In brief
The temples and shrines of Nikko are considered together with their surroundings. The decorative detail is only one of the scales of observation.
Useful to know
UNESCO presents the temples and shrines of Nikko along with their natural environment as a long-existing sacred place. The ensemble is closely related to the history of the Tokugawa shoguns and is known for its architectural and decorative workmanship.[1]
This means that a detailed shot of a decorated surface is not a complete description of the place. The relationship between buildings and the environment is also needed for spatial reading.
A practical task is to consider three scales: a common ensemble, a separate building and a detail. For each write down what question he can answer. The overall frame shows placement; the detail - processing of a specific part. One does not replace the other.
Do not make the relationship with the dynasty any date for each element. When you want an exact year for a specific building or decoration, it should be checked separately according to its description.
Sources
For further detail and to check the information: