THE WORLD HERITAGESHRINES and TEMPLES of

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Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple
Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine↓ The approximately 220 metersof corridors surrounding the
Toshogu Shrine main shrine arecovered in carvings of animals
and plants.

↓ The carvings of the of the Karako(Chinese children playing)of the
Yomeimon gate were also given
new life through a restoration↑ The Ichinotorii gate is the front
entrance of the Toshogu Shrine
and was donated by Kuroda
Nagamasa, lord of the Chikuzen
Domain↑ The“Nemuri-neko”(sleepingcat) at the entrance of Tokugawa
Ieyasu’s tomb. The carving represents“a world as peaceful as asleeping cat”

↓ The brilliant vermillion painted
Shinkyo Bridge which spans theDaiya River is the entry to the
Shrines and Temples of Nikko↑The Jogyo-do Hall which enshrines
the only image of the Amitabha
Buddha riding a peacock in Japan↓ 4 colorful demons on the Taiyuin Yashamon Gate guard themausoleum↑ The solemn beauty of theKamishin-michi road which leads
from Toshogu Shrine to Futarasan
Jinja Shrine“The shrines andtemples of Nikko”
An in-depth look at World Heritage Sites
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple
Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko were registered as a UNESCO
Cultural World Heritage Site in 1999. We will unravel the history
and navigate the precincts of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko-zan
Rinno-ji Temple, and Futarasan Jinja Shrine, which make up thecore of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Two key people deeply involvedin Nikko’s 1,250 years of history
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple,
and Futarasan Jinja Shrine, which are collectively
known as Nikko’s two shrines and one temple,
are famous as tourism destinations internationally,and have also been registered as World Heritage
Sites. The origin of the site is said to lie with the
Shihon Ryuji Temple (presently one of the hallsof current day Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple) built inyear 2 of the Tenpyo-jingo Era (766) by the monk
Shodo Shonin who was born in Shimotsuke Province (present-day Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture).
The Japanese have also revered and venerated
mountains since ancient times, and at the time,
worship of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, was2very active. Shodo Shonin thought that Kannon’s
paradise (“pure land”) could be found on thepeak of Mt. Nantai.
When he reached the dreamed of summit inyear 2 of the Ten’o Era (782), he built a small
shrine there (the “okumiya” or “rear shrine” ofpresent-day Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine). The
main shrine was said to have been constructedin year 9 of the Enryaku Era (790) which was
the origin of Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine. The“shinbutsu bunri” (state ordered separation of
Shinto from Buddhism) in the Meiji Era separated
the various facilities into either Buddhist “temples” or Shinto “shrines”, however the core offaith at Nikko since ancient times has always
been Mt. Nantai itself, and this did not change.
Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple, which had fallen into
decline for a time, was restored during the Azu-

→ This bronze statue
was built in commemoration of the distinguishedachievements of Shodo
Shonin and stands in thesoutheast section of the
Rinno-ji Temple precincts.

chi-Momoyama Period by Tenkai, a Buddhist
Priest of the highest rank, who became the chief
abbot of the temple in year 8 of the Keicho Era(1613). Tenkai was said to be a very compassionate person who was an expert in both politics andeconomics, and served three shoguns, Ieyasu,
Hidetada, and Iemitsu, as the brain trust of theTokugawa family. Tenkai was also closely involvedin the construction of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and
it is not an exaggeration to say he was the individual who laid the foundations of what we know oftoday as the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Why was Tokugawa Ieyasu
enshrined at Nikko?
It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu never visited
Nikko while he lived. However, his last will andtestament stated, “On the first anniversary of
my death, construct a small hall in Nikko andre-enshrine my remains there”, and in year 3 of
the Genna Era (1617) he was enshrined at Tosho-sha Shrine (present-day Nikko Toshogu
Shrine) as Tosho Daigongen. This was carriedout by Daisojo (a Buddhist Priest of the highest
rank) Tenkai, who was a master of both Onmyodo (“The Way of Yin and Yang”) and Fengshui. The leading theory for the reason why
Nikko was chosen is because it was locatedtrue north of Edo Castle, and so Tokugawa had
the grand wish to became a “kami” (god) against
the backdrop of the north star, which was reveredas the center of the universe since ancient
times, to allow him to heal the world. In year 13of the Kanei Era (1636), the “great Kanei Era
rebuilding” was carried out in order to realize

Ieyasu’s final wishes of peace for the land andprosperity for the Tokugawa family, leading to
the creation of the lavish shrine pavilions.

