[2025 Nikko Attraction] Travel Guide for Yōmeimon Gate (Updated Aug)

#summervacay Inside Toshogu shrine in Nikko lies the Yomeimon gate, regarded as the most beautiful gate in Japan The awe inspiring structure includes a multitude of decorations intricately designed, carved and painted which reflects the skill of the craftsmen involved in this project. From the dragon carvings, to the guardian statues at the base of the gate, to its golden aesthetics, this is certainly worth the claim. #yomeimongate #nikkojp

#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

#japantrip Nikko Toshogu Shrine, located in Sannai 2301, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a magnificent site that beautifully combines historical significance with stunning architectural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and is renowned for its elaborate carvings, vibrant colors, and intricate details. The iconic Yomeimon Gate, often referred to as the “Gate of Sunlight,” is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with over 500 carvings. Visitors can also explore the serene surroundings, including the sacred cedar trees that add to the shrine’s tranquil atmosphere. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a place of beauty and peace, Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture offers an unforgettable experience.

On a slightly rainy day in Nikko, the Toshogu Shrine exudes an even more solemn atmosphere. Built in 1617, a year after Tokugawa Ieyasu's death, this shrine is a major attraction listed as a World Cultural Heritage site under "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." It's the most luxurious and exquisite shrine I've seen in Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The architecture features extensive use of gold, black, and white, with opulent decorations and impeccable details. Craftsmen from all over Japan were gathered to build the shrine, using a rich palette of colors. The memorial hall at the entrance even has a special "color card" display. The pillars at the base of the buildings are intricately carved with floral and animal motifs, showcasing high aesthetic standards. Toshogu Shrine offers many highlights, such as the "Three Wise Monkeys" in the "Sacred Stable," the colorful carvings on the "Yomeimon Gate," and Tokugawa Ieyasu's tombstone on the hill, adding a touch of mystery. The Tokugawa family was indeed at its peak during this tumultuous era of warring states. Despite not being the bravest or most righteous, Ieyasu, who was short and somewhat unattractive, managed to end the Sengoku period and establish the Tokugawa shogunate, ushering in over 200 years of Edo peace. Japanese often refer to cunning old men as "old raccoons," a nickname for Tokugawa Ieyasu due to his sly nature. The exhibition hall at the shrine's entrance displays his portrait, his tiny palanquin, armor, sword, calligraphy, and personal items, offering more insight into his character. He left many famous quotes, such as "Life is like a long journey with heavy luggage, you can't rush it." With such a life philosophy, it's no wonder he was the last man standing in the struggle for power. Interestingly, I encountered a special Gundam designed for the Toshogu Shrine, with a black base and red and gold accents, exuding a sense of majesty and looking incredibly cool. Nikko is quite a distance from Tokyo, so I had to skip other shrines and only managed a quick visit to the Shinkyo Bridge before leaving. Coincidentally, the weather cleared up, and the sun shone on the red bridge, with the river's rushing water crashing against the rocks, creating a misty, ethereal scene. Truly a divine bridge! #JapanTravel #Tokyo #OutdoorAdventures

Nikko's World Heritage Sites are primarily composed of the Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple, each representing different spiritual influences. Toshogu is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, whose mausoleum is located here, making it the most prestigious among similar shrines across Japan. The Yomeimon Gate, with its vibrant white and gold hues, stands out, while other structures feature red, black, and gold tones. Visitors often seek out the famous 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' monkeys and the sleeping cat, which guards the gate. Futarasan Shrine is part of Shinto, and Rinnoji Temple belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, originating from Tiantai Mountain in Zhejiang. The bell and drum towers here differ from those in other regions, highlighting the cultural influence of architecture. Reflecting on these ancient structures, one realizes the profound impact of cultural exchange, unlike today's reliance on institutions like the Confucius Institute. In the afternoon, I ventured into Nikko's natural landscapes, which offer numerous hiking trails such as the Kirifuri Highlands, Senjogahara, and Akanuma, as well as Edo-era villages and the Kinugawa River. I chose a less strenuous path to visit the Tachiki Kannon, a branch of Rinnoji Temple, and the surrounding villa area. This scenic spot was first discovered by Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko, and the villas were built as embassies by Western powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with some in use until the late 20th or early 21st century. The area's recognition in the West began with a travelogue by a British knight who built a villa here. Visitors can purchase tickets, remove their shoes, and enjoy coffee on a sofa, with the last image capturing the picturesque view from this vantage point.

