Toshogu Shrine (Tōshōgū) is a magnificent memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 17th century.

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.

Visitors may note that Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements. It was common for places of worship to contain elements of both religions until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Across the country, Buddhist elements were removed from shrines and vice versa, but at Toshogu the two religions were so intermingled that the separation was not carried out completely.

In Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, there is still a slice of the Edo Period left for to you find.

Step back in time to 17th century Japan and explore the beauty, culture and interesting characters of the Edo Era. Enjoy delicious food, fun activities and a variety of entertaining performances.

Explore the village freely and interact with the friendly locals, they love to chat and have their photo taken.

Stop by Jiku the kimono rental shop and become the Edo character of your choice!

While in town be sure to check out all the theatres, try out Edo-period cuisine and occupations, and before you know it you’ll be a real Edo citizen!