Important points about thetwo shrines and one temple
103 buildings and structures of Nikko’s two
shrines and one temple and surrounding ruins
and relics (cultural landscapes) are registeredas the Shrines and Temples of the Nikko World
Heritage Site. The Toshogu Shrine Yomeimon
gate, which was restored in the “great Heisei
Era restoration” which took many years, and the
Rinno-ji Temple Sanbutsudo (Three BuddhaHall), in particular should not be missed.
The area of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko
is surprisingly large, so it is recommended tovisit starting with Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple,
which is closest to Nikko Station, then proceedto Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan Jinja
Shrine, and Rinno-ji Temple Taiyu-in Mausoleum, in that order. You can also hire a guide fromthe “Nikko Tour Guide Association” (the official
guides of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko;
starting at ¥6,000 for 2 hours) to guide you
through the area. These guides can provide detailed explanations of both architectural highlights and the history of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko. You can also rent audio guides for
Nikko Toshogu Shrine (¥500 rental fee and¥500 deposit).

3日光東照宮Nikko Tosh ogu
ShrineSymmetrical towers dedicated todrums and bells

Perpetual peace and prosperity, the famous
shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu

Shoro(bell tower)& Koro(drum tower)

At a size of approximately 49,000 m2, the mausoleum is one of the largest in Japan, andwas a symbol of the power and authority of the Tokugawa Shogunate and served as theheart of pilgrimages to Nikko during the Edo Period. The great Heisei Era restoration
restored the Yomeimon gate to its former glory and it is definitely one of the area’s
must-see sights.

The gorgeous and brilliantly coloredshrine pavilions are a textbook ofboth history and morality
The splendor of the shrine pavillions of Nikko
Toshogu Shrine gave rise to the proverb, “neversay ‘kekko’ (wonderful), until you’ve seen Nikko”,
and were built during the great Kanei Era rebuilding.
At current costs, the construction took a total of
approximately 40 billion yen, with approximately
4,540,000 individuals involved in the construction,
all in a construction period of just 1 year and 5
months. A number of experts from various

Five story
pagodafields, including artists from the Kano School,
led by the shogunate-employed artist Kano
Tanyu, participated in the construction.
The 5,173 carvings that decorate the site deserve
special mention. The carvings included thoseof sacred beasts and wise men with commandover peace incorporated the wishes for the permanence of the shogunate, as well as those whichtaught life lessons, like the three wise monkeys(see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It is
now as adults, especially, that it is importantthat we meditate on the meanings and value ofthese teachings.

↑ The koro (drum tower) viewed fromthe omizuya roofed purification trough.
The towers feature characteristic gable
ornamentation, with the Shoro (belltower) featuring cranes, and the Koro
(drum tower) featuring turtles

The portable shrines
which serve as vehicles of the gods
stored in this building decorated
with dancing heavenly maidens↑ Carvings of ryu (dragons), iki (alligators or dragons
with nostrils on the upper lip), ryuba (horse dragons),
karajishi (Chinese lions), and other sacred beasts protect the sanctuary

Yomeimongate

The reborn and refreshed 508 carvings
Fascinating visitors throughout time

This colorful pagoda, covered in lines ofcarvings of the Chinese zodiac signs of thethree generations of Tokugawa Shoguns,
greets arriving worshippers← Shuko Choso, one of the carvings ofhermits on the south side of the gate
→ Great care was takenwith the selection of all of
the materials used, including natural pigments, andnative Japanese lacquers↓ A three dimensional effectis created using a techniquecalled“okiagezaishiki”↑ Mikoshi portable shrines
for Ieyasu (center), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (right),
and Minamotono Yoritomo(left) are enshrined here.
The paintings of the celestial maidens on the ceilingare a must-see sight

Shinyosha

The imperfect design was intended
to ward off evil

Omizuya↑ The central pillar inside thefirst layer is open to the public.
There is a ¥300 admission fee to
see the interior.
→ The tiger of
Ieyasu, hare ofHidetada, anddragon of Iemitsu line the front

Nikko
Toshogu
Shrineexamplecourse4↑ The pagoda was originally dedicatedby Sakai Tadakatsu, and then later reconstructed by Sakai Tadayuki, both lords ofthe Wakasa Obama domain

