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Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko Toshogu

日光東照宮

Choose Toshogu for richly decorated gates and carvings, including Yomeimon and the three monkeys. This is a paid, stepped sightseeing visit in Nikko, requiring more time than a quick city shrine stop.

UNESCO World HeritageNational Treasure architecture

World Heritage & cultural properties

UNESCO World Heritage
Nikko Toshogu, part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko
Designation source · Checked 2026-10-08
National Treasure architecture
Yomeimon Gate, Karamon Gate and other designated buildings
Designation source · Checked 2026-10-08

Designations apply to the places or buildings listed above. They do not guarantee access to interiors; check visit areas, hours and separate admission before travelling.

What to see

  • Yomeimon’s carvings and decoration
  • The three monkeys on the sacred stable
  • The sleeping cat and the stepped Okumiya approach

Traditions & prayers

Traditionally associated with these prayers. Associations describe worship traditions, not guaranteed results.

Prayer source

Enshrined kami

Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tosho Daigongen)

A short history

Toshogu enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu as Tosho Daigongen. The shrine was established in 1617, and a major rebuilding under his grandson Iemitsu in 1636 shaped its celebrated architectural ensemble. It forms part of the World Heritage site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko.”

Before you go

Expect stairs and uneven walking surfaces, especially toward Okumiya. Photography rules differ by building; follow signs and staff instructions. Indoor worship areas may require removing shoes. These entries describe Toshogu, not the entire Nikko World Heritage area. Prayer categories are cultural associations, not guarantees.

First shrine visit: etiquette & offerings →

Location

2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi

36.7581, 139.5988 · Representative point in or beside the shrine precinct; not a verified visitor entrance or step-free route. · Location source

Sources

Details checked 2026-10-08. Check the official site for changes before visiting.

Nearby listed shrines (within 1 km)

Approximate straight-line distances between shrine locations listed on this site, not walking distances or travel times. Entrances, steps and detours can change the route.

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Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko Futarasan Shrine (Main Shrine)

日光二荒山神社(本社)

Approx. 210 m straight-line distance

Love & relationshipsGood fortune
Highlights
Main worship hall and mountain-worship setting · Traditions of praying for good relationships · Optional Shinen sacred garden (separate admission)
Estimated visit
30–60 min

Main-shrine worship and a short look around the Sannai precinct. Excludes the Shinen garden, Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu, Rinnoji, bus travel, formal prayers and goshuin queues; allow additional time for these.

Getting there
From JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station, take the World Heritage Tour bus to Taiyuin/Futarasanjinja-mae, around 15 minutes, then walk a short distance. Alternatively, take a bus toward Chuzenji Onsen to Nishisando-iriguchi, around 9 minutes, and walk about 10 minutes. The city tourism guide advises checking current bus routes.
Address & enshrined kami

2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi

Onamuchi no Mikoto · Tagorihime no Mikoto · Ajisukitakahikone no Mikoto

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