Toshogu shrines are found throughout Japan. The most famous Toshogu is located in Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists.
Hear no evil, Speak no evil, See no evil (Nikko)
Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine greatly enlarged and lavishly decorated.
Intricate carvings on Yomeimon (Nikko)
The Toshogu at Ueno Park in Tokyo is also widely known. Another, at Kunozan in Shizuoka prefecture, rivals Nikko's for decorative splendor.
Toshogushrines were built accordingly throughout the country, often adjoining important temples or sites that had a family or personal connection with Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Each Toshogu, especially when compared to temples or shrines of a similar construction period, or the drab designs of much of the post-Tokugawa architecture, is beautifully painted and intricately decorated with wood carvings and in many cases gold leaf.
Toshogu is open to the public from 9am-5pm, JY200, and while it might appear neglected it is one of the rare places preserved in its almost original state.
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