Tegake Stone, is said to improve schoolwork and handwriting. After visiting Kitano Shrine, scrape off a small piece of stone and place it on your family altar. However, I found it impossible to knock a chip off the huge boulder.

Shiraito Falls literally means White Thread Falls. It’s said that Priest Kukai wrote a song about the waterfall in 1486. The waterfall is ten meters in height, and is the last monument before making it to Takino’o Shrine.

Undameshi-no-torii is the gate leading into Takino’o Shrine. Undameshi means “try your luck”. Try your luck by trying to throw three rocks through the hole at the head of the gate. If you make it through, you will have good luck.

Finally, you’ve made it to your destination! Takino’o Shrine was built by Priest Kobo in 820. The current building was built in the early Edo period. Before Toshogu Shrine was built, Takino'o was always crowded with people. Now it is a serene, quiet place

Behind Takino’o Shrine is Goshinobuku, which means “sacred trees”. Many years ago, a goddess came down to these three trees. After the original fell down, others were replanted in their place. One of the original trees can still be seen at the front.

Sake-no-izumi, or the fountain of sake, is a small pond with pure, mountain water. Priest Kobo offered this pure water to a god many years ago, and the water has been worshipped by sake makers for it's pure, delicious taste.

Takino-o Path (滝尾の路) in Nikko is a little-known, ancient stone-paved path that leads through an old cedar forest and past historic Buddhist monuments. Walking into the forest, especially during a foggy, rainy day, is like stepping into a mystical, holy place.

The path, once followed by the founder of Nikko, Priest Shodo, leads to Takino-o Shrine, built by Priest Kobo. Buddhist priests who train themselves by enduring ascetic practices made a pilgrimage to Takino-o Shrine until the beginning of the Meiji Era.

There are three major areas to visit along the 5 km path: Shinkyo Bridge at the trailhead, Kaizan-do north of Toshogu Shrine, and Takino’o Shrine north along the Inari-gawa River.

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

Catherine Hagar

By Catherine Hagar

Community writer

Following Follow

Radica Sooknarine

Radica Sooknarine 10 years ago

Beautiful photos! I love the one with the red bridge. I also like the aura presented in these pictures!

Reply

JJ Walsh

JJ Walsh 11 years ago

Reminds me of the hobbit- a beautiful and mysterious place!

Reply

2 comments in total

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.