Nikko Tosho-gu
Nikko Tosho-gu
Nikko Tosho-gu
4.5
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
223 within 5 kms
Meiji no Yakata
155
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • International • European
Lancatlgue Cafe Nikko
40
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe
Gyoushintei
30
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Japanese • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Ueshima Coffee Shop
30
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe
Hongu Cafe
53
0.6 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe • Japanese sweets parlour
Sanraku
16
0.4 kmJapanese
Bar de Nikko Kujira Shokudo
134
0.8 km€€ - €€€ • Japanese • Brew Pub • Bar
Nikko Karimon
5
0.4 km€ • Dessert • Japanese • Cafe
Honke Yamabiko
13
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Japanese
Azumaya
10
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe
Attractions
136 within 10 kms
Toshogu Butokuden
3
52 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Nikko Tosho-gu Okariden
4
52 mReligious Sites
Yomeimon (Main Gate)
225
56 mHistoric Sites
Yakushido
27
0.1 kmReligious Sites
Okumiya
16
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries
Nikko Tosho-gu Omotemon
1
85 mReligious Sites
Nikko Futarasan Shrine
578
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Hotokeiwa
5
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Nikko Toshogu Museum
15
0.2 kmHistory Museums
Kaizando
7
0.2 kmReligious Sites
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4.5
3,339 reviews
Excellent
1,847
Very good
1,097
Average
302
Poor
60
Terrible
33
izyphotos
Mascot, Australia705 contributions
Mar 2021
Toshogu Shrine is a magnificent memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan, where simplicity has been traditionally stressed in shrine architecture. Among the many buildings at Toshogu, particularly notable ones include a pretty five story pagoda in front of the main entrance gate. Despite Covid, there were long lines to enter. Admission fee is 1300 yen. Easily accessible with the world heritage bus ticket and get off at stop 82/83.
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hiroaki Kaneko
Tokyo, Japan2,555 contributions
Sep 2021
世界遺産に登録されている日光の社寺の中で、恐らく最も参拝客の多い神社と言えよう。
他の社寺と比較して、境内にある建築物の配色は色鮮やかで、梁や柱などに施された緻密な彫刻には目を見張るものがある。『絢爛豪華』とはまさにこの神社を指すのだろう。境内そのものが彫刻作品の屋外ギャラリーと言っても過言ではない。その分、写真撮影のために立ち止まる観光客も多く、特に土日祝日の日中の混雑ぶりは敬遠したくなる。建物の彫刻は勿論、建物内の絵画（鳴き龍や狩野探幽筆の麒麟等）も素晴らしく、数百年経過した今でもはっきりと鑑賞することが出来る（御本社や薬師堂等の建物内は撮影禁止）。
境内の各建物間の移動は基本的に階段であるため、車椅子等の障碍を持つ方等にとっては利用しづらいかもしれない。境内にはコインロッカー等は無いため、大きな荷物はホテルもしくは駐車した車内に置く必要がある。
Of all the shrines and temples in Nikko that are registered as World Heritage sites, it's probably the most visited shrine.
Compared to other shrines and temples, the color scheme of the buildings in the precincts is more vivid, and the intricate carvings on the beams and pillars are remarkable. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the precinct itself is an open-air gallery of carvings. However, they are the cause of many tourists stopping to take pictures, and the crowds during the day, especially on weekends and holidays, make you feel to avoid to visit there.
In addition to the carvings on the buildings, the paintings inside the buildings (such as Naki-Ryu (Singing dragon), and a Qilin by Kano Tanyu) are wonderful. Even after hundreds of years, you can still see them clearly (photography is not allowed inside the buildings such as the main shrine and Yakushido).
The buildings on the precincts are basically accessed using slightly bumpy passage or stairs, which may be difficult to use for people with disabilities such as wheelchairs. There are no coin-operated lockers in the precincts, so you'll need to leave your large luggage at your hotel or in your parked car.
他の社寺と比較して、境内にある建築物の配色は色鮮やかで、梁や柱などに施された緻密な彫刻には目を見張るものがある。『絢爛豪華』とはまさにこの神社を指すのだろう。境内そのものが彫刻作品の屋外ギャラリーと言っても過言ではない。その分、写真撮影のために立ち止まる観光客も多く、特に土日祝日の日中の混雑ぶりは敬遠したくなる。建物の彫刻は勿論、建物内の絵画（鳴き龍や狩野探幽筆の麒麟等）も素晴らしく、数百年経過した今でもはっきりと鑑賞することが出来る（御本社や薬師堂等の建物内は撮影禁止）。
境内の各建物間の移動は基本的に階段であるため、車椅子等の障碍を持つ方等にとっては利用しづらいかもしれない。境内にはコインロッカー等は無いため、大きな荷物はホテルもしくは駐車した車内に置く必要がある。
Of all the shrines and temples in Nikko that are registered as World Heritage sites, it's probably the most visited shrine.
Compared to other shrines and temples, the color scheme of the buildings in the precincts is more vivid, and the intricate carvings on the beams and pillars are remarkable. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the precinct itself is an open-air gallery of carvings. However, they are the cause of many tourists stopping to take pictures, and the crowds during the day, especially on weekends and holidays, make you feel to avoid to visit there.
