JAPAN ~Yomeimon Gate - Nikko Toshogu Shrine - UNESCO~

... Great view of the beautifully designed Yomeimon (Main Gate)... this ornate gate is one of the highlights and most representative of the many buildings at the Nikko Shrine... probably the most decorated gate in Japan... the temple pay respect and represents the peace created by Lord Tokugawa Leyasu (the shogun who united Japan)... a glittering structure decorated with more than 240,000 pieces of gold leaf... it shows the talent of the many artisans that would have worked on this fascinating gate... lavishly decorated with 508 elaborate carvings of flowers, dragons, flying horses and other creatures... as well as events and sages including those from ancient China... the gate is about 7 meters wide between the pillars, 4 meters deep, and 11 meters high... one of the pillars is upside down which it is said is deliberate... this means that the gate is considered unfinished and therefore does not invite bad luck and to avoid angering jealous spirits... Thanks a lot Phoebe!  (✿◠‿◠)  

Nikko City is a traditional Japanese religious centre with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples harmoniously integrated in their natural surroundings. The richly decorated buildings originate from the 17th century and form a perfect illustration of the Edo style of architecture. They lie in the forest and on mountain slopes, both of which hold sacred meaning in the Shinto belief.

In 1999 the Nikko Toshogu Shrine became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Stamps:

Musical Instruments - Horns

(Issued 06-12-2018)

Sika Deer

(Issued 02-02-2015)