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.
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").
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.
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)
Waiting Time
You can expect some waiting time in queue on holidays and weekends.
Entrance Fee
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
Time you can spend
1 to 2 hours
Weather
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