Yōmeimon Gate 🐉⛩️

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck

Address:
2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1431, Japan 📍 (Located within the Nikko Toshogu Shrine grounds, near the Shinkyo Bridge or Taiyuin/Futarasanjinja-mae bus stops, about a 10–12-minute walk)

Atmosphere/Location:
Yōmeimon Gate, or "Higurashi-no-mon" (Gate of the Evening Sun), is the most beautiful gate and the main highlight of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a shrine dedicated to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. 🏯 Located in the center of the shrine, near Shinkyuusha (Three Wise Monkeys) and Sanjinko (Three Sacred Storehouses), it is surrounded by a grove of majestic cedar trees. 🌲 The surrounding atmosphere is filled with sacredness and grandeur, like a gateway to the spiritual world. 🙏

The gate itself is a two-story structure in the Gongen-zukuri style. Decorated with over 500 carvings 🐉🦒🦢, including dragons, lions, kirin, cranes, and even legendary Chinese figures, the gold leaf and vibrant colors make it appear to glow in the sunlight ✨, earning it the nickname "Gate of the Evening Sun" because it's a sight you can gaze at all day without getting bored.

Highlights:
• Exquisite carvings: Over 500 carvings, including mythical creatures, dragons, cranes, and characters from Chinese folklore, represent the power and wealth of the Tokugawa clan. 🐉
• Spectacular architecture: Featuring 12 white pillars adorned with floral motifs and gold leaf, it's stunning from every angle.
• Sacredness: It serves as the gateway to the Haiden and Honden, the most sacred parts of the shrine. Passing through this gate is like stepping into a spirit realm. 🙏
• Prime location: Located in the heart of the shrine, near Shinkyuusha, Sanjinko, and Honjido Hall (Crying Dragon). 🐒
• Autumn views: The red and orange leaves in October and November illuminate the Yōmeimon like a painting. Especially when the light hits the golden gate. 📸

Average price per person:
• Nikko Toshogu Shrine Admission (including Yōmeimon Gate): 1,600 yen (≈ 380 baht) Adults / 450 yen (≈ 105 baht) Children 🎟️
• Toshogu Shrine + Taiyū-in Mausoleum Combination Ticket: 2,100 yen (≈ 500 baht) Adults
• Bus from Tobu Nikko Station or JR Nikko: 320 yen (≈ 75 baht) or a one-day pass for 600 yen 🚌
• Tobu Nikko Pass (4 days): 4,600 yen (≈ 1,100 baht) covers both buses and trains.

Score:
⭐ 4.5/5
Yōmeimon Gate represents the prosperity of the Edo period. 🌟 Delicate carvings and dazzling gold. And the grand architecture makes it a must-visit destination for everyone. 🐉 The charm lies in the details hidden in every corner, but its popularity makes it quite crowded during the autumn season. 🙈 It is recommended to come early in the morning (around 9:00) to get beautiful photos and have time to admire the carvings. 🍂