Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Updated

Nikko Shrines and Temples

Tripadvisor Ranking 15
Nikko Shrines and Temples

Nikko Toshogu (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture) is registered as the world cultural heritage "Nikko Shrines and Temples". It is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa's first shogun, Ieyasu. Its solemnity and sacred atmosphere attracts people all over the world, and there are plenty attractions such as three wise monkeys and sleeping cats.

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage | Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage | Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa

Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543-1616) ruled Japan from 1603 until Meiji Restoraion in 1868. After his death, “Tosho-sha” was built by the second generation Hidetada in Nikko in accordance with his will, but it was not as spectacular as it is now. It was Iemistu, the third generation who deeply revered Ieyasu, ordered master craftmen from all over the country to remodel the shrine into a the current magnificent one. This renovation was completed in 1636. Not like other Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu left his will “serve my grandfather even after my death”, and he was buried near Toshogu.

Toshogu was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 as “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”. The main shrine, hall of worship, and Yomei Gate; the symbol of Toshogu, has regained its original appearance after the recent major renovation. There are 8 national treasures and 34 important cultural properties. The 9.2 meter-high stone torii gate (Ichino torii gate) standing at the entrance and the five-storied pagoda beside it are also important cultural properties.

The Yomeimon Gate

The Yomeimon Gate

The Yomeimon Gate is famous for its magnificence, but it is also known for being intentionally unfinished. If you carefully look at the pillars, and you will notice that there is only one pillar with upside down pattern out of 12 pillars. It was intensionally built this way since it is said that "completion is the beginning of collapse".

Three Wise Monkey

Three Wise Monkey

Among the more than 5,000 sculpture of Nikko Toshogu, the most popular are the "three wise monkeys". Monkeys are considered to be the guardian deities of horses, and the sculputures of monkeys which are displayed on the 8 panels satirizing the life of person. The second from the left is three Japanese macaques representing the principle of "not seeing" (Mizaru), "not hearing" (Kikazaru), "and "not saying" (Iwazaru). By refraining from those three acts, it is said that you can lead a safe and happy life.

Sleeping Cat

Sleeping Cat

The sleeping cat is a small sculpture in the corridor in front of the Sakashita gate, and is said to have been made by the master craftsman Hidari Jingoro. There is a sparrow sculpture at the same position on the other side, and it seems to represent the world of "Taihei Tenka"; peaceful and tranquil, in the sense that if the cat is asleep, both can coexist.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine | Related Japan Travel

Essence of Spring Tour

Essence of Spring | Hiroshima

Takayama & Villages | Hidden Trail

Deep Japan | Off The Beaten Path

Nikko Taishogu Shrine | Related Japan Destination Guide

Nikko (Optional)

Nikko (Optional)

Popular tour city in Tochigi famous for its temple, hot spring and more

Japanese Shrines

Japanese Shrines

Each area has its own shrine and the god is called Ujigami-sama

Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji

Known for an extraordinary depth, the deepest point measuring 161.5m

Kegon Waterfall

Kegon Waterfall

One of the largest waterfalls in Japan, measuring about 96.3m in height

Edo Wonderland

Edo Wonderland

A history theme park depicting life during the Edo Period in Tochigi Prefecture

Ashikaga Flower Park

Ashikaga Flower Park

Known for its beautiful fuji or wisteria flowers and multiple colors' wisteria flowers

Irohazaka

Irohazaka

A pair of winding roads, especially beautiful in the autumn

Japanese Temples

Japanese Temples

Japanese Major Temples

Need Assistance? Call: USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726 Australia (02) 8006 4411 Contact Us Brochure