Nikkō Tōshō-gū

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

See also

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

Notes

1. ^ Parent, Mary Neighbour (2003), "shinbashira", Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System, http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/s/shinbashira.htm, retrieved 2009-03-28 
2. ^ Tanimura, Akihiko; Ishida, Shuzo (1997), "Energy dispersion and dissipation mechanism of a Shinbashira-Frame system", Journal of Structural Engineering B 43B: 143–150, ISSN 0910-8033, http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200006/000020000699A1001937.php 
3. ^ http://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php?PHPSESSID=5013446140ce6addceffab562d5cf84f&topic=6453.0

Photo gallery

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  Torii and pagoda at entrance to Tōshō-gū

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  Tablet: Tōshō Dai-Gongen (東照大権現) on torii. Attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo

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  Oranda dōrō (Dutch lantern) is gift from the Netherlands

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  This bell is gift from the Joseon Dynasty

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  Lavish decoration adjacent to Yomeimon

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  Sake barrels

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  Carvings above the Karamon

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  Kagura-den, a hall for dances dedicated to gods in the divine work for Shintoism

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  Sleeping Cat is symbol of peace

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  Urn containing remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu

External links

• World Heritage Shrines & Temples of Nikko site
• Nikko Tourist Association - Toshogu Shrine site

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