Five story
pagodaDrawn from the imagination?
Elephants which protect the storehouse↑ The sketch of this carving was by Kano Tanyu. It is thoughtthat this unique depiction of elephants was because he had
never actually seen a real elephant→ Part of the roof
is intentionally left
missing to make itimperfect because
it was believed that
perfect things would
be destroyed

Karamongate

The manifest of theTokugawa Shogunate
on the main gate
→ The depictions of ancient
Chinese emperors and Emperor
Shun express a political ambition for a peaceful world

Five story pagoda

Front gate

Kamijinko

Shinkyusha

Omizuya

Shoro & Koro

Yomeimon gate

Shinyosha

Karamon gate

Haiden & Honden

OkushaThis approximately 36 metertall building was reconstructed in 1818. It sits at the sameelevation above sea level asTokyo Skytree® at 634 meters.

This is the first gate of Toshogu Shrine. Admission fees
are required to proceed pastthis point. This is also known
as the “Niomon” or “Devagate” because of the two enshrined Deva kings.

This building is used to store
the clothes for the Hyakumonozoroi Sennin Bushi Gyouretsu(Procession of a thousand warriors) and sacred objects. There
are a total of 3 shrine storehouses, the kamijinko (upper
storehouse), nakajinko (middle
storehouse), and shimojinko(lower storehouse).

Houses the sacred horse said
to be a messenger of the gods
(from April to November).
Shown below is a portion of
the 8 scene “Three Wise Monkeys” which depict the lifespanof monkeys.

This small pavilion houses atrough or basin of water for
visitors to purify their bodyand spirit before worshipping.
Toshogu Shrine was the firstshrine to feature this type purification pavilion. Designed
so that water flows upward
using siphon principles.

The Shoro on the right houses
hanging bells, while the Koro
on the left houses taiko drums.
Both buildings were built inthe year 1635.

This is the east main gate of
Toshogu Shrine, and is oneof the best-known symbols of
the shrine. It has also beencalled the “higurashi-no-mon”(gate of sunset), because one
could spend the entire day
gazing at the gate and not
become bored.

This building houses the 3
mikoshi portable shrines for
Ieyasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi,
and Minamotono Yoritomo,
which are used during grandfestivals in the spring and autumn. It can be viewed fromthe outside.

This gate features 611 carvings, including human figures
which are colored white withlimewash. This is a sacredgate which is only opened for
extremely special occasions.

The Shogun Seating Hall,
which only those of daimyo
rank and above could enter
during the Edo Period, is usually closed to the public but issometimes used for worshipof the head of the Tokugawa
Household and other occasions.

This is the grave of Tokugawa
Ieyasu, where only those ofdaimyo rank and above wereallowed to worship during the
Edo Period. The haiden (hall of
worship) is completely coatedin black Japanese lacquer,
and a small bronze pagoda in
the back houses the former
shogun’s ashes.

Refer to P.10 for map and facility data5

日光山輪王寺

Nikko-zan
Rinno-ji
TempleSanbutsudo(three Buddhahall)

The Budda manifestations of the threemountains of Nikko are overwhelmingly
resplendent and majestic↑ You can also see a seatedimage of Jigen Daishi (chiefmonk Tenkai) in the inner
sanctuary→ The principal image ofworship Kokuzo Bosatsu(Akasagarbha Bodhisattva)
protector of those born inthe years of the Ox and Tiger

Daigomado(fire offeringhall)

The most sacred spot in the Kanto region,
counted as one of the three great templesof the Tendai Buddhism Sect
This old temple was reconstructed under the instruction of chief monk Tenkai, and is one of the leading temples of the Tendai Sect
along with Hiezan Enryaku-ji Temple and Toeizan Kanei-ji Temple. The Sanbutsudo (three Buddha hall) which enshrines the threeglittering gold Buddhas, is the largest building among the Shrines and Temples of Nikko. There is also a daigomado (fire offeringhall) where fire offerings are made every day.

