Toyokuni Shrine, Higashiyama, Kyoto, is where Toyotomi Hideyoshi is enshrined. This shrine was almost destroyed when Tokugawa eliminated the Toyotomi Clan by burning Osaka Castle to ashes, but was saved by the beseeching of Nene, the wife of Hideyoshi. It had been closed and forbidden to enter for 269 years throughout the Edo Period, but was re-opened by Meiji Emperor in 1868, when Tokugawa lost its power. For details, please read my other article. Next door is Hokoji Temple, where the fatal bell that doomed the Toyotomi Clan stands.
- 1 min read
Kyoto Toyokuni Shrine
Visit the resurrected shrine and travel back in time!

Community writer

National treasure, Kara-Mon (main gate) of Toyokuni Shrine

Torii gate and green trees at Toyokuni Shrine, Higashiyama, Kyoto

Kara-Mon gate (main gate) of Toyokuni Shrine. This is a national treasure and was moved first from Nijo Castle to Fushimi Castle, then to Toyokuni Shrine

Gentle breeze flutters gourd-shaped Ema (wish plaques) hanging from Kara-Mon gate

Intricate gold decoration of Kara-Mon, a national treasure. Toyotomi clan's crest, Paulownia of 5-7 can be seen

Close-up of one of the gold decorations. Crests of Japanese Imperial family (chrysanthemum) and Toyotomi Clan (Paulownia of 5-7) are engraved

Shrine office, trees on the grounds and the moon in the sky

Entrance to treasure house. Unfortunately I arrived late in the afternoon and it was already closed

Treasure house

Long corridors leading to where?

Entrance of some gardens. It was forbidden to enter...

...but when it's forbidden, you want to peek in, don't you?

Stone lantern and green trees

Pine tree and Kara-Mon (main gate) of Toyokuni Shrine
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Vegan and Vegetarian Guide in Japan
Food -
2
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
3
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
4
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain
Fukushima -
5
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored -
6
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
7
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
8
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
9
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
10
Create Your Own Adventure in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture
Ehime - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa