Yashamon Gate (Taiyū-in Mausoleum) ⛩️🌸

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Address:
2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1431, Japan 📍 (Located within the Taiyū-in Mausoleum, near Toshogu Shrine and Futarasan Jinja, about a 5-minute walk from the Taiyuin/Futarasanjinja-mae bus stop.)

Atmosphere/Location:
Yashamon Gate, also known as "Botanmon" (Peony Gate), is the third gate and one of the highlights of Taiyū-in Mausoleum, the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. 🏯 Located on a hillside surrounded by lush cedar forests, 🌲 it exudes a sense of peace and sacredness. The atmosphere around the gate is quieter than that of Toshogu Shrine, offering a sense of escape. 🙏 The gate itself is beautifully decorated with vibrant colors and intricate carvings. Especially the intricate peony and arabesque patterns. 🥀✨ While not as ornate as Toshogu's Yomeimon Gate, Yashamon is captivating with its elegance and balance of Buddhist and Shinto art. 😌 However, English information boards are limited, and during peak season, it can be crowded with tourists, making it a bit difficult to appreciate the details. 🙈

Highlights:
- Peony Carvings: Yashamon Gate is known as "Peony Gate" because of its peony carvings. (symbols of wealth and honor) and arabesques adorn the entire gate. 🌸 These carvings reflect the intricate craftsmanship of the Edo period.
- Yasha Guardians Statues: This gate houses four Yasha statues, Buddhist guardian deities. 🗿 Each statue represents a different color (red, green, blue, and white). The front features Bidara (red) and Abatsumara (green), while the back features Umarokya (blue) and Kendara (white). These statues exude awe and add a sense of mysticism to the gate.
- Taiyū-in Location: Yashamon is the gate leading to Kinkaku-den (the most sacred part of the tomb). It is located behind the Niomon and Nitenmon Gates, making walking through this gate feel like a journey through layers of sacredness. 🛕 Nearby are the Shoro (bell tower) and Koro (drum tower), which are important cultural heritage sites.
- Tranquility and natural scenery: Nestled amidst pine forests and hills, Yashamon offers stunning views. Especially in autumn, when the leaves turn red and orange, it's a perfect spot for taking photos and experiencing the tranquility.
- Part of a World Heritage Site: Taiyū-in, including Yashamon, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making a visit a truly immersive experience of Japanese history and culture.

Average Price per Person:
- Taiyū-in Mausoleum Admission (including Yashamon Gate): 550 yen (approximately 130 baht) for adults, 250 yen (approximately 60 baht) for children. 🎟️
- Sanbutsudo and Taiyū-in Combination Ticket: 900 yen (approximately 215 baht) for adults, 400 yen (approximately 95 baht) for children.

Rating:
4/5 ⭐