About Nikko Toshogu (Tosho-gu)

Japan is a beautiful country proud of its rich heritage, culture, and legacy, and rightfully so. This country is brimming with invaluable historical landmarks and buildings. No doubt, you will have a long bucket list of places to visit here. Ensure that you add yet another name to the list, that of the Toshogu Shrine, in the Nikko region.

The mausoleum is the final resting place of the founder of Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. For more than 250 years, Tokugawa Shogunate or the last feudal Japanese military government ruled the country. Initially, the mausoleum was a relatively simple structure. It was heavily renovated and enlarged during early 1600 by Ieyasu’s grandson, Iemitsu.

The complex comprises more than 12 buildings set in a gorgeous forest. And these structures were decorated like no other in Japan. You can feast your eyes on the intricate wooden carvings of the mausoleum complex. Also, there were large amounts of gold leaf used to decorate the structures.

Must See

Yomeimon gate, which is the entrance to the main hall, is worth a dekko. It has dragons depicted all over. 

Animal depictions and ornamentation are one of the major attractions of the shrine. 

Check out the origins of "see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil" monkeys and the Sozonozo Elephants ("imagined elephants").

How to reach

It's a 30-40 minute walk or 10-minute bus ride (310 yen one way, 500 yen day pass, covered by the Nikko Passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko Stations.

Tips

  • Many tourists are mistaken by the myopic view of the place beyond the gate. But there is lots more to it than meets the eye!
  • The gate of the shrine opens when the bell of Rinnoji rings at 8 a.m. It is better you enter immediately as the place starts getting very crowded by 9 a.m.
  • Toshogu is surrounded by several other shrines. Each of them charges a separate fee. 
  • Photography is prohibited at various sections of the shrine so you can let your gear take it easy for a while. 
  • Avoid visiting on national holidays as it mostly remains crowded. 
  • Prepare yourself to climb lots of stairs so wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle. 

Visit Time

April 1 - October 31: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
November 1 - March 31: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(Last ticket ends 30 minutes prior to closing) 

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Waiting Time

You can expect some waiting time in queue on holidays and weekends.

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

Individual

Adults: 1300 Yen

Children: 450 Yen

Group discounts

Adults: 1170 Yen

Children: 405 Yen

Separate admission fees for Treasure House and Museum of Art

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Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Moderate Rain 4.66°C

 

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