In addition to the carvings on the buildings, the paintings inside the buildings (such as Naki-Ryu (Singing dragon), and a Qilin by Kano Tanyu) are wonderful. Even after hundreds of years, you can still see them clearly (photography is not allowed inside the buildings such as the main shrine and Yakushido).
The buildings on the precincts are basically accessed using slightly bumpy passage or stairs, which may be difficult to use for people with disabilities such as wheelchairs. There are no coin-operated lockers in the precincts, so you'll need to leave your large luggage at your hotel or in your parked car.
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
100nights19flights
Japan234 contributions
Jun 2021
An excellent place if you time your visit outside peak hours. The Covid precautions were very good. The "roaring dragon" is a must see.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ramadurai R
Cincinnati, OH122 contributions
May 2021
Simply amazing to see this place, detailed art work as you walk around. Don't forget to see the outer part of the shirne where you have to climb up 207 foot steps!
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andre_BAZ
Bristol, United Kingdom40 contributions
May 2020
This world heritage site is worth day trip to Nikko if visiting Tokyo. Straight forward to get here from Tobu Asakusa station and then a taxi or bus from Nikko station. The shrine was built for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that would govern Japan from 1603 until the Meiji restoration in 1867 and is a very elaborate set of different builds made out of wood with very complex and beautiful carvings and vivid colors. One of the greatest human architectural achievements.
Written 10 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mick
Bangkok, Thailand131 contributions
Nov 2020
Easy to get to from Nikko station. Just take a bus for 200Yen from the station or get an all day pass if seeing all the sites and have time on hand.
The shrine is amazing craftsmanship in honor to Ieyasu Tokugawa Japans first Shogun after the warring states period.
I visited third week of November and there was still some lovely Autumn foliage to be seen.
The Cedars lined walkways and surrounding shrines and temples were lovely but this is definitely in my top 3 of all places visited in Japan.
The shrine is amazing craftsmanship in honor to Ieyasu Tokugawa Japans first Shogun after the warring states period.
I visited third week of November and there was still some lovely Autumn foliage to be seen.
The Cedars lined walkways and surrounding shrines and temples were lovely but this is definitely in my top 3 of all places visited in Japan.
Written 19 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
makimuranakano
9 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
First animals is sleeping cat that called NEMURI-NEKO.2 tree sparrow was back side the sleeping cat and that is to mean the peaceful years of the Edo period（1603-1868）
Second animals are 3 wise monkeys,MIZARU・IWAZARU・KIKAZARU.that is to mean see no evil,speak no evil,hear no evil,that monkeys portrayed of life.
Thirdly,NAKI-RYU is drowned ceiling oriental dragon. Buddhist priest perform on a certain location,the dragon roared.This area is not take photographs.
NIKKO-TOSHOGU was dedicated to memory of IEYASU TOKUGAWA faundation of an Edo（Tokyo）city.We observe the decencies here.
Second animals are 3 wise monkeys,MIZARU・IWAZARU・KIKAZARU.that is to mean see no evil,speak no evil,hear no evil,that monkeys portrayed of life.
Thirdly,NAKI-RYU is drowned ceiling oriental dragon. Buddhist priest perform on a certain location,the dragon roared.This area is not take photographs.
NIKKO-TOSHOGU was dedicated to memory of IEYASU TOKUGAWA faundation of an Edo（Tokyo）city.We observe the decencies here.
Written 16 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dioc
Athens, GA180 contributions
Oct 2019
What a great day trip from Tokyo. The train trip from Tokyo was relaxing and once there you get on the bus that takes you to the Shrine. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will know why when you visit. The Shrine was completed in 1636 and it took 4.5 million artisans and workers 1.5 years to complete the groups of buildings that are more elaborate and gorgeous than any other Japanese temple or shrine. There are a lot of steps but it is doable if you are not rushed. Especially the steps to Leuasu Toshogu's grave site. One thing to know is that the Shinzo Sacred Bridge is an extra fee to cross and once you get across you have to go back across to exit that site and go on to the Shrine.
Written 16 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT1,460 contributions
Feb 2020
This beautiful temple is a must-see if you're visiting Japan. Wander through the temple, admire the exquisite attention to detail, and soak in the history (it was built in the 16th century). Specifically, look for the carving of the Three Monkeys, which are the basis for the "hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil" monkeys that are common nowadays. It's a calm place, even when there are a lot of visitors.
Written 7 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tsuyoshi N
Osaka, Japan
初めまして、皆さま。
尾瀬から日光へ行く計画を立てていますが、自家用車以外のアクセス方法について、アドバイスしていただければ幸いです。よろしくお願いします。
Is it necessary to book tickets voor Tosho-gu in advance, or can we buy them on arrival? And where is the best place to buy them.
719cromero
Ocoee, FL3,085 contributions
Buy tickets on your arrival! No problems! Guide tours is available!
