Nikko Toshogu, the mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who unified Japan and founded the Tokugawa shogunate, is the most lavishly decorated shrine in the country, its buildings covered in intricate gold leaf carvings, including the famous ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ three wise monkeys. Together with the neighbouring Rinno-ji temple and Futarasan Shrine, it forms the ‘Shrines and Temples of Nikko’ UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the elaborate spring grand festival each May re-enacts a historic samurai procession honouring Ieyasu.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nikko, Tochigi |
| Hours | ~8:00–17:00 (seasonal variation) |
| Admission | Around ¥1,600 (combined Toshogu ticket) |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; May for the spring grand festival |
What to See
- The gilded Yomeimon Gate, covered in intricate carvings.
- The original ‘see no evil’ three wise monkeys carving.
- Rinno-ji Temple, part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The spring grand festival (Shunki Reitaisai) each May with a samurai procession.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Kanmangafuchi Abyss sightseeing nearby.
- Pair with the Nikko Cedar Avenue approach walk.
- Read our Tochigi overview .
Getting There
- By train: Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu-Nikko Station, then a 20-min bus or walk.
- By car: roughly 2 hours from central Tokyo.
Tips
Arrive early morning to see the shrine before tour bus crowds arrive, especially in autumn foliage season. The combined ticket covers Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji — decide in advance which sites you want to prioritise, as covering everything thoroughly takes a full morning or afternoon.
