The Grandeur of Toshogu Shrine

Details of Nikko's centrepiece

Nicole Bauer Jun 05, 2012 - 1 min read

<p>Splendid Yomei-mon (Twilight Gate), the main gate</p>

<p>Impressive pagoda, reconstructed 1819, after the original from 1650 burned down</p>

<p>Affluent decorations on Yomei-mon, the main gate</p>

<p>This carving is called Imaginary Elephants as the artist had never seen any real elephants before</p>

<p>Famous relief carvings of the 3 monkeys: hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil</p>

<p>Beautiful stone lanterns across the entire shrine area</p>

<p>Sacred library (closed to the public)</p>

<p>Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu on the top of the hill, tucked away from the crowds in the main area</p>

<p>Nemuri Neko, famous (if very small) wooden sculpture of a sleeping cat</p>

<p>Tsutsuga beast on top of Karamon Gate, serves as a guardian</p>

If I am honest, I have to say that I only went to Toshogu shrine because I thought it was one of the things you just have to tick off when being in the area. However I was so wrong! This is by far the most impressive shrine complex I have ever seen since I came to Japan and it can by no means be compared to any other shrine I know. The setting itself is awesome; the colors and the elaborate decorations are unique – one can still feel the wealth and power during the Tokugawa shogunate.

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Nicole Bauer @nicole.bauer

Travelling abroad to discover new places, getting to know different cultures and learning foreign languages has always been my passion. I was born and raised in Germany; however, for a few years now I've been very lucky to be able to spend my life abroad. I lived for some time in England and Ital...