Joshua Pacheco
Quezon City, Philippines15 contributions
Hello, I will be in Tokyo from December 28, 2018 - January 1, 2019 and I plan to make a quick day trip to Nikko Prefecture and see the Tosho-gu shrine.. I read that lots of people will be going home to their provinces at this time and the trains are packed! What date would you recommend I visit?
shopping74
Tokyo, Japan6,346 contributions
9:30am to 16:30pm availability to use the elevator but it is getting dark early so I recommend you go there earlier the better to see the dinamic fall.
Sharon G
1,262 contributions
How long approximately would it take to go round the shrine
LarZ
Portland, OR160 contributions
There is a pilgrimage aspect to Nikko. And the site is spread out over moderately steep hillsides.
Naturally, much depends on the amount of time you want to devote to each element (there is not just one shrine, but a complex of buildings, and pathways leading secondary & smaller shrines, plus temples, the museum, etc). Other factors are crowds related to time of year, and day, etc. And weather, which also impacts crowds.
Strolling through, the core buildings of the main shrine? Less than a hour. But overall, budget at least a half day, more if you can afford it.
If you can budget two days, focus one upon a leisurely tour of the main sites, and another going up to Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and perhaps the Imperial Villa.
historyowl
Royal Palm Beach, FL12 contributions
Hello, I wanted to ask if there is a universal/western toilet available near the Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine? Thank you.
mickknap
North Yorkshire, UK6,019 contributions
Try the gift shop and restaurant close by
初めまして。質問失礼いたします。
週末に東照宮や二荒山神社に行こうと思っているのですが、ガイドをお願いしてより詳しい話を聞きながら色々見れたらなと思っております。
そこでガイドを頼める会社などは何という会社なのでしょうか？いまいちネットで調べても出てきません。
お勧めのガイド会社さんありましたら、ご教授頂ければと思います。
宜しくお願い致します。
harutohana19
Tokyo, Japan12 contributions
東照宮はイヤホンガイド（1台５００円、ファミリーセットで３台１０００円）でも十分でした。
各堂内では宮司さんやお坊様が説明して下さいます（さいごにお守り購入の案内はご愛敬）ので、十分でした。
二荒山神社も良いけれど、是非大猷院（家光が祀られています）も行って見て下さい。本殿での説明でも「へぇ～そうなんだ」と思えるようなお話が聞けますよ。
ガイドさん無しでもゆっくり案内板を読みながらでも十分楽しめます。
Hannah-Cristina P
9 contributions
Hi everyone I’m also wondering is there a bus I can get from Nikko kegon falls to Shinkyo bridge? Or to Toshogu shrine? And where would i get it? Thanks so much!
Shin181
21 contributions
Hi. There are about three in an hour.
Hannah-Cristina P
9 contributions
Hello I would like to know if I can still see the three wise monkeys and cat carving at Toshogu or is it under renovation? I am going in one week. Thanks!
YvonneT
Adelaide, Australia216 contributions
It was easy to see both of these. We were there in April. The renovations seemed to be limited to the roof. I’d say the monkeys had already been renovated. The cat is very small and tucked away. Check out the reverse side too. Enjoy this fabulous temple. Lucky you.
Maria
Madrid, Spain31 contributions
Hola, alguien que haya estado hace poco (marzo,abril 2018), podría decirme si siguen en obras muchos templos?? Yo voy a finales de mayo y quisiera saber si merece la pena, por las obras, que como destino ya me han dicho que es espectacular, u organizamos otra visita desde Tokyo. Gracias 👌
Peter J
Munich, Germany757 contributions
Nikko ist ein absolutes Muß für eine Reise nach Japan; die Anlage wird im Moment restauriert, ein Großteil ist bereits fertig restauriert. Nach Möglichkeit unbedingt am frühen Morgen anreisen: dann sind noch nicht so viele Touristen dort, insbesondere Chinesen, die lärmend durch die Anlage ziehen.
obake2017
Myrtle Creek, OR1 contribution
I've found conflicting information about the status of renovation at Nikko Tosho-gu. Do you know whether the five-story pagoda be free-standing or under scaffolding in May 2018? The title of your note about Nikko says that renovation will continue until 2020. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
MakkD
Mumbai, India85 contributions
I went there few weeks backs and it was alright.no covering.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nikko Tosho-gu
- We recommend booking Nikko Tosho-gu tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 35 Nikko Tosho-gu tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Nikko Tosho-gu:
- (0.35 km) Hotel Seikoen
- (0.37 km) Nikko Tokanso
- (0.56 km) Nikko Senhime Monogatari
- (0.52 km) Kozuchi no Yado Tsurukame Daikichi
- (0.36 km) Nikko Nishimachi Club Aratouto
- Restaurants near Nikko Tosho-gu:
- (0.15 km) Nikko Fukutokuan
- (0.20 km) Ueshima Coffee Shop
- (0.21 km) Kishino
- (0.34 km) Meiji no Yakata
- (0.32 km) Gyoushintei
- Attractions near Nikko Tosho-gu:
- (0.05 km) Nikko Tosho-gu Okariden
- (0.05 km) Toshogu Butokuden
- (0.06 km) Yomeimon (Main Gate)
- (0.10 km) Yakushido
- (0.14 km) Okumiya