Oct 5, 2016 - 1 min read

Visiting Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine

Fine carvings and immaculate structures

By Steve Morton

Community writer

Kamijinko with two other store houses which collectively are called Sanjiko, literally meaning three sacred storehouses

The bustling entrance to the world famous Toshogu Shrine

The first of many impressive structures which can be seen throughout this site

One of Toshougu`s most famous carvings is the Sozonozou (imagined elephant), because the carver had never actually seen a real life elephant

San-zaru or three wise Monkeys’; a popular image which can be found in numerous literature and popular culture throughout the world

The colorful Kamijinko, (upper store house) which is one of 3 famous storehouses within the Toshogu Shrine complex

Amongst the numerous illustrations were these colorful tigers which beg a similar question to the imagined elephant: did the carver imagine these creatures as well or venture overseas to see them in real life?

Two dragons looking down at you from the roof of the Karamon Building

Designated a national treasure, the Karamon building features many excellent carvings painted with a special chalk to give each illustration an almost ivory white appearance

The ivory white contrasts perfectly with many of the other bright colors found within this structure

Located towards the back of Toshogu Shrine is this locked gate which is perhaps an unofficial shortcut to the resting place of Leyasu Tokugawa, (the founding Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate)

A scary looking creature guards these gates

Notice

Toshogu Shrine has been undergoing a wide-ranging renovation program since 2007 and is expected to last until March 2024. Works are gradual and isolated to avoid disruption, so it is likely the impact of any visit is minimal.

Latest on Nikko Toshogu Shrine

It would be hard to visit Nikko without seeing at least one of the world heritage sites for which this city is famous.

This is a predicament I found myself in when passing the grand gates of the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine where I decided to cough up the hefty 1,300 Yen entrance fee.

Dedicated to Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1617, (the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate), Toshogu Shrine rightfully achieved UNESCO recognition in 1999.

More info

Find out more about Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

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Steve Morton

By Steve Morton

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