The true manifestations of the Buddha of the three mountains of Nikko.
Three enshrined golden Buddha
Rinno-ji Temple is a collective name for 15 temples
and other buildings scattered throughout the
Nikko-zan and Oku Nikko areas. The sohondo
main hall, which was constructed during the
Heian Period, is the core of these buildings andis a hall built in the Esoteric Tendai style ofwhich there are only a few examples in the entire
country. The building which was constructedunder Tokugawa Iemitsu in year 2 of the Shoho
Era (1645) was renovated during the great Heisei
Era restoration. The building is named the San-

butsudo (three Buddha hall) because its inner
sanctuary enshrines Senju Kannon (Kannon
with One Thousand Arms) as Nantai-san (Mt.
Nantai), Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata) as
Nyoho-san (Mt. Nyoho), and Bato Kannon(Horse-headed Kannon) as Taro-san (Mt. Taro),
collectively revered as the “Honjibutsu” or “True
Manifestations” of the three mountains of Nikko.
Collectively the statues are the largest wooden
sitting statues in Eastern Japan at approximately
7.5 meters each. In addition, the Kakebotoke (around plaque carrying the image of a Buddha)
called the “Tosho Sanshogongen Honjibutsu” isalso jointly enshrined as the honzon (principal
object of worship). In front of the hall is the Kongo

cherry tree, which is an approximately 500 year
old cherry tree that has been designated a Natural
Monument, and which blooms around the beginning of May each year.
Rinno-ji Temple is also known as a place of
prayer for the Homa ritual (fire offering ritual).
Homa rituals are held 3 times a day at the Daigomado (fire offering hall) located behind the
Sanbutsudo (three Buddha hall), and anyone
can participate if they register in advance. After
worshipping, it might also be nice to visit the
Homotsuden (shrine treasure house) and adjacent
Shoyo-en Japanese garden to enjoy a relaxing
stroll while taking in the scenery and beauty ofthe season in the mountains of Nikko.

SorintopillarConstructed by chief monk
Tenkai as prayer for peace↑ 1,000 Buddhist scriptures are contained within thepillar, and on the outside are inscriptions of Saicho,
founder of the Tendai Sect, and Tenkai

One of Japan’s most prominent Homa ritual (fire offering ritual) sites
with honzon (principal images of worship)of the Godaimyo-o (five great wisdom kings)↑ The inner sanctuary enshrines
sacred images of the Godaimyo-o(five great wisdom kings) with
Fudo Myo-o (Acala) in the centerand 30 other sacred images← Homa sticks which represent
worldly desires are burned in fireto ward away evil. Also available
for general prayer↑ The three Buddha’s represent a familywith the Senju Kannon (Kannon with One
Thousand Arms) depicting the father,
Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata) themother, and Bato Kannon (Horse-headed
Kannon) the child

Houses numerous priceless
Homotsuden treasures which convey the(shrinehistory of the Shrines andtreasure house)
Temples of Nikko

Shoyo-engardenA famous garden against
the backdrop of the scenery of theseasons in the mountains of Nikko→ Late October to mid-November is the best season
for viewing the autumnal changing of the leaves.
During this period the area is decorated with lights
for a limited time to create a truly fantastical evening

Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple example course

6

Kuromon gate

Sanbutsudo

Sorinto pillar

Daigomado

Homotsuden

Shoyo-en gardenThis gate stands on the Omotesando (front approach) sideand is so-named because it ispainted entirely in black. To theside is a stone pillar with an
inscription by Bundo Shunkai.

This sohondo main hall which
enshrines the Three Buddhas
is the largest wooden structure
in eastern Japan.
A hengaku tablet which says
“Kindo” (main hall) is displayedover the entrance.

This pillar was constructed inyear 20 of the Kanei Era (1643)
modelled on Hiezan Enryaku-ji
Temple. It is made of bronze
and stands at a height of approximately 13.2 meters.

Homa rituals (fire offering ritual) are held every day at 7:30,
11:00, and 14:00. Each ritual
takes approximately 50 minutes with a prayer fee of¥3,000.

This facility is open to the public for research and houses
numerous materials of highhistorical and artistic value
which are associated with the
Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

This garden was said to havebeen created by Kobori Enshu
during the early Edo Period
and was heavily renovated inyear 12 of the Bunka Era(1815).

