⛩🐒✅ Nikko Toshogu Shrine Strategy Guide – Enjoy Tokugawa history at this World Heritage Site!

#DomesticTravelTips

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan's leading shrines, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is famous for its gorgeous carvings and stately architecture. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site, and is a popular spot visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Here are some tips to avoid the crowds and make sure you see the highlights!

📍 1. Basic information

📌 Location: 2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
⏰ Visiting hours:
• April 1st to October 31st: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
• November 1st to March 31st: 9:00-16:00 (last admission 15:30)

💰 Admission fees:
• [Toshogu Shrine single admission ticket]
Adults and high school students: 1,600 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 550 yen
• [Set fee (Toshogu Shrine + Treasure Museum)]
Adults and high school students: 2,400 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 870 yen

🔥 2. Tips and things to see

🔹 ① Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds!
• It's best to arrive before 9:00!
• After 10am, it gets crowded with tour groups💦

🔹 ② Make sure to check out the highlights!

🐵 Three Wise Monkeys

• Famous for its "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" sculptures!

• Eight sculptures depict the life of a person, and you can enjoy just this place for 10 minutes✨

🐉 Honjido (Crying Dragon)

• Famous for its crying dragon. When you strike the clappers, the echoing sound reverberates like the cry of a dragon!

🐦 Sleeping Cat

• The "Sleeping Cat" by Migi Jingoro is a small sculpture, but a masterpiece that represents Toshogu Shrine.

• A sparrow is drawn on the back of the cat, and it is popular as a "symbol of peace"✨

🌄 Okumiya (Ieyasu's Grave)

• The place where Tokugawa Ieyasu rests, located at the top of 207 steps.
• The view from the top is also spectacular, so if you have the stamina, you should definitely try it!

💡 Tips

• If you're not confident in your stamina, head to Okumiya first, and then take your time to explore the other areas on your way back.✨

🍱 3. Gourmet food and souvenirs after worship

🍱 ① Nikko Yuba Yuzen

• A famous restaurant serving Nikko's specialty "yuba cuisine"!

• How about an elegant "yuba kaiseki" for lunch after worship?

📍 Access: 10 minutes walk from Toshogu Shrine

🍡 ② Kanaya Bakery

• The crispy "Kanaya Roll" and "Kanaya Curry Bread" are very popular!

• Also great as souvenirs.

📍 Access: 5 minutes walk from Toshogu Shrine

🎯 4. Summary of tips for visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine

✅ Arrive before 9:00 to avoid the crowds!
✅ Be sure to check out the "Three Wise Monkeys", "Sleeping Cat", "Crying Dragon" and "Okumiya"
✅ If you have the energy, go to Okumiya first!
✅ After worship, take a break with "Yuba cuisine" and "Kanaya Bakery" 🍡

✨ Feel the power of Tokugawa Ieyasu at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, full of history and beauty! ✨

#DomesticTravel #japan #NikkoToshoguShrine