Sanjinko (Three Sacred Storehouses)🏯📦

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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-minute walk.)

Atmosphere/Location:
Sanjinko, or the Three Sacred Storehouses, consists of Kamijinko (Upper Storehouse), Nakajinko (Middle Storehouse), and Shimojinko (Lower Storehouse). These buildings are used to store ritual costumes and utensils, such as clothing and harnesses used in the "Procession of 1000 Samurai," held in spring and autumn. 🪖

The three buildings are located within the grounds of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, near Omotemon Gate and Shinkyuusha (Three Wise Monkeys), surrounded by a grove of majestic cedar trees. 🌲 The atmosphere around Sanjinko is imbued with the sacredness and grandeur of the shrine. The vermilion and gold leaf adorning the building add a touch of elegance ✨ Despite being merely a storage warehouse, it exudes striking beauty.

A highlight is the carving of "Imagined Elephants" (Sozo-no-zo) on Kamijinko, created by an artist who has never seen a real elephant 🐘. Therefore, they use only descriptions and imagination to create the unique and charming elephants. However, during peak seasons such as autumn, it is often crowded with tourists, and English information signs are limited. 🙈

Highlights:
• Imagined Elephants (Sozo-no-zo): The elephant carvings on Kamijinko 🐘 are striking, demonstrating the imagination of an Edo-period artist (believed to be Kano Tanyu) who had never seen a real animal, yet managed to create this legendary work.
• Exquisite Design: The three warehouses are decorated in bright vermilion and gold leaf, with intricate carvings. 🏛️ Despite being storage warehouses, But it's just as beautiful as the other main buildings.
• Ritual significance: The Sanjinko houses the costumes and equipment used in the "Procession of 1000 Samurai," a major parade held every May and October. 🪖 This has led to its continued role in the tradition.
• Location within Toshogu Shrine: Located near Shinkyuusha and Omotemon Gate, it's an important stop on the way to Yomeimon Gate or Honjido Hall. 🐒
• Autumn view: In autumn, (October–November) The red and orange leaves around Sanjinko create a beautiful contrast against the red and gold of the buildings. 📸

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

Rating:
⭐ 4/5
Sanjinko is one of the must-see attractions within Nikko Toshogu Shrine. 🌟 The selling point is the “Imagined Elephants” that cannot be seen anywhere else 🐘 and the beautiful and magnificent architecture, even though it is a warehouse. Note that the carved elephants may look small and unclear if you do not look up. And during the tourist season, it may be so crowded that it is difficult to take pictures 🙈. You should come early around 9:00 to get beautiful pictures, especially during the fall season 🍂