Refer to P.10 for map and facility data

↑ Houses approximately 30,000
items which include National
Treasures, Important Cultural
Properties, and Art Treasures.
Approximately 50 items are exhibited at any given time
← Treasures handed down fromthe Tokugawa Family are also
on permanent display↑ A chisen-kaiyushiki style garden (a type of Japanese garden with a pond in the center)

7

The two deva kings (“niten”)
stand guard with their gazes atthe largest gate among the
Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Haiden,Ai no ma,
HondenThe 140 ceiling paintings,
said to be collaborative works from the
Kano School, are truly masterpieces

The shrine is dedicated to Futara-san
Okami, who is a deification of thethree mountains of Nikko↑ It is worth seeing the dragon ceiling paintings of
the 64 tatami mat size haiden (hall of worship) atleast once. The wall paintings of karajishi (Chineselions) are the works of the brothers Kano Tanyu andKano Yasunobu↑ A red-bodied Zochoten guards the south while green-bodied
Jikokuten protects the east

Rinno-ji Temple
Taiyu-in↑ Depictions of a rising dragon
and descending dragon clutchingspheres in their claws

The restrained beauty of themausoleum of Iemitsu

If you head further into the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, you will encounter the mausoleum where
Tokugawa Iemitsu rests. Just ahead of the approach to the temple is the hon-den hall (main shrine)
which is also known as the “Kinkakuden” (golden pavilion). This is a truly mystical place where one cansee Iemitsu’s respect for his grandfather in every detail.

The mausoleum is a must see exampleof early Edo Period architecture“Taiyu-in” is a “shigo” or “posthumous name”
granted to Tokugawa Iemitsu after his death by
Emperor Go-Komyo. The mausoleum wasconstructed in year 2 of the Jo’o Era (1653) under
the command of the 4th Shogun Tokugawa
Ietsuna, son of Tokugawa Iemitsu, based on his
father’s dying wish that he be able serve
Tokugawa Ieyasu for eternity.
Hon-den halls (main shrines) are normallyconstructed facing the south, however despite
the belief in “kimon”, meaning the “demon’s gate”
a superstitious belief that the northeast is unlucky,
the Taiyu-in honden is built facing Toshogu to
the northeast. Both the scale and decoration
were kept modest so as not to encroach upon
the prestige and influence of Tokugawa Ieyasu,
however it does make profuse use of gold, andis the only building belonging to Rinno-ji Temple
which is designated a National Treasure. The 5
gates on the grounds are also very impressive
and worth studying down to the finest details.

A sacred main gate which draws
the eye with its elaborate
decoration

Karamongate

Yashamongate
A brilliant and gaudy
gate presided over byyasha demons in the
cardinal directions↑ Pay careful attention to thegable ornamentation of cranes
and white dragons and sidewall panel“Hyakuma Hyakutaino Hato”dove decorations

This shrine features a more reserved construction than much of the rest of
the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, but the sanctuary area stretches acrossapproximately 3,400 hectares including the Nikko mountains. The shrine
has been venerated as the center of Nikko’s mountain worship since ancient
times, and is currently also known as place of matchmaking miracles.

Haiden(hall of worship),The solemn shrine pavilions greet pilgrims
who arrive to pray for luck and matchmaking

Honden(main hall)↑ The building is coated completely in Japanese lacquer and wasreconstructed during the Shoho Era (1644-1648). The general public
can go up the stairs to worship at the Haiden (hall of worship)↓ The principal enshrined deity, Onamuchi
no Mikoto, is another name for Daikokusama(Okuninushi no Mikoto, god of magic andmedicine)

Futarareisen(Futara miracle
spring)

Shake the small embossed
Daikokuden mallets to attract luck

This spring issaid to grant wisdomand beauty(Daikoku hall)↓ Enjoy matcha powdered green tea madewith water from thefamous spring at the
nearby Azumaya cafe
↑ Shake the small embossed
mallets located inside to pray
for luck and matchmaking← A statue of Daikoku Tajimamori (the god of sweets) stands
in front of the shrine building↑ The Yakushi no Reisui (healing Buddha
sacred spring) which runs from the hillbehind the hon-den hall (main shrine) and
Sake no Izumi (alcohol spring) which runs
from Takino’o Jinja Shrine meet here

Futarasan Jinja Shrine example course

Niomon Gate

Nitenmon gate

Yashamon gate

Karamon gate

The Taiyu-in Mausoleum temple gate with the two devas
Agyo and Ungyo standing to
the left and right.

An 11.6 meter high gate which
enshrines Jikokuten and Zochoten, two of the four heavenly kings. Statues of Fujin(god of the wind) and Raijin(god of thunder) are enshrinedon the other side.

