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To Nikko-san Rinno-ji at the beginning of the year

2026年1月3日 23:50

Nikko is a power spot for me.
I first visited in the first year of Reiwa.

The stone walls boasting linear beauty, the shrine buildings woven from the contrast of black and gold, the bronze lanterns donated by famous warlords, and the solemn and vivid Yomeimon Gate.
I was swallowed up by a space of beauty where everything exuded a strong presence yet was mysteriously in harmony.

Since then, I have visited Nikko frequently.
I have become completely captivated by Nikko, repeatedly discovering new charms every time I visit not only Toshogu, but also Takio Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Chuzenji Temple, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, Senjogahara, Yudaki Falls, and Yumoto Onsen (laughs).

After visiting Toshogu, I enjoy walking along the Nikko Kaido road, which passes through Ishiyamacho, Gokomachi, and Hachiishimachi,and relaxing in a cafe is one of my pleasures.
It is a bit far, butthe Nikko Kaido road with its cedar-lined avenue also makes me feel like I have slipped back in time to the Edo period,giving me goosebumps.

Well, that is enough of an introduction about my love for Nikko...

I went to Nikko-san Rinno-ji at the beginning of this year as well.
This is to receive the Goma prayer at the Daigomado Hall, just like last year.

During the solemn prayer led by the head priest Jihō Hatakeyama, I gazed at the Five Great Myoo deities enshrined beyond the Goma altar,and prayed with the wish that I could spend this year in good health and peace.

In front of the Daigomado Hall where light snow is fluttering

When I left the Daigomado Hall, the snow was fluttering and the cold was even more severe, so I had some amazake in front of the five-story pagoda to warm up my body, and stuffed my cheeks with Shofuku mochi as a bonus.

It seems to be amazake that has been blessed at Nikko Toshogu.

The fact that I deeply feelhow happy I amabout such things might be an immediate blessing (laughs).

Even in the snow, there were many worshippers on the approach.

The stalls on the approach were also popular.

Since the light snow did not seem to be stopping, I started to descend the approach thinking I had to head to the station early, but I ended up making a detour.

Hongu Cafe on the approach to Hongu Shrine

The chozuya (water pavilion) and torii gate of Hongu Shrine
✳︎The area around Hongu Shrine is said to be the place where Nikko was opened by Shodo Shonin.

It is theHongu Cafestanding on the snow-covered approach.
I had a sandwich and coffee in the shop warmed by a stove, and spent some time blankly thinking that I did not want to go outside anymore.
-Having coffee in a shrine in Nikko-
While being grateful for such a luxurious time, I left the cafe, worried about the snow.

The bread was toasted crispy, and it went perfectly with the egg sandwich. The coffee was even more delicious while watching the cedar trees on the approach being covered in snow.

On the way,when I saw the snow-covered Shinkyo Bridge, it reminded me of "Snow at Nikko Shinkyo Bridge (1930)" by the master of Shin-hanga, Hasui Kawase.
By the way, speaking of Hasui Kawase, he is a Shin-hanga artist who is popular overseas, known for Steve Jobs being an enthusiastic collector.
I felt like I had gained something because I was able to enjoy such a scene even in the cold.

Hasui Kawase's work "Snow at Nikko Shinkyo Bridge"

It was a live-action version of "Snow at Nikko Shinkyo Bridge".

With that kind of pace, making detours, the sun had completely set by the time I arrived at JR Nikko Station.
The lights of the station building, built in the first year of the Taisho era, gently welcomed my cold body.

Being a building from the first year of the Taisho era, it has a modern atmosphere.

This is the former guest room on the second floor. It has been preserved and is open to the public for free.

With that, I was able to receive vitality at Nikko-san Rinno-ji Temple at the beginning of the year.