Jun 5, 2012 - 1 min read

The Grandeur of Toshogu Shrine

Details of Nikko's centrepiece

By Nicole Bauer

Community writer

Splendid Yomei-mon (Twilight Gate), the main gate

Impressive pagoda, reconstructed 1819, after the original from 1650 burned down

Affluent decorations on Yomei-mon, the main gate

More detail on Yomei-mon

This carving is called Imaginary Elephants as the artist had never seen any real elephants before

Famous relief carvings of the 3 monkeys: hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil

Beautiful stone lanterns across the entire shrine area

Sacred library (closed to the public)

Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu on the top of the hill, tucked away from the crowds in the main area

Nemuri Neko, famous (if very small) wooden sculpture of a sleeping cat

Tsutsuga beast on top of Karamon Gate, serves as a guardian

If I am honest, I have to say that I only went to Toshogu shrine because I thought it was one of the things you just have to tick off when being in the area. However I was so wrong! This is by far the most impressive shrine complex I have ever seen since I came to Japan and it can by no means be compared to any other shrine I know. The setting itself is awesome; the colors and the elaborate decorations are unique – one can still feel the wealth and power during the Tokugawa shogunate.

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Find out more about Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

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Nicole Bauer

By Nicole Bauer

Community writer

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Nicole Bauer

Nicole Bauer Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you Andre, I am happy you enjoyed the pictures!

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Andre Moreira

Andre Moreira 10 years ago

Great Pictures! Love them! I've been to Nikko as well and it's just as you say, you can feel the power of that place. It's absolutely magic.

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