Also known as the “botan mon”
(peony gate). Be sure not tomiss the brilliantly coloredgreen, white, red, and blue
bodies of the Yasha demons.

Although small, the pillars
and beams are magnificently
coated in gold foil. The gatefeatures openwork lattice ornaments.

Refer to P.10 for map and facility data

The origin of the shrine name stems from when
Shodo Shonin thought that Mt. Nantai, was“fudarakusan”, the paradise of Kannon, theGoddess of Mercy, and so the name was takenfrom the name for the paradise. The objects ofworship of the shrine are the three mountainsof Nikko Nantai-san (Mt. Nantai), Nyoho-san(Mt. Nyoho), and Taro-san (Mt. Taro), which areenshrined as the diety Futara-san Okami. The
hon-den hall (main shrine) was constructed under
the patronage of the 2nd Tokugawa Shogun
Tokugawa Hidetada in year 5 of the Genna Era(1619), and is the oldest building among the
Shrines and Temples of Nikko and the only
building which still maintains the same appearance and form as at the time of its original
construction. After worshipping at the Haiden(hall of worship), visit the Shinen Garden which
unfolds to the rear of the shrine grounds. This is asacred area with several “power spots” including
the Futara reisen (Futara miracle spring) filled by
two pure, sacred springs.

↑ Kendara, who isenshrined on theright of the back of
the gate, is a yasha
d e m o n w h o p r otects the westerly
direction. He holds
a golden axe.
← The gate features
numerous carvingsof peonies, which
are considered asymbol of wealthRinno-ji Temple Taiyu-in example course

8

Nikko
Futarasan Jinja
Shrine

The guardian deity of Nikko venerated as thesacred land of mountain worship

日光二荒山神社

輪王寺大猷院

Nitenmongate

Haiden, Ai no ma,
HondenThe public can enter up to the
Haiden (hall of worship) whichfeatures gifts of the main threebranches of the Tokugawa
Family. The hon-den hall (mainshrine) is not open to the public,
but can be viewed from outside.

Kokamon gate

Shinmon gate

Haiden, Honden

Baketoro lantern

Daikokuden

En musubi no sasa

Futara reisenThis gate is located at the entrance to the okunoin (inner
shrine) where Tokugawa Iemitsu is laid to rest, but only thegate is open to the public. The
gate uses architectural styles
from Min Dynasty China.

The Shinmon gate stands infront of the Otorii gate, andwas built in commemorationof the 1,200 anniversary of theenshrinement of the okumiya(rear shrine) at the summit of
Mt. Nantai.

The watari-den (water pavilion) and hon-den hall (mainshrine) stand behind thehaiden (hall of worship) where
daily rituals, prayers, and otheractivities are conducted.

The lantern still bears themarks of multiple katana cuts
which are said to result fromwhen warriors standing aroundthe lantern mistook the flamesof the lantern for evil spirits
and attacked it.

One of the subordinate shrines,
it contains an ita’e panel painting called “Nikko of Maneki
Daikoku” which depicts thegesture of drawing in luck witha hand.

This sasa bamboo grass is
said to call luck for making
good matches. Write yourwish on a matchmaking plate(¥200) and tie it to the sasa
bamboo grass.

Pure water fills this spring
made from stones from theDaiya River.Take home someof the water using the dedicated PET bottles (¥300).

9

BASIC INFORMATION

Shrines andTemples of Nikko
Guide and Map◆ Nikko Toshogu Shrine☎0288-54-0560 / 2301 Sannai, Nikko / Approximately 5
minutes’walk from the“Toshogu Higashisando Iriguchi Hotel
Seikoen Mae” bus stop after taking the World Heritage
Sightseeing Bus (Tobu Bus) from Tobu Nikko Station on the
Tobu Nikko Line or JR Nikko Station / Approximately 3.8
km from the Nikko IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road / 9:00 to
17:00 (to 16:00 from November to March. Admission allowed
up to 30 minutes before closing time) Open year-round

Price table

AdultsToshogu Ticket(Covers all locations open to
the public from the front gate
to the okumiya rear shrine)¥1,300Toshogu Shrine /Museum Set Ticket
Museum Admission Fees
Art Museum Admission Fees

