Nikkō Tōshō-gū

Nikkō Tōshō-gū
Nikkō Tōshō-gū
日光東照宮
Nikko Toshogu Gate.jpg
Yōmeimon
Information
Type Tōshō-gū
Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu
Founded 1617
Address Nikkō, Tochigi
Phone 0288-54-0560
Website Homepage

Shinto torii icon vermillion.svg Glossary of Shinto

Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮?) is a Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shogun, it was enlarged during the time of the third shogun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined here, and his remains are entombed here.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors."

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and numerous other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon, a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon." The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Nearby, a carving of the sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", is attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

Three Wise Monkeys

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.

The original five-story pagoda was donated by a daimyo in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each story represents an element - earth, water, fire, wind and heaven - in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[1] to minimize damage from earthquakes.[2]

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008 Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū. [3]

Contents

See also

  • List of National Treasures of Japan (shrines)
  • List of National Treasures of Japan (crafts-swords)

Notes

Photo gallery

External links


Coordinates: 36°45′33″N 139°35′55″E / 36.75917°N 139.59861°E / 36.75917; 139.59861


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  • Nikko Tosho-gu — Nikkō Tōshō gū 36°45′33″N 139°35′55″E / 36.75917, 139.59861 …   Wikipédia en Français

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  • Nikkō Tōshō-gū — 36°45′33″N 139°35′55″E / 36.75917, 139.59861 …   Wikipédia en Français

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  • Tōshō-gū — (東照宮) is any Shinto shrine in which Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the last shogunate of Japan, is enshrined with the name Tōshō Daigongen (東照大権現). Tōshō gū shrines are found throughout Japan. The most famous Tōshō gū is located in Nikkō in… …   Wikipedia

  • Nikkō bugyō — (日光奉行?) were officials of the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo period Japan. Appointments to this prominent office were usually fudai daimyō, but this was amongst the senior administrative posts open to those who were not daimyō.[1] Conventional… …   Wikipedia

  • Nikkō National Park — 日光国立公園 IUCN Category II (National Park) …   Wikipedia

  • Nikkō Onari Kaidō — (日光御成街道?) was established during the Edo period as a subroute to Nikkō Kaidō. It was built for the shogun to use as he traveled to Nikkō Tōshō gū. It is also referred to as the Nikkō Onarimichi and the Iwatsuki Kaidō. Contents …   Wikipedia

  • Tōshō-gū — La yomei mon (porte d ivoire) du Tōshō gū de Nikkō Tōshō gū (東照宮, Tōshō gū …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Nikkō, Tochigi — This article is about Nikkō the city. For other uses of the names Nikkō and Nikko , see Nikko (disambiguation). Nikkō 日光市   City   …   Wikipedia

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