Recognized as one of Japan’s most iconic World Heritage Sites, the Shrines and Temples of Nikko are world-renowned—and at the heart of them is the most famous: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The current shrine complex was largely rebuilt during the Great Reconstruction of the Kanei Era under the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, in 1636 (Kanei 13).

Within the grounds stand 55 buildings, including 8 National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties.
Their lavish and ornate beauty is simply overwhelming.

Crafted by master artisans gathered from across Japan, the buildings are adorned with lacquer, vivid colors, and countless intricate carvings, showcasing the pinnacle of Edo-period craftsmanship.