Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Nikko is one of Japan’s most famous historic shrines. Surrounded by tall cedar trees, the complex is known for its gold-covered buildings, detailed carvings, grand gates and connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
For many visitors, Toshogu is the main reason to travel to Nikko from Tokyo. This guide covers the current entrance fee, opening hours, tickets, access from Tokyo, what to see, how long to spend and the best time to visit.
Book Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Advance & avoid long lines at the Ticket Counter.
𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Table of Contents
Entrance fee: ¥1,600 for adults and high-school students, and ¥550 for elementary and junior-high students.
Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April to October, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from November to March. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Time needed: Around 1.5 to 2 hours for the shrine itself.
From Tobu-Nikko Station: About 13 minutes by the World Heritage Tour Bus to Omotesando.
Best for: Japanese history, architecture, photography, UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing and first-time visitors to Nikko.
Famous for: Yomeimon Gate, the Three Wise Monkeys, Sleeping Cat, Crying Dragon and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Address: 2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Ieyasu died in 1616 and was enshrined at Nikko soon afterward.
Around 20 years later, his grandson Tokugawa Iemitsu transformed the site into the elaborate shrine complex visitors see today. Toshogu has 55 buildings, including eight National Treasures.
Toshogu is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Shrines and Temples of Nikko. The World Heritage area includes Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀?
Many shrines in Japan are admired for simple wooden architecture, but Toshogu is very different. Gold leaf, colorful paintings, carved animals and detailed decorations cover many of its buildings.
It is also closely connected with Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most important figures in Japanese history. The Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan for more than 250 years during the Edo period.
Even if you have already visited many temples and shrines in Japan, Toshogu feels different. The amount of decoration and craftsmanship makes it one of the most visually distinctive religious sites in the country.
𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗲
The regular Nikko Toshogu Shrine ticket costs ¥1,600 for adults and high-school students. Elementary and junior-high school students pay ¥550.
A combined ticket covering Toshogu Shrine and the Toshogu Museum costs ¥2,400 for adults and high-school students and ¥870 for elementary and junior-high students.
The Toshogu Museum can also be visited separately. It contains historical objects associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Tokugawa family.
For most first-time visitors, the regular shrine ticket is enough. Travelers with a deeper interest in Tokugawa history may want to add the museum.
One important detail for tourists is that the ticket counter accepts cash only. Carry enough Japanese yen if you plan to buy your ticket after arriving at the shrine.
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Yes. You can book Nikko Toshogu Shrine tickets online before your trip through a trusted online booking partner.
Booking in advance can be convenient, especially if you want to organize your Nikko itinerary before leaving Tokyo.
Book your Nikko Toshogu Shrine ticket online here.
After booking, remember that the online voucher must be exchanged for a physical admission ticket at the Tobu-Nikko Station Tourist Center before you visit the shrine.
The voucher cannot be exchanged at the Toshogu entrance, so collect your ticket while you are still at Tobu-Nikko Station.
𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀
Nikko Toshogu Shrine opens at 9:00 a.m. throughout the year.
From April through October, the shrine is normally open until 5:00 p.m. From November through March, it closes earlier at 4:00 p.m.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. If you want to visit Ieyasu’s mausoleum and explore without rushing, do not arrive close to the final admission time.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲
Toshogu is much larger and more detailed than it may appear in photographs. Some of its most famous attractions are small carvings that are easy to miss if you walk through too quickly.
Allow enough time to explore the gates, buildings and forest paths. These are the highlights I recommend seeing on a first visit.
1) 𝗬𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲
Yomeimon is the most spectacular structure at Nikko Toshogu Shrine and one of the most recognizable gates in Japan. It is covered with gold leaf, colorful decoration and extremely detailed carvings.
Look closely rather than simply taking a photograph from the front. Animals, flowers, people and decorative patterns cover almost every part of the gate.
This area can become crowded later in the day. Visiting soon after the shrine opens gives you a better chance to enjoy Yomeimon before large tour groups arrive.
2) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘆𝘀
The famous Three Wise Monkeys are carved on the Sacred Stable at Toshogu. They represent the familiar idea of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”
The carving is smaller than many first-time visitors expect. Look carefully at the wooden building rather than expecting a large sculpture.
There are other monkey carvings on the same building. Together, they represent different stages of life, making the stable more interesting than the famous three monkeys alone.
3) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝘁
The Sleeping Cat, or Nemurineko, is another famous carving at Toshogu. It appears above a doorway leading toward Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum.
Like the Three Wise Monkeys, the Sleeping Cat is surprisingly small. It is easy to walk beneath it without noticing if you are following a crowd.
After passing through this area, the route continues uphill through the forest toward the inner shrine and Ieyasu’s tomb.
4) 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝘂𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗜𝗲𝘆𝗮𝘀𝘂’𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗺
The Okumiya inner shrine contains the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Reaching it requires climbing a long stone staircase through a peaceful cedar forest.
