Toshogu Shrine, home to the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, is located in Nikko, Toshigi prefecture, famous for beautiful mountain landscapes and hot springs. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is well known for richly decorated and lavish ornate buildings within a beautiful forest and is categorized as National Treasures of Japan.

Admission to all parts of the shrine is 1300 yen. Notable structures among Toshogu include the five story pagoda Gojunoto located near the main entrance gate among a group of storehouses called Sanjinko. Many of these buildings include wood carvings of animals that are considered among the best in Japan.

The main attraction of Toshogu, Yomeimon gate, is one of Japan’s most intricately detailed and decorated architectures consisting of over 500 carvings. However, it is currently in construction until March 2019, but the shrine complex is still well worth the visit.

The left of Yomeimon is Honjindo hall. The most prominent attraction is the large ceiling painting called the “Crying Dragon”.

The right of the shrine is Sakashitamon gate, the start of a flight of stairs through the tranquil forest landscape to Tokogawa Ieyasu’s tomb. The tomb itself has an honorable and peaceful aura, fit for a hero.

I was lucky to witness a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony conducted in one of Toshogu’s small buildings. Japan is quite unique that it retains its old, deep-rooted traditional culture in modern times.

The easiest way to get to Nikko from Tokyo is by Tobu-Railway Limited Express from Asakusa. You can also take this line to Kinugawa Onsen or Edo Wonderland.  Buying the 2-day Nikko pass is highly recommended as it includes local bus services and is cheaper than a round trip from Asakusa. You must buy this pass in advance before your trip. It is also recommend to go early on weekdays if it is a day trip to avoid crowds and have enough time to explore Nikko.

2-Day Nikko Pass:

http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pass/

Tobu-Railway Timetable:

http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/using/timetable.html

Once you arrive at JR Tobu-Nikko, you have the option of walking to Toshogu or take the bus. I recommend taking the “World Heritage” bus first to the last stop, then walk down about 25 minutes back to the station to explore the various shops and restaurants along the way. The bus departs from both JR Nikko and Tobu-Nikko and runs frequently.  Along the way you will see Nikko’s beautiful landscapes and the Nikko Bridge.

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