Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮) is a Shinto shrine located in Nikko, Japan. It was initially built in 1617 by Tokugawa Hidetada, the second Tokugawa shogun, as a mausoleum for his father, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Later, it was significantly expanded and renovated by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, in the first half of the 17th century. The shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Ieyasu, known as Tosho Daigongen, and two other prominent figures in Japanese history, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Minamoto no Yoritomo.

Toshogu Shrine is renowned for its lavish and colorful decorations, including intricate wood carvings, gold leaf, and lacquer work. The most famous carving is the “Three Wise Monkeys,” located on the Sacred Stable, depicting three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth, symbolizing the proverb “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”

Among the shrine’s notable features are the Yomeimon Gate, adorned with hundreds of intricate carvings and paintings, and the Sacred Stable, which houses the “Sleeping Cat” sculpture, believed to be carved by Hidari Jingoro and said to safeguard the shrine from mice. The shrine also features the Yomeimon Gate, often referred to as the “Higurashi-mon” (gate of the setting sun) due to its captivating beauty that makes people lose track of time.

Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is considered one of the most important shrines in Japan. It welcomes visitors year-round and attracts millions of tourists annually.

Getting there

By Bus

From Tobu Nikko Station:

• Take the World Heritage Sightseeing bus from bus stop 2B
• Get off at Nishi-Sando or Omotesando bus stop
• Journey time: About 10 minutes
• Cost: 350 yen for adults, 180 yen for children

From JR Nikko Station:

• Take the World Heritage Sightseeing bus from bus stop 1B
• Get off at Nishi-Sando or Omotesando bus stop
• Journey time: About 10 minutes

By Foot

• 35-minute walk from the station area

Details

Hours	April 1st to October 31st / 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM November 1st to March 31st / 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Reception closes 30 mitutes before closing time.
Admission	High school students and above: 1,300 yen Elementary school students and junior high school students: 450 yen
Phone	+81 288-54-0560
Address	2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431
Resources	https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/spots/nikko-toshogu-shrine/