The atmosphere here feels very different from the colorful main shrine complex. The architecture becomes simpler and quieter as you approach the tomb.
Visitors with difficulty climbing stairs should consider this before starting the ascent. You can still see the major gates and carvings without going all the way to the mausoleum.
5) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻
Another popular attraction is the large dragon painted on the ceiling of Honjido Hall. It is commonly called the Crying Dragon or Roaring Dragon.
The hall is famous for its unusual acoustic effect. During demonstrations, a sharp sound made beneath the dragon’s head produces a distinctive echo.
Follow the instructions of shrine staff while inside. Photography may be restricted inside some religious buildings, so always check the signs before taking pictures.
6) 𝗢𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂
The experience of visiting Toshogu begins before you enter the paid area. Omotesando, the main approach, leads through the historic World Heritage district toward the shrine.
Large cedar trees, stone structures and the shrine entrance create a completely different atmosphere from the busy streets near Nikko Station.
If the weather is good, take your time here. The approach is part of the experience rather than simply a path to the ticket gate.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit to Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
You may finish faster if you only see the major buildings and carvings. However, visiting Ieyasu’s mausoleum, waiting for the Crying Dragon demonstration and stopping for photographs can easily take two hours.
If you also want to visit the Toshogu Museum, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple, reserve at least half a day for the World Heritage area.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝘆𝗼
For many tourists staying in central Tokyo, Tobu Asakusa Station provides one of the easiest routes to Nikko.
Take a Tobu Limited Express to Tobu-Nikko Station. Direct services can complete the journey in approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
Some services may require a change at Shimo-Imaichi, so check the timetable before traveling. Limited express trains require the appropriate limited express ticket in addition to the normal fare or applicable pass.
Traveling from Asakusa is particularly convenient if you are staying around Asakusa, Ueno, Tokyo Skytree or eastern Tokyo.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗸𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗸𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗼
Direct JR-Tobu limited express services also connect Shinjuku and Ikebukuro with the Nikko area.
The journey from Shinjuku to Tobu-Nikko takes approximately two hours, depending on the service.
This can be convenient if you are staying in western Tokyo. However, this JR-Tobu route is not covered by the Nikko Pass.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗯𝘂-𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲
The easiest option is the World Heritage Tour Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station.
The journey takes about 13 minutes to the Omotesando bus stop. From there, you can continue into the Toshogu area on foot.
This is the best option if you want to save time or arrive early before the largest crowds.
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Yes. Walking from Tobu-Nikko or JR Nikko Station to the World Heritage area generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
The walk is not wasted sightseeing time. You pass through central Nikko and can stop at shops, restaurants and Shinkyo Bridge along the way.
One good plan is to take the bus to Toshogu in the morning and walk back toward the station later.
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝘆𝗼?
Yes. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is very suitable for a day trip from Tokyo.
With a direct train from Asakusa taking around 1 hour 50 minutes, you can leave Tokyo in the morning, spend several hours around the World Heritage area and return in the evening.
A day trip becomes more difficult if you also want to see Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Kinugawa Onsen or Edo Wonderland. For those attractions, staying one night gives you much more time.
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲
Nikko Toshogu Shrine can be visited throughout the year. The best season depends on whether you want comfortable weather, autumn colors, snow, festivals or fewer visitors.
Nikko is generally cooler than central Tokyo. Even when Tokyo feels warm, temperatures around Nikko can be noticeably lower, particularly in the morning and evening.
𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
Spring is one of the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing in Nikko. Fresh green leaves return to the forest, and temperatures are generally pleasant for walking.
The Nikko Toshogu Annual Grand Spring Festival takes place on May 17 and 18. Yabusame horseback archery is held on May 17, followed by the famous procession on May 18.
Around 1,000 participants dressed in traditional costumes take part in the procession associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu.
𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿
Summer brings deep green forests and long daylight hours. The cedar-covered shrine grounds can feel refreshing compared with heavily built-up areas of Tokyo.
However, Japan’s summer can still be hot and humid. Carry water and allow extra time if you plan to climb the steps to Ieyasu’s mausoleum.
Summer also overlaps with Japan’s rainy and typhoon seasons, so check the weather forecast before making a long day trip from Tokyo.
𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻
Autumn is one of the most beautiful and popular times to visit Nikko. Colorful leaves surrounding the historic shrine buildings create some of the best scenery of the year.
It is also one of the busiest seasons. Trains, buses and roads can become crowded during peak foliage periods, particularly on weekends.
The Toshogu Autumn Grand Festival is held on October 16 and 17 every year. Major attractions include yabusame horseback archery and a procession of participants dressed as samurai.
𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿
Winter gives Toshogu a much quieter atmosphere. Snow can occasionally transform the cedar forest and shrine buildings into an especially beautiful landscape.
The main disadvantage is the cold, particularly in the morning. Wear warm clothes and shoes suitable for wet, icy or snowy paths.