On October 20, 2023, the eleventh day of our two-week trip to Japan, we started the day with breakfast, checked out, and headed to one of Nikko's iconic sights, the Shinkyo Bridge. Built in 1636, this bridge was once reserved for important figures like shoguns or imperial envoys. Nowadays, visitors can purchase tickets to cross it, though it opens at 9 AM. We opted for a distant photo from the Nikko Bridge instead. After passing through the main gate, we explored various historical structures, including the three sacred storehouses, the sacred stable, the library, and the second torii, leading us to the Yomeimon Gate, the first gate of the main Toshogu Shrine complex. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate and one of Japan's 'Three Unifiers.' After Ieyasu's death in 1616, his remains were initially interred at Kunozan, with plans to move them to Nikko three years later. However, his son, the second shogun Hidetada, expedited the transfer due to his own health concerns. Initially, a small shrine was built in Nikko, but it was greatly expanded by Ieyasu's grandson, the third shogun Iemitsu, who admired his grandfather. By 1645, the shrine had been granted the title of Toshogu by the Kyoto court. The stone torii (first torii) was donated by the famous daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa. The original main gate, depicted in one of the images, features statues of the Nio guardians. The five-story pagoda was donated by Sakai Tadakatsu, a Tokugawa retainer. Interestingly, despite the similarity in their names, he was not related to Sakai Tadatsugu, one of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' of Tokugawa. For more information on Shinkyo Bridge, visit their website. The bridge is open from 8 AM to 5 PM from April to October and from 9 AM to 4 PM from November to March. Tickets cost ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for university students, and ¥100 for elementary and middle school students.

Previously, I recommended the JR Wide Area Pass, which covers travel to Nikko. However, since I used it for trips to Yuzawa for skiing and to Karuizawa for church visits, the 3-day validity wasn't enough for Nikko. But don't worry, there's a more affordable Tobu Pass for Nikko. The pass comes in two types: a 4-day and a 2-day version. I opted for the 2-day pass, which includes regular train rides from Asakusa to Tobu Nikko Station, excluding express trains, and bus tickets for the Nikko World Heritage area and Kinugawa area. Important note: the express train is not included, but you can pay extra for it. However, to save money, if you plan a day trip, make sure to catch the 6:50 AM slow train. You'll transfer at Tobu Zoo and Minami-Kurihashi, arriving in Nikko at 9:18 AM, just over half an hour later than the express. Later trains take nearly an hour longer, so for a same-day return, this train is essential. Upon arrival, you can take the World Heritage Loop Bus around 9:30 AM to the vicinity of Toshogu Shrine, your first stop. Nikko's World Heritage sites include two shrines and one temple: Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple. Toshogu Shrine is a highlight, being the main shrine in Nikko and a Japanese national treasure, built during the Edo period as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It's one of the most ornate temples I've visited in Japan. Notable sights include the Sacred Stable with carvings of the Three Wise Monkeys, embodying the Confucian principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." Other highlights are the Copper Torii, the National Treasure Yomeimon Gate, the Inner Shrine, and the famous Sleeping Cat carving above the entrance. Arriving early means fewer crowds and perfect sunlight, allowing you to stroll leisurely, enjoy the views, or sit quietly. Don't miss the goshuin (temple stamps) and omamori (charms), and remember to bring cash. Futarasan Shrine is an ancient shrine, the source of Nikko's mountain faith. It enshrines Okuninushi no Mikoto, the god of matchmaking, known for its blessings in relationships. The shrine is small but features a sacred spring; drink a few sips for free, but there's a charge to take some home. The Seven Lucky Gods are also worth visiting. Taiyuin uses a black and gold color scheme, giving it a solemn and dignified feel. The temple's 315 stone lanterns are impressive, and it features a 500-year-old Kongozakura cherry tree, which blooms beautifully in spring. In autumn, the temple's Japanese garden offers stunning views of the fall foliage. Rinnoji Temple encompasses various Buddhist halls, pagodas, and 15 temples scattered across Nikko. The Sanbutsudo is the largest wooden structure in Nikko, housing statues of Kannon, Amida, and Bato Kannon. It also features a newly unveiled statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Shinkyo Bridge is a beautiful vermilion wooden bridge at the entrance to Nikko, considered one of Japan's three great bridges alongside Saruhashi in Yamanashi and Kintaikyo in Yamaguchi. There's a fee to cross, but you can admire it from the roadside. After your visit, you can stroll back to the station. The slow train around 5 PM will get you back to Tokyo by 8 PM. #NikkoTravelGuide #TokyoDayTrips #ChildfreeCoupleAdventures

