Nikko Toshogu 日光東照宮
Nikko, Tochigi · Open in Google Maps
Nikkō Tōshōgū is the mausoleum shrine of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, deified as Tōshō Daigongen. Its lavishly carved and gilded buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō".
What to look for
- The Yōmeimon gate is covered in hundreds of colorful carvings and is one of the most famous gates in Japan.
- Look for the carving of the three wise monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) on the sacred stable.
- The small "Sleeping Cat" carving guards the way to Ieyasu's tomb, which lies up a long stairway in the forest.
- Most of the present buildings were rebuilt on a grand scale by Ieyasu's grandson, the shogun Iemitsu.
Enshrined kami
- Tokugawa Ieyasu 徳川家康公
What people pray for here
Success in career and getting ahead, and victory.
Etiquette
Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji temple are all close together; plan a full day.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.