¥2,100Highschoolstudents

Elementary andjunior high school
students

Disability
Discount¥1,300¥450¥1,000¥2,100¥770―¥1,000¥1,000

¥400

¥800

¥800

¥600

¥400

―

☎0288-54-0531 / Sannai, Nikko / A short walk from the“Shodo Shonin Zo Mae”bus stop after taking the World
Heritage Sightseeing Bus (Tobu Bus) from Tobu Nikko Stationon the Tobu Nikko Line or JR Nikko Station / Approximately
3.6 km from the Nikko IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road /8:00 to 17:00 (to 16:00 from November to March. Admission
allowed up to 30 minutes before closing time) Open yearround

Price table

Adults/high school students

Elementary andjunior high school
students

Rinno-ji Temple Ticket (Sanbutsudo(three Buddha hall)/Taiyu-in Mausoleum)

¥900

¥400

Sanbutsudo (Three Buddha hall) Ticket

¥400

¥200

Taiyu-in Mausoleum Ticket

¥550

¥250

Homotsuden (Shrine Treasure House)/
Shoyo-en Garden Ticket

¥300

¥100

Mitomo-jinja Shrine
Futara reisen☎0288-54-0535 / Sannai, Nikko / Approximately 1 minutes’
walk from the “Taiyu-in/Futarasan Jinja” bus stop after
taking the World Heritage Sightseeing Bus (Tobu Bus) from
Tobu Nikko Station on the Tobu Nikko Line or JR Nikko
Station / Approximately 4.1 km from the Nikko IC on the
Nikko Utsunomiya Road / 8:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:00
from November to March. Admission allowed up to 30
minutes before closing time) Open year-roundEn musubi no sasa

HondenAzumaya

Daikokuden
BaketoroHie-jinja Shrine

Nitenmon gate

HaidenAi no ma

Kokamon gate

HondenHoko
Taiyu-in
Mausoleum
Guardroom
Ticket Office

Jigendo hall
Nikko Successive
Cloistered Imperial
The jigendo hall is the final restPrinces Graveing place of chief monk Tenkai.
Hoan den
A Buddhist memorial service isheld on the anniversary of hisdeath on October 2nd, eachyear (not open to the public)Go-o-den

OkushaOkumiya haiden

To reach the okusha haiden (inner
shrine hall of worship), pass throughthe sakashitamon gate, then climb
the flight of 207 stone steps.

Futarasan Jinja
Shrine office
HondenMain shrine

Ishi no ma

HaidenToshogu Shrine
officeHaidenOmizuyaNiomon gate

Founder’s shrine

Kano cedar

Shinen Garden reception

Rinno-ji Temple
Taiyu-in Mausoleum(P.8)◆Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine

Shinmon gate

Doutorii

En musubi
no goshinboku
Otorii gate
Honchido hall
Uw
Hokkedo hall

Sh

CorridorYomeimon gate

im

os
i
roan-michidWorld Heritage
Sightseeing Bus“Taiyu-in /The Naki Ryu (roaring dragon)
Futarasan Jinja Mae” is located in the Honchido hall.
This painting on the ceiling issaid to make the sound of aroaring dragon when wooden
clappers are used below thepainting.

Nikko-zan Rinno-ji
Temple (P.6)

Shoro

Koro

The Nikko Toshogu Museum
features exhibitions including
the namban helmet and armor
worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Kamijinko

MawariDoro

Omizuya

Nakajinko
Shimojinko

Shinkyusha

Front gate

Five story
pagodaOkariden

Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Ticket Office

Nikko Toshogu Museum

Ichinotorii
Daigomado

Gohotendo

Sorinto pillar

Sanbutsudo

Rinno-ji Temple Ticket Office

Kongocherry tree

Kuromon gate

AdultsHigh school
students

Elementary andjunior high school
students

Shinen Garden Admission Fee

¥300

¥100

¥100

Shinkyo Bridge Admission Fee

¥300

¥200

¥100

Nikko Toshogu
Art Museum

Nemuri neko

Shinyosha

ashi Rinzo
ro n-mad ichi

Jogyo-do Hall

KitodenKaramon gate

Rinno-ji Honbo Omotesando*Some areas may be closed or restricted during some periods for festivals, events,
exhibition changes, or other purposes.