Nikko's World Heritage site is a vast complex, mainly divided into four parts: Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Futarasan Shrine, and Taiyuin Mausoleum. You can purchase a combined ticket for Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin Mausoleum for 1000 yen, while Futarasan Shrine is free. Toshogu Shrine requires a separate ticket, with an adult ticket priced at 1600 yen, or 2400 yen if you include the Treasure Hall. However, the Treasure Hall might not be worth the extra cost, as the main attractions can be seen with the 1600 yen ticket. The Five-Story Pagoda costs an additional 300 yen, but it might not be worth it just to see the interior carvings. On the other hand, the 500 yen audio guide is highly recommended for its convenience and informative content. Nikko is closely associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, as it is the main shrine dedicated to him. The shrine is one of the most ornate in Japan, with the Yomeimon Gate being the most magnificent, followed closely by the Karamon Gate. There are many auxiliary buildings, such as the Kaguraden, Rinzou, and Prayer Hall. A short hike leads to the Okunoin, where Tokugawa Ieyasu's tomb is located. Other interesting sites include the Shinyoden, which houses festival palanquins representing Tokugawa Ieyasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Minamoto no Yoritomo. The Treasure Hall offers a closer look at these artifacts. The Crying Dragon Hall is another highlight, where the echo of bamboo clappers resembles a dragon's roar. Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the main shrine and photography is prohibited. Although it's a Shinto shrine, it features many Buddhist and Confucian elements, such as the famous 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' monkeys. Visitors can also find familiar Chinese cultural references, like the story of Sima Guang breaking the vat.

'Shrines and Temples of Nikko', known as '日光の社寺' in Japanese, refers to the collective shrines and temples located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. In December 1999, it was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The most significant part of '日光の社寺' is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the 'Nikko Toshogu Shrine'. The 'Yomeimon Gate' is a major highlight of the 'Nikko Toshogu Shrine' complex. The gate is 7 meters wide, 11.1 meters high, and 4.4 meters long, intricately carved with 508 sculptures of mythical creatures, flowers, birds, and themes from Chinese legends, all adorned with gold leaf, making it extraordinarily luxurious. The third shogun of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu, was so amazed by the gate's splendor that he remarked, 'I could watch it until nightfall and still not have enough,' hence the 'Yomeimon Gate' is also known as the 'Gate of Sunset'. 🔻Transportation from Tokyo to 'Nikko Toshogu Shrine': ◾️From 'Asakusa Station', take the 'Tobu Nikko Line' train to 'Tobu Nikko Station', with reserved seats for the entire journey, taking 2 hours. The second stop after departing 'Asakusa Station' is 'Tokyo Skytree Station'. ◾️From 'Shinjuku Station', take the 'JR Nikko' train to 'Tobu Nikko Station', taking 2 hours and 15 minutes. ◾️From 'Tobu Nikko Station', there is a bus to 'Toshogu Shrine', or you can walk for 30 minutes to reach it. #JapanTravel #JapanIndependentTravel #NikkoToshoguShrine #TokyoIndependentTravel #WorldCulturalHeritage

