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Nikko Toshogu

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Nikko Toshogu

Japan’s Iconic World Heritage Site and Shrine Dedicated to the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.

4.73 26

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Supervised by :  Nikko Toshogu

Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.

It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Lacquers and beautiful colors applied by skilled craftsmen from across Japan decorate the buildings, and the pillars feature various sculptures and figures.
The shrine’s “Five-Storied Pagoda” is over 36 meters tall, yet it is also earthquake-resistant. The same seismic base isolation techniques used on the pagoda are also used in Tokyo Skytree’s earthquake control system. Nikko Toshogu is also famous for its sculptures of the “three wise monkeys,” which see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil. Furthermore, the entire grounds is covered in a wide variety of vivid sculptures, so there’s always something to see, like “Yomeimon,” which is also known as “higurashi-no-mon.”
Nikko Toshogu is part of the World Heritage Site “The Shrines and Temples of Nikko.”

Highlights

  • Shrine is dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa
  • Features 55 beautiful buildings, including 8 national treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties
  • Registered as part of the World Heritage Site “The Shrines and Temples of Nikko”
  • Audio guide equipment rentals available (requires payment; available in Japanese, English, and Chinese)

Photos

  • A magnificent and splendid Yomeimon Gate.

    A magnificent and splendid Yomeimon Gate.

  • A five-story pagoda boasting a height of 36 meters.

    A five-story pagoda boasting a height of 36 meters.

  • A stable with carvings of the "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" three monkeys.

    A stable with carvings of the "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" three monkeys.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Do you have a temple seal?
A

We distribute pre-written ones within the temple grounds.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Reviews

26

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 金己田
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    The architectural style of Nikko Toshogu is quite different from the usual image people have of Japanese shrines. The ornate Yomeimon Gate is especially striking, and the carvings throughout the grounds are another highlight. From the "Three Wise Monkeys" to the "Sleeping Cat," each one is worth stopping to admire.
    The echoing dragon sound in Yakushido was also unforgettable.
    Overall, Toshogu is full of details worth appreciating, so it would be a bit of a shame to just rush through it.

  • 瑞恩
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    The level of detail is honestly incredible. The carvings are super intricate and gorgeous, and it feels very different from the usual simple style of most shrines. I couldn't stop looking around.

  • Jimmy
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    If you love traditional Japanese architecture, intricate carvings, and cultural history, this place is an absolute must-visit.

  • Jessie Chen
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    The architecture of Nikko Toshogu feels grand and sacred. Its magnificent gates, beautiful paintings, detailed carvings, and ancient style really highlight the best of traditional Japanese architecture.

  • Sunny Liu
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    A World Heritage Site with stories about Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Details

Name in Japanese
日光東照宮
Postal Code
321-1431
Address
2301 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi
Telephone
0288-54-0560
Closed
No holidays
Hours
April-October 9:00am - 5:00pm
November-March 9:00am - 4:00pm
※Reception closes 30 minutes before closing
Admission
High school students and older 1,600 yen, elementary and junior high school students 550 yen
Access
About 8 minutes by World Heritage sightseeing bus (Tobu bus) from the JR Nikko Line’s Nikko Station or the Tobu Nikko Line’s Tobu Nikko Station to the Omotesando stop, then about 5 minutes on foot
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
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