Toshogu Shrine, the shogun's mausoleum

One of the most famous shrines in Japan

Information about Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the shogun's mausoleum

During your trip to Japan, we strongly recommend that you spend a day or two in Nikko. Tucked away in the city's natural surroundings, you will find one of Japan's most famous shrines, the Toshogu Shrine Complex, dedicated to the shogun (army chief) Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokuwaga shogunate, a family and dynasty that ruled Japan from the 16th to the mid-19th century.

It is one of the greatest constructions in Japan: the best craftsmen had the heavy task of building the most beautiful shrine ever seen in Japan. And as nothing is too beautiful for the shogun, the budget for the construction was unlimited. Among all these buildings, 8 are classified as national treasures and 34 are important cultural properties.

The complex consists of three adjacent sites located in the cedar forest on the slopes of the mountain: a Buddhist temple Rinno-ji and two Shinto shrines, Futurasan and Toshogu.

Interesting facts about Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the shogun's mausoleum

The shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried there. Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Ieyasu's grandson, Iemitsu, undertook work to enlarge it to the spectacular complex it is today.

One of the most famous is that of the three monkeys who, according to Buddhist teachings, cover their ears, eyes and mouth. They have become so popular that they are now found on almost all emoji keyboards. 🙊🙈🙉

You may notice that Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements. It was common for places of worship to contain elements of both religions until the Meiji period, when Shintoism was deliberately separated from Buddhism.

The site of Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pictures of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the shogun's mausoleum

Highlights Close to Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the shogun's mausoleum

Cross Shinkyo Sacred Bridge

The Shinkyo Sacred Bridge across the Daiya River belongs to the Futarasan Shrine. This magnificent vermilion-lacquered structure is known as one of the three most beautiful bridges in Japan.

It was once known as Yamasuge-no-Jabashi (Snake Bridge with wild sedges), according to an old legend about the priest Shodo Shonin. It is said that when Shodo and disciples tried to cross the river, they found the current too strong and were unable to cross. They began to pray fervently for a way to cross, and the god Jinja Daio appeared carrying red and blue snakes, which he threw across the river. The snakes intertwined to form a bridge. Thus Shodo and his disciples were able to cross, and the bridge since stood there as the perfect gateway to Nikko.

Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls, located in Nikko, is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the city and is one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, along with Nachi Falls and Fukuroda Falls.

At the foot of Kegon Waterfall lies Lake Chuzenji, the highest natural lake in the country. Kegon Waterfall is impressive in every season: the lush colors of spring and summer, the color of trees and leaves in autumn, and in winter, the waterfall turns into a gigantic frozen waterfall.

Rinnoji Temple & Shōyō-en Garden

The Rinnoji Temple in Nikko is one of the most important religious centers in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 766 by Shodo Shonin, the founder of the Nikko Buddhist school, the temple is famous for its large golden statues of Amida Buddha, Senju Kannon, and Bato Kannon, housed in a serene, sacred space. Right next to the temple is the beautiful Shōyō-en Garden, which, with its traditional Japanese garden architecture and peaceful ponds, offers a place for quiet reflection. The garden provides a harmonious blend of nature and spirituality, leaving a profound impression on visitors.