The Oku-no-in is the actual burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Seen at right and below (from two different perspectives) is the reliquary pagoda in which Ieyasu’s remains are found. Ieyasu’s remains were brought to Nikko nearly one year after his death in April of 1616. Ieyasu’s exacting specifications on his burial helped portay an important image; Ieyasu wanted to be worshipped as a god and revered by his entire nation. All of Ieyasu’s preparations were consistent with his character for he had established the foundations of the Edo-period feudal system. Nikko’s religious architectural scheme hints at a political agenda that complements Ieyasu’s unfettered rationalism. |
