Temples & Shrines
Nikko Yabusame Archery Competition 2024
Yabusame Archery Competition at the Nikko Shunki Reitaisai Grand Spring Festival.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The Nikko Toshogu Shrine is arguably one of the most important religious sites in Japan and is located in the forests of Tochigi Prefecture. The shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the samurai leader who united Japan in the early 1600s and the first ruler of the Tokugawa shogunate of the same name, which ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868.
Originally a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was expanded in the first half of the 16th century by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu to create the spectacular complex that can be visited today. The shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings, which have been refined with countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf. This is very unusual as there is usually an emphasis on simplicity in shrine architecture. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements. The wood carving of the monkeys who see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil is best known.
Overview
Address
2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi (Map) (Directions)Hours
9:00 - 17:00 Open NowOpening Hours
Monday
9:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
9:00 - 17:00
Thursday
9:00 - 17:00
Friday
9:00 - 17:00
Saturday
9:00 - 17:00
Sunday
9:00 - 17:00
Holidays
9:00 - 17:00
Price
¥1300~
Phone Number
0288-54-0560Website
Highlights
Yomeimon
With over 500 intricate carvings, the Yonmeimon is known as one of the most beautiful gates in Japan. Rows of elaborate golden dragons are carved onto the huge gate that marks the entrance towards the main shrine building. Yonmeimon gate is rightfully designated as a National Treasure, and is also known as the “Main Gate of the Imperial Court”.
Nemuri-neko
Nemurineko, or Sleeping Cat, is a detailed wooden carving by Hidari Jingoro. The carving depicts a cat falling asleep while surrounded by flowers. Nemurineko is located at the East Corridor of Toshogu Shrine, where it's easily spotted by the crowds of visitors clamoring to take a photo of it.
Toshogu Monkeys
One of Toshogu Shrine’s most famous sights, the lifelike wooden carving of three monkeys are located at the stable building within the complex. The monkeys represent those who hear, speak, and see no evil — a common saying in East Asian culture.
Futarasan Shrine's Shinkyo Bridge.
Standing at the entrance to Nikko's shrines, this sacred bridge actually belongs to Futarasan Shrine, however, visitors to Nikko Toshogu Shrine will cross it. It is considered one of the three finest bridges in Japan.
Discover Futarasan Shrine's Shinkyo Bridge.
General Amenities
- Paid parking
- Information Counter
- Souvenir shop
- Shops
What's unique
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Upcoming Events
2 upcoming events
Culture
1,000 Samurai Procession in Nikko 2024
Designated as a World Heritage site since 1999, thousands of locals gather at Toshogu Shrine to parade in Nikko’s traditional ..
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Nikko Yabusame Archery Competition 2024
Yabusame Archery Competition at the Nikko Shunki Reitaisai Grand Spring Festival.
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