Nikko Toshogu, a world heritage site, in Nikko, Tochigi prefecture has many unique features including detailed carvings which carry messages. By learning these unique features and must-see spots in Nikko Toshogu, you can enjoy visiting Nikko Toshogu even more. The more you see, the more interesting things you can discover at Nikko Toshogu! 
Summary
Nikko Toshogu which was registered as a world heritage site is in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. You can encounter Japan that dates back 400 years here at Nikko Toshogu. Nikko Toshogu once was damaged by rain and wind, so it was repaired in 2017. Thanks to this reconstruction, Nikko Toshogu is opened to the public again, and many people visit every day. Nikko Toshogu has a sacred and solemn atmosphere with great nature surrounding it.
Where Is Nikko?
Nikko is in Tochigi prefecture. It is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Japan. It takes only two hours and 30 minutes by express train from Tokyo, so it is a great place to take a day trip. It is very easy to access, and you can see one of the world heritage sites in Japan, Nikko Toshogu is surrounded by nature.
What Is Kind Of Place Nikko Toshogu?
What Is Kind Of Place Nikko Toshogu?
Nikko Toshogu is one of the most popular spots in Nikko. Since it was registered as a world heritage site and was recently greatly renovated, many people visit. It is the graveyard where Ieyasu Tokugawa sleeps. It is a sacred place with a great atmosphere. The buildings stand solemnly surrounded by nature.
Who’s Ieyasu Tokugawa?
Ieyasu Tokugawa is the first Shogun who played a very important role during the Edo period. He started a new era, the Edo period, after ending the Sengoku period which lasted for a long time. The Edo period which is known as a peaceful period lasted for about 260 years. The shrine in Nikko Toshogu is for worshipping Ieyasu Tokugawa. He was buried in the highest spot in Nikko Toshogu, and where his gravestone is very quiet and peaceful.
Must-See Places In Nikko Toshogu
There are so many spots to see in Nikko Toshogu. While you enjoy looking at great historical architectures, you also must pay attention to the details of the buildings such as carvings and paintings. The more you see, the more exciting things you can find!
1. Yomeimon Gate
Yomeimon gate is a gorgeous gate with 500 detailed carvings. It is a national treasure. Yomeimon gate is also called “Gate of Sunset” because of its gorgeousness. It is said that the gate is so beautiful that you can forget time and look at it until the time of sunset. You’ll never get tired of looking at it and will be impressed by how the detailed works have been done on this gate. The charm of this gate is its vivid colored carvings. Each carving has a unique feature such as carvings of mythical creatures. Yomeimon gate has been repaired 21 times in the past, and has always been able to be revived just like it was 400 years ago thanks to the skillful works by artisans who are handing down the techniques to the next generations. This very imposing gate with detailed carvings is a must-see spot.
2.Various Carvings Of Animals In Nikko Toshogu
There are various carvings of animals in Nikko Toshogu. Each of the carvings has its meaning and origin. It would be more interesting to see the carvings if you’ve learned about the meanings and origins behind them.
“See No Evil, Hear No Evil, And Speak No Evil” The Carvings Of Three Monkeys 
There are many carvings of monkeys on a building called “Shinkyasha”. The most famous carving is the three monkeys of “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil”. Other than these three monkeys, there are 16 carvings of monkey on this building. The meaning of the carving is the life of humans. It represents the life of humans in different stages of childhood, teenager and adult. The three monkeys are a stage of childhood and telling you that “you don’t see, hear, or speak anything evil and see only beautiful things and grow”.
The Sleeping Cat Representing “Peace”
Another famous carving in Nikko Toshogu is the carving of “sleeping cat”. It is located near the entrance of East Cloister which is an entrance of the gravestone of Ieyasu Tokugawa. The sleeping cat with a peaceful facial expression welcomes you at the entrance. Cats are very cautious animals. Therefore, the meaning of this carving is that the world is so peaceful that even cats can sleep. This carving represents the peaceful period can last forever and is also a hope for world peace.
A Sparrow Behind The Sleeping Cat
There is a carving of a sparrow behind the carving of the sleeping cat. Birds including sparrows are normally the enemy of cats. Therefore, putting a carving of a sparrow behind the carving of a cat carries the meaning of “the world is so peaceful that even sparrows are not afraid of being close to a cat. It is very interesting that each carving has its own meaning and message.
3.The Mystery Of The Dragon On The Ceiling
Another must-see spot in Nikko Toshogu is this dragon on the ceiling in the building called “Honjido”. The building is located on the left side of Yomeimon Gate. The interesting thing about this painting of a dragon is the fact that this dragon can cry! It makes a sound when clappers are struck under the painting, but it must be almost exactly under its eyeballs. Surprisingly even if you clap your hands under other parts of the room, it doesn’t make any sound. It is such a great experience. The painting itself is huge and very powerful.
Take A Tour To Nikko Toshogu
There are 55 buildings in Nikko Toshogu that are registered as important cultural properties. You can borrow an English and Chinese audio guide at the reception area. However, it is always nice to be able to have an opportunity to ask questions, so there is an option of taking a tour with an English-speaking guide with much knowledge. While you learn about the place, you can also meet a local and ask questions if you take a tour.
Information
### Nikko ToshoguAccess
By train:
From Asakusa Station: Take Kegon Express, Get off at Tobu Nikko Station (about one
hour and 50 min.)
From Shinjuku station: Take JR Nikko Express, Get off at Tobu Nikko Station (about
2hours)
From Utsunomiya station: Take JR Nikko line, Get off at Nikko Station (about 45 min)
By car: About 2 hours from Tokyo
Exit “Nikko IC” after passing Nikko-Utsusnomiya road from “Utsunomiya IC” on
Tohoku Expressway. It is about 1.2 mile (2 km) from Nikko IC.
Toshogu parking lot: 600 yen for standard-sized car (capacity:200 cars)
Address
2301 Sannai, Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1431, Japan
Tel: +81 288-54-0560
*Please note that English may not be spoken in some tourist spot facilities.
Admission Fee
Adult: 1,300 yen
Elementary ～ Junior high school students: 450 yen
Hours
April 1 st ~ October 31 st : 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
November 1 st ~ March 31 st : 8:00 AM -4:00 PM
*Admission by 30 minutes before the closing time.
The information is current as of the time the article was published
