ABOUT
About this spot
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu and is one of Japan's foremost power spots. It is also a World Heritage Site, and its greatest highlight is the National Treasure Yomeimon Gate, said to be so beautiful that you could gaze at it all day without getting tired of it. The gate, adorned with more than 500 exquisite carvings, has an overwhelming presence. Within the grounds are many important buildings with animal motifs, including the famous Three Wise Monkeys ("see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil") and the "Sleeping Cat," regarded as a symbol of peace. As soon as you step inside, you are enveloped in a sacred atmosphere surrounded by giant cedar trees, and you will surely forget the bustle of the city and feel refreshed. Whether you want to learn about history at your own pace on a solo trip, visit photo spots with friends, or experience traditional beauty with your family, the magnificent decorations, in perfect harmony with the changing seasons of nature, are sure to move people of every generation. Why not visit this treasure of Nikko, loved across the ages, on a weekend outing?
Last updated March 27, 2026