Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a shrine located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, that enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu as a god. Founded in 1617 (Genwa 3), most of the current shrine buildings were extensively remodeled by the third shogun, Iemitsu. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Shrines and Temples of Nikko", and its gorgeous decorations, intricate carvings, and vivid colors everywhere will overwhelm you. The detailed carvings of Yomeimon Gate are called "Higurashi no Mon" and it is said that you will never get bored even if you look at them all day.

Many national treasures and important cultural properties are scattered around the grounds, such as the sculptures of the three monkeys "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" and the "sleeping cat" said to be made by Hidari Jingoro. Each carving has a meaning and a story, and listening to the guide's explanations while touring will give you a deeper understanding of the worldview. These sculptures are not just decorations, but are said to contain wishes and lessons for peace.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine has 55 buildings, including 8 national treasures and 34 important cultural properties. The grounds are decorated with many sculptures, such as the "Sleeping Cat" and "Three Wise Monkeys," which are designated as national treasures, and the "Golden Hall," which is designated as an important cultural property.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine enshrines the "Tosho Daigongen," a teaching left by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is the head shrine of all Toshogu Shrines across the country. It is also known as a powerful power spot, and its solemn atmosphere and the beauty of its historical buildings attract many worshippers and tourists from Japan and abroad.

[Trivia]
Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built in accordance with the will of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is laid out with an awareness of the east-west, north-south, and meridian, and its design based on feng shui can be seen everywhere, such as being located directly north of Edo.

[Hidden gem]
The famous Yomeimon Gate and the Three Wise Monkeys are crowded, but the "Ieyasu's Grave (Okusha Hoto)" at the top of the stone steps leading to the Okumiya Shrine is a hidden gem with a relatively quiet and solemn atmosphere. Also, at the "Honjido (Yakushido)" at the very back of the shrine grounds, you can experience the "roaring dragon" by striking a wooden clapper under the painting of a dragon on the ceiling, which sounds like a dragon roaring, and this is also recommended.