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Nikko Tosho-gu (Nikko Eastern Grand Shrine)
日光市山内２３０１
Located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, this shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, as the deity Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tosho Daigongen). Following his death in Sunpu in 1616 CE (Genna 2), his remains were transferred from Kunozan to Nikko and the shrine was established in 1617 CE (Genna 3) in accordance with his final wishes. In 1636 CE (Kanei 13), the shrine was lavishly reconstructed under the order of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, known as the 'Great Reconstruction of the Kanei Era,' giving it its current opulent appearance. The site features 55 buildings, including the National Treasure Yomei-mon Gate. Revered as a sacred site for the shogunal family throughout the Edo period, the faith in Tosho Daigongen spread across the country. In 1999, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as part of 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko,' standing as one of Japan's representative shrines.
Enshrined deities
Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tosho Daigongen)
History
Established in 1617 CE to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu as a deity, the shrine is renowned for its opulent complex of buildings, including the Yomei-mon Gate, and is registered as a World Heritage Site.
Blessings
The shrine is believed to grant benefits related to luck in competitions (victory and career advancement) and the fulfillment of wishes.
What visitors say
The architectural beauty is breathtaking, featuring the lavish Yomei-mon Gate and exquisite carvings and vibrant decorations in every detail. Climbing the stone steps to the Okumiya (Inner Shrine) reveals a serene atmosphere that evokes a sense of historical weight. As the grounds include gravel paths and stairs, visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear. For a smoother experience during busy periods, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Tuesday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Wednesday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Thursday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Friday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Saturday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Sunday: 9:00 – 16:00
Access
- 月曜日: 9時00分～16時30分
- 火曜日: 9時00分～16時30分
- 水曜日: 9時00分～16時30分
- 木曜日: 9時00分～16時30分
- 金曜日: 9時00分～16時30分
- 土曜日: 9時00分～16時30分
- 日曜日: 9時00分～16時30分
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (Saitan-sai)
New Year's first visit to the shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, a World Heritage site.
A World Heritage site enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu as Toyo Hiko. Beginning with the Saitan-sai (New Year's rite) on New Year's Day, special New Year prayers are performed under the splendid shrine buildings, including the Yo-mei-mon gate.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Splendid shrine buildings including the Yo-mei-mon gate
- ・Special New Year prayers
- ・World Heritage forest
- Around February 3Setsubun-sai (Bean-throwing Rite)
Prayers for inviting good fortune and warding off misfortune through bean-throwing by men and women born in the year of the Rat.
A Shinto rite for Setsubun where beans are thrown to drive away evil spirits, praying for the invitation of good fortune, the removal of misfortune, and health and safety.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Bean-throwing
- ・Prayers for inviting good fortune and warding off misfortune
- May 17-18Spring Rei-tai-sai (Spring Annual Grand Festival)
The largest festival, known for the Hyakubutsu-zorai Senin Musha Gyoretsu (Procession of a Thousand Warriors with a Hundred Items) and Yabusame (horseback archery).
On the 17th, the annual festival and ritual Yabusame (horseback archery) are held, and on the 18th, the 'Hyakubutsu-zorai Senin Musha Gyoretsu' takes place. This procession recreates the transfer of Tokugawa Ieyasu's spirit from Kunozan to Nikko, with over a thousand warriors and Shinto priests marching along the approach path.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Hyakubutsu-zorai Senin Musha Gyoretsu (Procession of a Thousand Warriors with a Hundred Items)
- ・Ritual Yabusame (horseback archery)
- ・Splendid historical tableau
- October 16-17Autumn Grand Festival
An autumn grand festival featuring yabusame (horseback archery) and a warrior procession.
The second largest festival of the year, following the spring rites. On the 16th, a Shinto yabusame rite is performed, and on the 17th, the 'Hyakubutsu-zorai Sennin Musha Gyoretsu' (Procession of a Thousand Warriors with All Manner of Goods) is held as part of the Togo-sai (imperial procession festival).
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Shinto Yabusame (horseback archery)
- ・Hyakubutsu-zorai Sennin Musha Gyoretsu (Togo-sai)
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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