May 17, 2014 - 1 min read

Kyoto Toyokuni Shrine

Visit the resurrected shrine and travel back in time!

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

National treasure, Kara-Mon (main gate) of Toyokuni Shrine

Torii gate and green trees at Toyokuni Shrine, Higashiyama, Kyoto

Kara-Mon gate (main gate) of Toyokuni Shrine. This is a national treasure and was moved first from Nijo Castle to Fushimi Castle, then to Toyokuni Shrine

Gentle breeze flutters gourd-shaped Ema (wish plaques) hanging from Kara-Mon gate

Intricate gold decoration of Kara-Mon, a national treasure. Toyotomi clan's crest, Paulownia of 5-7 can be seen

Close-up of one of the gold decorations. Crests of Japanese Imperial family (chrysanthemum) and Toyotomi Clan (Paulownia of 5-7) are engraved

Shrine office, trees on the grounds and the moon in the sky

Entrance to treasure house. Unfortunately I arrived late in the afternoon and it was already closed

Long corridors leading to where?

Entrance of some gardens. It was forbidden to enter...

...but when it's forbidden, you want to peek in, don't you?

Stone lantern and green trees

Pine tree and Kara-Mon (main gate) of Toyokuni Shrine

Toyokuni Shrine, Higashiyama, Kyoto, is where Toyotomi Hideyoshi is enshrined. This shrine was almost destroyed when Tokugawa eliminated the Toyotomi Clan by burning Osaka Castle to ashes, but was saved by the beseeching of Nene, the wife of Hideyoshi. It had been closed and forbidden to enter for 269 years throughout the Edo Period, but was re-opened by Meiji Emperor in 1868, when Tokugawa lost its power. For details, please read my other article. Next door is Hokoji Temple, where the fatal bell that doomed the Toyotomi Clan stands.

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Takako Sakamoto

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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