K r i s t i n   V e r i t a   K a t z e r   M A

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikkō encompasses 103 buildings or structures and the natural setting around them. It is located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The buildings belong to two Shinto shrines (Futarasan Shrine and Tōshō-gū) and one Buddhist temple (Rinnō-ji). Nine of the structures are designated National Treasures of Japan while the remaining 94 are Important Cultural Properties. UNESCO listed the site as World Heritage in 1999.

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One of the historical background is the story about the sleeping cat, which is a little wooden culture inside the temple area. It's been said that it's the most important thing that the cat is sleeping, because only then there's no war in the area around in Japan and a very peaceful time.

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On the very top of the hill is the graveyard of the temple's shogun. People can walk up and pray for their wishes and fortunes. 

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In Japanese culture it's been said you should at least visit this specific temple at least once in your lifetime before you die.