The 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko,' centered around Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Shrine, were registered as a World Heritage Site in 1999, comprising a total of 103 buildings. The overall architecture and color style are quite magnificent, making it a must-visit attraction in Nikko. 📍Nikko Toshogu Shrine Tōshōgu Shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, as a deity. The representative building is the Yomeimon Gate, adorned with 508 carvings, vibrant and luxurious. 📍Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple Rin-no-ji The main hall, Sanbutsudo, was established during the Heian period and is the largest wooden structure in eastern Japan. Rinnoji also has a treasure hall and a garden (Shoyoen), which require a separate ticket (500 yen) or a package ticket (1000 yen, including the main hall ticket). The treasure hall doesn't have much content, but the garden is beautiful, with night illumination from October 25 to November 15. 📍Nikko Futarasan Shrine Futarasan Enshrines the deities of Mount Nantai, Mount Nyohou, and Mount Tarou. It is also a popular shrine for matchmaking and good fortune. 📍Nikkozan Rinnoji Taiyu-in Temple Hall The mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, features a solemn and stable architectural style. There are fewer visitors compared to Toshogu Shrine, but it's highly recommended for those with time to visit. #Nikko #TokyoSurroundings #Temples #Architecture

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the most famous palace among the World Heritage shrines and temples in Nikko, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. Most of the buildings were renovated in the 17th century and include eight national treasures and important cultural heritage buildings, featuring exquisite lacquer paintings and sculptures that are highly ornamental. The shrine houses many national treasure-level buildings and is a World Cultural Heritage site. To fully appreciate each detail, a single day is not enough, so visitors can choose their favorites to explore. The Stone Torii, an important part of Japanese shrines, symbolizes the boundary between the secular and the divine world. Passing through the 'Torii' allows entry into the world where gods reside. The Five-Story Pagoda, with carvings of the twelve zodiac signs, immediately captures attention with its grandeur. The Sacred Stable is the only unpainted wooden building in the shrine, featuring eight monkey reliefs symbolizing different life stages. The Three Sacred Storehouses are where the shrine's ritual tools are kept, with carvings of elephants that the sculptor imagined without having seen them, resulting in some differences in the ears and tails from real elephants. The Yomeimon Gate, a symbol of Nikko Toshogu, is a Japanese national treasure, lavishly decorated with over 500 carvings of flowers, birds, and mythical creatures. Detailed examination reveals a dragon without whiskers, mythical beasts from China, lions, and children in Tang dynasty attire playing, symbolizing peace and prosperity. The Kara-mon Gate is predominantly white, painted with shell powder, and features reliefs depicting stories like Ruan Ji washing his ears and the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, illustrating scenes from ancient Chinese legends of Emperor Shun meeting his ministers. Attraction Name: Nikko Toshogu Location: 2301 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1431 Transportation: From JR Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus (towards Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen) for 5 minutes, get off at Shinkyo, and walk for 10 minutes. From Tobu Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus (towards Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen) for 5 minutes, get off at Shinkyo, and walk for 10 minutes. Ticket Price: 1300 yen #Nikko #JapaneseCulture #WorldHeritage

　Nikko Toshogu Shrine's Yomeimon Gate is registered as a World Heritage Site, and the gate itself is registered as a National Treasure of Japan. Yomeimon Gate has 508 carvings, and you could look at it all day without getting bored, which is why it is also known as the "Gate of Daily Life." Highlights of Yomeimon include onigawara tiles, kirin, dragon horses, dragons, a thousand Chinese children, Chinese lions, and Chinese rulers. And its most famous feature is the upside-down pillar. Only one of the eight pillars is installed upside down. (The arabesque pattern is upside down.) In any case, if you don't study it in advance, the sun will really set before you see it. As I was looking closely at Yomeimon Gate, I found what looked like an airline logo on the pillar. What do you think? There may be other new discoveries to be made there. *Yomeimon Gate is located in the paid admission area of ​​Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Nikko Toshogu Shrine Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 from November to March) Admission fee: 1,600 yen (Toshogu Shrine grounds) #0 yen autumn travel #World Heritage Site #World Heritage Site Tour #Nikko #Nikko Toshogu Shrine #Yomeimon Gate #National Treasure #Sun Living #Upside-down Pillar #Logo

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, in the northern Kanto region of Japan. It enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, as the deity Tosho Daigongen. It serves as the main shrine for all Toshogu shrines across Japan and is counted among the three major Toshogu shrines along with Kunozan Toshogu and Ueno Toshogu. Access - By Public Transportation From JR Nikko Line 'Nikko Station' or Tobu Nikko Line 'Tobu Nikko Station,' take the World Heritage Tour Bus for about 5 minutes, get off at the 'Omotesando' bus stop, and walk for about 2 minutes, or get off at the 'Shinkyo' bus stop and walk for about 8 minutes. *Bus routes may change.