basic information

The Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Ieyasu and two other of Japan's most influential historical personalities, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Minamoto Yoritomo.

The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings set in a beautiful forest. Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 17th century.

Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan, where simplicity has been traditionally stressed in shrine architecture.

Unless you intend to visit only the Toshogu, it is recommended to purchase a combination ticket, which also includes admission to the Rinnoji, Taiyuinbyo and Futarasan Shrine. However, combination ticket holders need to pay an additional fee for viewing the nemuri neko carving and Ieyasu's tomb. See details below.

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how to get there

Toshogu and Nikko's other main shrines and temples are located a 30 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (300 Yen one way, 500 Yen day pass, covered by the Tobu free passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko Stations.

How to get to and around Nikko

Hours:

Daily from 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November through March).

Admission:

Regular Ticket:
1300 Yen (includes admission to all parts of the shrine)

Combination Ticket:
1000 Yen (does not include admission to the nemuri neko carving and Ieyasu's tomb. An additional 520 Yen is required to see that part of the shrine. The ticket also includes admission to Rinnoji, Taiyuinbyo and Futarasan Shrine.)

travel community

Users who have been to Nikko: 294
Users who have been to Toshogu Shrine: 195

1st of 6 most visited sights in Nikko.
45th of 430 most visited sights nationwide.

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hotels & ryokan

Okunikko Konishi Hotel A resort style onsen hotel along the Yuno-ko Lake in Oku Nikko, which is blessed with natural resources. Turtle Inn Nikko Inexpensive family-run inn that has hosted many oversea tourists. 10min walk to Toshogu Shrine. Internet PC available. Nikko Cottage Fusha A Japanese cottage with kitchen and laundry, in a quiet area while close to major attractions. One guest group per night.

tours and packages

Nikko Tours Various English tours of Nikko and surroundings.

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