The approach to Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

The approach to Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

The view of the Ichino torii from the front approach to Toshogu. Ten stone steps called sennin masusugata stand in front of this stone torii. People other than warriors, such as farmers and townspeople, could only go this far when paying respects to the temple. The ditch in the centre and gentle slope difference have been buried and do not exist today. To the right of the approach is Rinoji Temple, and a man walks with a balancing pole to the left.==Date:unknown, Place:Nikko, Photo:Ogawa Kazumasa, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number9‐13‐0]

Sleeping Cat Carving,Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

Sleeping Cat Carving,Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

A carving of a sleeping cat adorns a platform near the ceiling of the Sen Gate at the rear approach. The cat sleeping in the peony is said to be by the maestro Hidari Kangoro. Through this gate and the Sakashita Gate is the approach leading to the Toshogu Okusha.==Date:unknown, Place:Nikko, Photo:Ogawa Kazumasa, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number6‐25‐0]

Seller of household altars

Seller of household altars

The kamidana (mini-shrine) for ordinary households became popular in the modern era. It coincides with the butsudan (mini Buddhist altar within the household). Usually, the ancestor deities are worshipped in the mini-shrine with an amulet from Ise Shrine, and a sakaki is placed with the omiki (sake for the Gods) and food offerings. At the December market, the mini-shrine vendor opened a shop, and people bought new ones to replace the old for New Year's.==Date:unknown, Place:unknown, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number18‐54‐0]

The front entrance to Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

The front entrance to Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

Going through the Ichino Torii from the Omote Sando (front approach), visitors see the red painted Toshogu front gate above the stone steps. At present, the Nio statue is placed to the left and right of the front, and Komainu (Korean dog) to the right and left of the rear. The front is done in the style of a temple, and the back in the style of a shrine. Under the Shintoism Buddhism division order issued in 1871, the front statue of Nio was moved to the back of Niomon of Daiyuin, and for a time the Komainu were placed in the front. The caption says Ichinomon instead of Niomon.==Date:4th - 30th year of Meiji, Place:Nikko, Photo:Ogawa Kazumasa, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number6‐26‐0]