Nikko Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi]

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine summary】

Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built in 1617. On April 17, Genna 2 (June 1, 1616) during the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu died in present-day Shizuoka City. His remains were buried in Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine, but in the following year, 1617, the second shogun, Hidetada, had the remains moved to Nikko in accordance with Ieyasu’s will.

The official name of the shrine is “Toshogu” without any place names, and it is the head shrine of all Toshogu shrines in Japan. Together with Kunouzan Toshogu and Ueno Toshogu, it is one of the three major Toshogu shrines. Other Toshogu shrines are located throughout the country. The two shrines and one temple, including the adjacent Rinnoji Temple and Nikko Futaarasan Shrine, are registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites as “Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

The deity is Toshodai Gongen, the deified version of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate.

Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine [Shizuoka]

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Stone torii (first torii)】

The stone torii gate was built in the Edo period (1603-1867) and is the largest in Japan at 9.2 meters high. It is said that 15 stones were transported and piled up by sea, water and land.

If you look closely, you can see the seam.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Renwang Gate】

From this gate, visitors enter a toll area (1,600 yen per person). The gate was modeled after the Tengenmon Gate of Todaiji Temple in Nara, which was rebuilt in 1636, and the pillars are decorated with 66 carvings including tapirs and elephants.

It is also called Nio-mon Gate because of the Nio statues enshrined on both sides. It is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Shinmaya (Shinto Stable)（Sculpture of three monkeys (see monkey, speak monkey, and hear monkey)）】

After passing through the front gate, you will see the shinkyusha (stable house) on your left. The shinkyusha is a building used to connect sacred horses that serve the gods.

Since monkeys are believed to protect horses, there are eight sculptures of monkeys on the long posts, in which events and commandments in the life of a human being are carved as monkeys.

The most famous monkeys are the three “see monkey, hear monkey, speak monkey”.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Copper torii (second torii)】

The first and oldest bronze torii gate in Japan was dedicated by Tokugawa Iemitsu during the Kan’ei Era construction in 1636. Many people took pictures of the view from here, as the Yomeimon Gate can be seen in front of the gate.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine national treasure Yomeimon Gate】

The Yomeimon Gate is one of the most symbolic buildings in Nikko Toshogu. It is decorated with about 500 carvings of sacred animals and birds, flowers and birds, etc., and is called “Higurashimon” (meaning “sunset gate”) because it is so beautiful that one could look at it all day long and never get tired of it. It was restored at a cost of approximately 1 billion yen (240,000 pieces of gold leaf measuring approximately 10 cm on each side were applied) during the Heisei Era (Heisei Era) Great Restoration. It is now designated as a National Treasure.

It is so overwhelmingly powerful that you cannot see it in other shrines. The dragon paintings on the ceiling of the gate were very beautiful and powerful as well.

It is difficult to view the exhibition in a calm and relaxed manner due to the number of tourists who come to see the exhibition.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Karamon (Chinese gate)】

Passing through the Yomeimon Gate, you will see the Karamon (Chinese gate), which shines in white and gold.

It was built in 1617 (Genna 3) and rebuilt in 1636 (Kan’ei 13), and only shogunate vassals and feudal lords who were allowed to meet the shogun in person were allowed to pass through this gate. There is a money-offering box in front of the gate, and visitors can pray toward the main shrine from here. This gate is also now designated as a national treasure.

You can enter the Toshogu Shrine from the right side, but please note that photography is prohibited inside. You will be overwhelmed by the magnificent black on white decorations.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Sleeping cat and approach to Okusha Shrine】

On the way to Okusha Shrine, there is a sculpture “Sleeping Cat” on the east corridor under the Sakashimon gate.

The cat snoozing in the sunlight, which is associated with Nikko, represents “a time so peaceful that cats go to sleep,” and the sculpture is said to symbolize the safety of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Beyond the Sakashimon gate is an approach consisting of 207 steps leading to the inner shrine, to which only successive shoguns were allowed to ascend. The stone steps are made of a single piece of rock, and the stone corridors and the stone fences at the ends of the steps are not cut out of stone, but carefully carved out of a single piece of rock.

It may be a tough climb for the elderly or children, but if you have come all the way to Toshogu, you may want to visit the cemetery.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine rear shrine (located behind the main shrine, but dedicated to the same deity)】

Located at the highest point of Toshogu, it was originally the most sacred place where only successive Tokugawa shoguns were allowed to enter. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The worship hall is decorated in subdued colors, and Ieyasu’s tomb is located at the back of the hall.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine two-storied Buddhist tower】

It is said that the hearse of Tokugawa Ieyasu has never been opened since it was built, and that it is currently made of Chinese bronze, about 5 meters high. When it was damaged by an earthquake in 1683, it was rebuilt in karakane by the 5th Shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa.

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine rear shrine GOSHUIN】

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Nearby attractions】

Kamihashi Bridge, Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuin Temple, Takio Shrine, Rutsuman-gafuchi and Jiunji Temple

Shinkyo Bridge [Tochigi]

Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine [Tochigi]

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi]

Takino’o Shrine [Tochigi]

憾満ヶ淵・慈雲寺【栃木県】

【Nikko Toshogu Shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi] Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine [Tochigi] Takino’o Shrine [Tochigi] Jiunji Temple, Kanman Gorge [Tochigi]