Tochigi Attractions｜Explore the 400-year-old World Cultural Heritage—Tokugawa Ieyasu's Golden Palace—Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built in memory of the first shogun and is famous for its "Three Monkeys of Nikko" and its magnificent 17th-century shrine complex. This is the most splendid shrine in Japanese history, which dates back more than 400 years. It is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. It attracts a large number of tourists to enjoy the autumn leaves every autumn. Transportation Tips: The most economical way is to take the Tobu Railway Limited Express SPACIA or Special Express SPACIA X from Asakusa, which goes directly to Tobu Nikko Station without changing trains. It takes about 110 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the JR Nikko or JR Kinugawa from JR Shinjuku Station or JR Ikebukuro Station (you will need to change trains once), connect to the Tobu Railway from the JR direct rail operation to Tobu Nikko Station, which takes about 120 minutes. After arriving at Tobu Nikko Station, take the World Heritage Bus (世界文物めぐりバス) and get off at "Toshogu Omotesando". Slowly walking along the Omotesando into the shrine grounds, you will see towering trees on both sides that have different appearances in different seasons: emerald green in spring and summer, red maple leaves in autumn, and covered with snow in winter. The tourists walking underneath are as small as ants. The lush forest makes the air fresh. From Omotesando, it is a series of uphill roads. The slope makes you feel that you are not climbing a mountain, but the total length is about 220 meters, and the height difference between the front and back is about 20 meters. Walking on the gravel slope is still very physically demanding. If you are with children or the elderly, please pay attention to their physical condition. At the end of Omotesando is the Toshogu Shrine stone tablet. The large golden three-leaf sunflower emblem on it is the family crest of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and from then on, it officially entered the territory of Toshogu Shrine. First of all, above the stone torii gate there is a plaque with the words "Tosho Daigongen" bestowed by Emperor Go-Mizunoo. The 35-meter-high five-story pagoda on the west side of the square after entering is also an important cultural property. Next, you need to buy a ticket to enter Toshogu Shrine, which costs ￥1,300. Then enter from the main gate (Omomon), which is also called Niomon because there are statues of Nio on both sides of the main gate. There are eight groups of monkey carvings on the top of the Shinto stables. It is said that the Japanese believe that monkeys are animals that protect horses. The three most famous carvings are the "Three Monkeys" that mean "see nothing, speak nothing, and hear nothing", which correspond to different stages of life. The Yangming Gate is known as the most beautiful gate. The contrast of gold and white is impressive. It was made with 240,000 sheets of gold leaf. Even the famous Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto only used 200,000 sheets of gold foil. This shows how luxurious Toshogu Shrine is. There are 508 carvings on the gate, including stories, children's games, saints and wise men, etc., which integrate all the masterpieces of architecture, crafts, sculpture and painting of the Edo period. Because these beautiful carvings are so fascinating that people never get tired of looking at them from morning till night, it is also called the "Sunset Gate". Another famous attraction is the corridor leading to Okunomiya (the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu) from the Sleeping Cat (眠り猫). It is easy to miss it if you are not careful, but fortunately this area is crowded. Some say it is because they hope that "no mouse will come in", while others say that "after the cat fan falls asleep, the sparrows (carved on the back) can fly freely, representing world peace." It takes 207 steps to reach the Okumiya, so most people turn back here. After 400 years of history, the details carved on the buildings in Nikko Toshogu Shrine make people stop and admire for a long time. A careful visit will take about half a day. On the way back, you will follow the original route and take the World Heritage Bus back to Tobu Nikko Station. #Toshogu #Nikko #Tochigi #Tokugawa Ieyasu #Three Monkeys #Sleeping Cat #Japan