Toshogu Shrine
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Attractions > Other Cities and Areas > Shrines Temples > Nikko
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Nikko Toshogu Shinyosha by Fg2 (CC0 1.0)
About
Toshogu Shrine (in Japanese; To Sho Gu Jinjya 東照宮), a Shinto Shrine, is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. in 1603. Toshogu Shrine is (of course) a UNESCO World Heritage site. The shrine was built by Tokugawa's son and was enlarged even more by Iemitsu, the 3rd Shogun. The completed shrine took two years and 15,000 craftsmen and lots of gold leaf to complete it. Traditional Shinto Shrines are "minimalistic" and "blend with nature" but the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko is just the opposite being very colorful and decorative.
Two of the most famous elements at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko are the "Sacred Stable" and the "Three Monkeys". The Sacred Stable is where a white Imperial Horse is kept and the Three Monkeys is a famous carving of three monkey's expressing "Hear" no evil, "Speak" no evil, "See" no evil.
Toshogu Shrine in Nikko is one of the "Must Stops" for tourists traveling throughout Japan. The shrine is always full of tourists from overseas and from Japan itself. It is a major destination spot that embellishes lots of history, culture and awe. If you are interested in Shoguns and Japan's feudal era, you may want to take a look at our Castles Page.
Toshogu Shrine is in the Nikko Area of Japan. See our Nikko Area page for a complete guide.
Access
Closest Train Station: Nikko
2301 Sannai Nikko
Tochigi 321-1431 Japan
Tel: 288-54-0560
From Tobu Station and JR Nikko Station, Toshogu Nikko Shrine is about a 30-40 min. walk or a 10 min. bus ride (from outside the station).
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Toshogu Shrine.
Hours & Fees
Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Toshogu Shrine Homepage
