Nikkō Tōshō-gū

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun.[1] It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed.[2] This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Also part of the beauty is the row of majestic trees lining the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.[3][4] Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and lots other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon, a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon". The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Located nearby is a woodcarving of a sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

Five-story pagoda at Nikkō Tōshō-gū

Three Wise Monkeys

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.

The original five-storey pagoda was donated by a daimyō in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each storey represents an element–earth, water, fire, wind and aether (or void)–in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[5] to minimize damage from earthquakes.[6]

The collection of carvings including The Three Wise Monkeys

Stone steps and Torii to Ieyasu's tomb

Ieyasu's enshrinement

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008 Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.[7]

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  Torii and pagoda at entrance to Tōshō-gū.
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  Tablet: Tōshō Dai-Gongen (東照大権現) on torii. Attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo.
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  Oranda dōrō (Dutch lantern) is gift from the Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.) presented to the shōgun in 1643.
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  This bell is a gift from the Joseon dynasty.
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  Lavish decoration adjacent to Yomeimon.
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  Sake barrels.
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  Carvings above the Karamon.
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  Kagura-den
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  Sleeping Cat is a symbol of peace.
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  The Sacred Horse at Nikkō Tōshō-gū
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  Urn containing remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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  An explanation tablet about Sacred Horses at Nikkō Tōshō-gū
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  Suibansha
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  Kamijinko
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  Karamon
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  Yomeimon
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  Lion
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  Nio
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  Iron lanterns donated by Date Masamune

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

• List of National Treasures of Japan (shrines)
• List of National Treasures of Japan (crafts-swords)
• Shinbashira, the central wooden column, almost freely suspended

• Official website (in english)
• Official website (in japanese)
• UNESCO website - Shrines and Temples of Nikko
• Accessibility of Nikkō Tōshō-gū