Nikko Toshogu Shrine

日光東照宮

A World Heritage shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its gilded carvings, including the Yomei Gate, the Three Wise Monkeys, and the Sleeping Cat, represent the peak of Edo-period architectural decoration.

Nikko Toshogu was founded in 1617 and enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate. Most of the present buildings were reconstructed by his grandson, the third shogun Iemitsu, during the Kan'ei Great Rebuilding of 1636. Around 450,000 craftsmen were involved, and the complex is lavishly decorated with gold leaf and lacquer.

Highlights:

① Yomei Gate: a National Treasure with more than 500 carvings. It is also called the "Gate of Sunset" because visitors can admire it for hours and not want to leave.

② The "Three Wise Monkeys" in the Sacred Stable: the monkeys that "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" are part of a set of eight reliefs depicting the life of a monkey.

③ The "Sleeping Cat" in the east corridor: a National Treasure, said to be the work of the master carver Hidari Jingoro. Walk under the Sleeping Cat and climb 207 stone steps to reach Okumiya, the mausoleum of Ieyasu.

④ The "Singing Dragon" in the Honjido: clap the wooden clappers beneath the painted dragon on the ceiling to hear an echo that sounds like a dragon's cry. This requires a separate Honjido ticket or a combined pass.

Admission for adults is about ¥1,600, including Okumiya. Hours are 9:00 to 17:00 from April to October, and 9:00 to 16:00 from November to March. Entry closes 30 minutes before closing time. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit.

Getting there: take a World Heritage loop bus from Tobu-Nikko Station for about 10 minutes, or walk for about 30 minutes.

Note: photography is not permitted inside the main hall, and you must remove your shoes. During peak season, the crowds are heaviest around midday, so arrive at opening time.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

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