10

Small bronze pagoda

Karamon gate☎0288-54-0531 (Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple) / 2300 Sannai, Nikko / Approximately
1 minutes’walk from the“Taiyu-in/Futarasan Jinja”bus stop after taking theWorld Heritage Sightseeing Bus (Tobu Bus) from Tobu Nikko Station on the Tobu
Nikko Line or JR Nikko Station / Approximately 4.1 km from the Nikko IC on the
Nikko Utsunomiya Road / 8:00 to 17:00 (to 16:00 from late November to March.
Admission allowed up to 30 minutes before closing time) Open year-round

Price Table

The “Yoi en koma inu” (goodrelationship guardian dog)
stands at the entrance to the
Shinen Garden.
You may be gifted with a good
relationship if you pet the dog!

Yashamon gate

◆Rinno-ji Temple Taiyu-in Mausoleum*No charge for visits for worship
purposes only

Nikko Futarasan Jinja
Shrine (P.9)

Hoto small
bronze pagoda(Tokugawa
Iemitsu’s grave)◆Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple

Nikko Toshogu Shrine（P.4）

Homotsuden

Shiunkaku

Shodo Shonin statue
World Heritage
Sightseeing Bus"Omotesando"

Shoyo-engardenWorld Heritage
Sightseeing Bus“Shodo Shonin-zo-mae”

11

Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine P.9
Nikko Toshogu Shrine P.4

Taiyuin・
Futarasanjinja mae

Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple P.6
Toshogu Higashisando Iriguchi Hotel Seikoen-mae

Nishisando

Shodo Shonin Zo-mae
ShinkyoNikko Sogo Kaikan
Sogokaikan-mae

Nikko Post Oﬃce

Shinkyo P.2

Omotesando

Nikko City Hall Branch

Nikko Utsunomiya Road

Tobu Nikko sta.

Nikko City Public Library

To

World Heritage Circuit Bus Course※Buses may not be able to depart onschedule depending on traﬃc congestion.

ky

o→

1.5km

World Heritage Site
Registered Area

Nikko ICTokyo ⇒ Nikko（Tochigi prefecture）

By CarTokyo

Metropolitan
Expwy

Urawa
IC

Tohoku Expwy

Tohoku Shinkansen

Utsunomiya
sta.

98.2km
60min

By JR

Tokyo
sta.

By Tobu
railway

HanedaAirport sta.

Keikyu Line
40min

Asakusasta.

By JR &
Tobu
railway

Shinjuku
sta.

Ikebukuro
sta.

Urawa
sta.

50min

● Maronie-go Bus
One-way ¥4,600

By BusTo*Only operates between April and November, conﬁrm
schedule before use. Service is currently suspended as ofMarch 2021.

● Tohoku Kyuko Bus
Nikko ⇔ Tokyo Line

One-way ¥2,500, Round Trip ¥4,000

Train Passes
are available

Nikko-

Utsunomiya Utsunomiya Road
IC
25km

Nikko
IC

JR Nikko Line local

Nikko
sta.

19min

40min

Tobu Railway Limited Express

SPACIA

120minOmiya
sta.

Express Nikko-go , Kinugawa-go
Shinjuku-Tobu Nikko 120min

NaritaNaritaNaritaAirport
Airport
AirportTerminal 3 Terminal 2 Terminal 1
Tokyo Station
Yaesu South Exit/
Nihonbashi Exit

180min220minTobu Nikko
sta.
Tobu Nikkosta.
JR Nikko
EkimaeTobu Nikko
sta.

【JR】JAPAN RAIL PASS http://www.japanrailpass.net/
JR EAST PASS https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/【Tobu railway】https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/ticket/nikko/all.html【Tobu Bus】https://www.tobu-bus.com/en/

Multilingual tourist information site

Guidoor now open

for service to make your travels
more convenient and more fun!

Free

Details here

【Issued by】DMO Nikko
1- Imaichi Honcho, Nikko, Tochigi, 321-1292
Tel：0288-25-3320
Mall：jimukyoku@dmo-nikko.or.jp
URL：https://dmo-nikko.jp【Production Support】
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple
Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine
The prices noted in these materials are current as of March 2021 (all Prices are tax inclusive).

Issued March, 2021 Issued by : DMO Nikko

JR Nikkosta.

ACCESS

THE WORLD HERITAGESHRINES and TEMPLES of

Map of Nikko Toshogu Shrine area

Rinno-ji Temple Taiyu-in P.8