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Japan

2024-04-18 07:05:43

# Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture Nikko Toshogu Shrine, nestled in the mountains of Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is one of Japan's most lavishly decorated shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years. Toshogu combines architectural grandeur, rich decorations, and a collection of art masterpieces in a beautiful forest setting, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. ## Highlights - **Yomeimon Gate:** Often considered a symbol of Nikko Toshogu, the Yomeimon Gate is a stunning example of Japanese craftsmanship, featuring hundreds of intricate carvings that depict stories from Chinese and Japanese mythology. - **Five-Story Pagoda:** The shrine's five-story pagoda is an architectural marvel, elegantly rising above the trees with its vibrant colors and detailed carvings. - **Sleeping Cat and Three Wise Monkeys:** Among the many fine carvings, the sleeping cat and the famous panel of the three wise monkeys — who "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" — are particularly noteworthy. - **Sacred Stable:** The stable of the shrine’s sacred horse features the original carving of the three wise monkeys. - **Shogun's Procession:** Every autumn, the shrine hosts a grand festival that recreates the shogun's procession with participants in elaborate period costumes. ## Access Nikko Toshogu Shrine is accessible by train or car from Tokyo. The fastest way is to take a Tobu Railway train from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station, which takes about two hours. From the station, the shrine is a short bus ride or a 30-minute walk. https://maps.app.goo.gl/3evxS1pe8yEf4CKw6