Remember that Toshogu closes at 4:00 p.m. from November through March, so winter sightseeing days need slightly more careful planning.
𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗲𝗱?
Yes. Toshogu can become crowded on weekends, Japanese public holidays, autumn foliage days and during major festivals.
The easiest strategy is to arrive close to the 9:00 a.m. opening time. The grounds are usually more comfortable before large tour groups arrive.
Early morning is also better for photography around Yomeimon Gate and other popular areas.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Toshogu has stone paths, slopes and many stairs, especially if you plan to visit Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum.
Nikko can be colder than Tokyo, so check the weather before leaving. An extra layer is useful in spring and autumn, while winter requires proper warm clothing.
Also carry Japanese yen. Tickets purchased at the Toshogu ticket counter must currently be paid for in cash.
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲
The outdoor architecture, gates and carvings offer excellent opportunities for photography.
However, photography may be restricted inside certain buildings and sacred spaces. Look for signs and follow instructions from shrine staff.
If taking photographs is important to you, arriving early also makes it easier to photograph the major structures without large crowds.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲
Do not leave the area immediately after visiting Toshogu. Several of Nikko’s most important historic attractions are within easy walking distance.
Nikko Futarasan Shrine is nearby and offers a quieter atmosphere. Rinnoji Temple is another major part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and adds an important Buddhist element to the area.
Shinkyo Bridge is also close enough to combine with your Toshogu visit. Its bright vermilion structure crossing the Daiya River is one of Nikko’s most recognizable views.
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗢𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻?
Yes. Kinugawa Onsen is a good choice if you want to turn your Nikko day trip into an overnight trip.
You can explore Toshogu and central Nikko during the day, then travel to Kinugawa Onsen and relax at a hotel or ryokan in the evening.
Staying overnight also gives you more time for other attractions instead of trying to fit everything into one day.
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽?
Yes, but I would not rush both attractions into a short visit.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine deserves around two hours, while Edo Wonderland is a large historical theme park where you can easily spend several hours.
If both are important to you, staying in Nikko or Kinugawa Onsen for at least one night creates a much more comfortable itinerary.
𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴?
Yes. For a first trip to Nikko, Toshogu is the attraction I would not skip.
The ¥1,600 entrance fee is higher than admission at many Japanese shrines, but Toshogu offers much more than a single shrine building.
Yomeimon Gate, the Three Wise Monkeys, Sleeping Cat, Crying Dragon and Ieyasu’s mausoleum together create a substantial sightseeing experience.
It is also easy enough to reach from Tokyo for a day trip. If you have more time, staying overnight and combining Toshogu with Kinugawa Onsen, Edo Wonderland, Lake Chuzenji or Kegon Falls gives you a much better experience of the wider Nikko area.
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲?
The regular admission fee is ¥1,600 for adults and high-school students and ¥550 for elementary and junior-high students.
A combined Toshogu Shrine and Toshogu Museum ticket costs ¥2,400 for adults and high-school students and ¥870 for elementary and junior-high students.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻?
Nikko Toshogu Shrine opens at 9:00 a.m. throughout the year.
It closes at 5:00 p.m. from April through October and at 4:00 p.m. from November through March. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit.
If you are also visiting the Toshogu Museum, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple, plan at least half a day in the World Heritage area.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝘆𝗼?
One of the easiest routes is a Tobu limited express from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station. Direct services take approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
From Tobu-Nikko Station, take the World Heritage Tour Bus for about 13 minutes to Omotesando.
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗯𝘂-𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Yes. The walk generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Walking can be enjoyable if you have enough time because you pass through central Nikko and can include Shinkyo Bridge along the route.
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗯𝘂𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Yes, but online vouchers need to be exchanged for physical tickets at the Tobu-Nikko Station Tourist Center.
Do this before traveling to Toshogu because online vouchers cannot be exchanged at the shrine entrance.
𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀?
For tickets purchased at the shrine ticket counter, payment is currently cash only.
It is therefore safest to carry enough Japanese yen for admission.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿?
Toshogu is particularly famous for Yomeimon Gate, the Three Wise Monkeys, Sleeping Cat, Crying Dragon and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
It is also famous for its highly decorated architecture, gold leaf and connection with the Tokugawa shogunate.
𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮 𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲?
Yes. Toshogu is one of the major components of the UNESCO-listed Shrines and Temples of Nikko.
The World Heritage Site also includes Nikko Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹?
The Annual Grand Spring Festival takes place on May 17 and 18.
Horseback archery is held on May 17, while the large traditional procession takes place on May 18.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹?
The Autumn Grand Festival is held every year on October 16 and 17.
The festival includes traditional horseback archery and a large samurai procession.
𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿?
Yes. Winter is quieter, and snow can make the shrine particularly beautiful.
Dress warmly and remember that the shrine closes earlier, at 4:00 p.m., from November through March.
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