Complete Guide to Nikko Shrine | History, Blessings, Points for Visiting, and Access Information
What is Nikko Shrine?
Nikko Shrine is the collective name for a group of shrines located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Particularly famous are the “Two Shrines and One Temple” – Nikko Toshogu, Nikko Futarasan Shrine, and Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple – known as the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko.” It is a representative sacred site in Japan, attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
The name Nikko is believed to have originated from the on’yomi (Sino-Japanese reading) of Futarasan (Mount Futara), and it has been revered as a sacred site of mountain worship since ancient times.
History of Nikko Shrine
Ancient Mountain Worship
The history of Nikko begins in 766 (Tenpyo-Jingo 2) when Shodo Shonin opened Mount Futarasan (Mount Nantai). Since then, it has developed as a sacred site for Shugendo (mountain asceticism), and it is said that Kukai (Kobo Daishi) also visited during the Heian period.
Tokugawa Ieyasu and Nikko Toshogu Shrine
In 1617 (Genna 3), according to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s will, his remains were reburied in Nikko. The third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, constructed the current magnificent shrine buildings in 1636 (Kanei 13). Since then, Nikko Toshogu Shrine has been considered important as a symbol of the authority of the Tokugawa shogunate and as a sacred site protecting Edo (Tokyo) from evil influences.
World Heritage Site Registration
In 1999 (Heisei 11), the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” consisting of two shrines, one temple, and 103 surrounding buildings, was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Major Shrines of Nikko
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu as “Toshodai Gongen.” It boasts 8 National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties, and is famous for its sculptures such as the Yomeimon Gate, Three Monkeys, and Sleeping Cat. The magnificent shrine buildings, adorned with over 5,000 pieces of lacquer and gold leaf, represent the pinnacle of Edo period architectural technology.
Nikko Futarasan Shrine
An ancient shrine that serves as the center of Nikko mountain worship, with Futarasan Okami (Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto) as its main deity. It is known for its blessings of matchmaking, family safety, and business prosperity. Within the grounds are the “Matchmaking Bamboo Tree,” over 700 years old, and the “Luck-Testing Ring Toss,” which is said to bring good fortune to those who touch it.
Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple
A Tendai sect monzeki temple, the main hall, the Sanbutsudo, houses three statues of the original Buddhas of the three Nikko mountains: Senju Kannon, Amida Nyorai, and Batō Kannon. Taiyuin Temple, the family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate, is also part of Rinnoji Temple.
Benefits and Faith
Benefits of Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Powerful good fortune brought by the divine power of Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Career Advancement and Success: Benefiting from Ieyasu, who became the ruler of Japan
- Success in Competition: Protection from the warlords who won numerous battles, including the Battle of Sekigahara
- Protection from Evil: Spiritual power as a guardian of the northeast direction of Edo
Benefits of Nikko Futarasan Shrine
- Matchmaking: Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto is famous as the god of matchmaking
- Marital Harmony: The main deity is worshipped as a family god
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Spiritual power of the three mountains of Nikko
- Business Prosperity: Faith as a god of fortune
Benefits of Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple
- Family Safety: A place of prayer that supported the prosperity of the Tokugawa family
- Academic Achievement: History as a Tendai Buddhist learning center
- Healing from Illness: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) Faith
Points to Note During Your Visit
Order of Visiting
The most efficient visiting route is as follows:
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Estimated time: 1.5-2 hours)
- Nikko Futarasan Shrine (Estimated time: 30 minutes – 1 hour)
- Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple (Estimated time: 1 hour)
It is recommended to allow approximately 3.5-4 hours in total.
Highlights of Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Yomeimon Gate
A beautiful gate representative of Japan, decorated with 508 sculptures. It is also called the “Gate of Day-Long Stays” because one could gaze at it all day without getting bored. In 2017, it underwent its first major repair in 44 years, regaining its original splendor.
Three Monkeys (See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil)
Eight monkey sculptures carved into the lintel of the sacred stable (Shinkyusha). The Three Wise Monkeys, famous for “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil,” are part of a story that depicts the human life cycle through the figures of monkeys.
Sleeping Cat
A sculpture above the entrance to the inner shrine, said to be the work of Hidari Jingoro. The sleeping cat, symbolizing a peaceful world, is also interpreted as protecting the sparrows on the other side.
Roaring Dragon
A painting of a dragon on the ceiling of the Honjido (Yakushido). Striking a wooden clapper beneath the dragon’s head creates a resonance phenomenon, making it sound as if the dragon is roaring.
Highlights of Nikko Futarasan Shrine
Shinkyo Bridge
A beautiful vermilion-painted bridge at the entrance to Nikko Mountain. One of Japan’s three most unusual bridges, it was once a sacred bridge only permitted to cross by shoguns and imperial envoys. Currently, it can be crossed by paying an entrance fee (300 yen).
Matchmaking Bamboo
It is believed that tying a prayer slip for a good match to the bamboo within the temple grounds will bring good fortune in finding love.
Futara Sacred Spring
This sacred water springs from within the temple grounds and is believed to have anti-aging and eye-disease-fighting properties when drunk.
Clothing and Items to Bring When Visiting
- Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the many stone steps. During winter (December to March), take precautions against the cold.
- What to bring: Goshuincho (stamp book), camera, drinks
- Time required: It is recommended to spend at least half a day, preferably a full day, to visit at a leisurely pace.
Points to note when visiting
- Areas where photography is prohibited: Some areas, such as the inner shrine, are off-limits for photography.
- Crowded periods: Golden Week and the autumn foliage season (late October to early November) are particularly crowded.
- Visiting hours: Varies depending on the season, so please check in advance (generally 8:00 to 17:00, until 16:00 in winter)
Access information
Access by train
From Tokyo area
Using Tobu Railway (fastest and cheapest)
- Asakusa Station → Tobu Nikko Station: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by Limited Express “Kegon” or “Spacia” (2,860 yen)
- If using the rapid train: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (1,390 yen)
Using JR
- Tokyo Station/Ueno Station → Nikko Station: Approximately 2 hours via Utsunomiya Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen (5,940 yen)
- Shinjuku Station → Nikko Station: Approximately 2 hours on the JR Limited Express “Nikko” (4,000 yen) *Limited operating days
From the station to the shrine
- From Tobu Nikko Station/JR Nikko Station to Toshogu Shrine: Approximately 35 minutes on foot
- Local bus: Approximately 10 minutes from Tobu Nikko Station on the “World Heritage Sightseeing Bus,” get off at “Omotesando” (320 yen)
Access by car
- Tohoku Expressway: Approximately 40 minutes from Utsunomiya IC via the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road
- Parking: Several paid parking lots are available around Nikko Toshogu Shrine (500-1,000 yen per day)
- Caution: Due to heavy traffic during the autumn foliage season, early morning arrival or use of public transportation is recommended.
Discount Ticket Information
- Nikko World Heritage Pass (Tobu Railway): Round-trip train ticket + free pass + facility discounts (from 4,150 yen)
- All-inclusive Nikko Toshogu Ticket (Tobu Railway): Round-trip train ticket + Toshogu Shrine admission ticket (from 4,400 yen)
Admission Fees
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine: Adults 1,300 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 450 yen
- Nikko Futarasan Shrine: Main shrine free, Shrine garden 200 yen
- Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple: Sanbutsudo Hall Adults 400 yen, Taiyuin Temple Adults 550 yen
- Set Ticket: Common admission ticket for two shrines and one temple Adults 1,000 yen (limited time offer)
Nearby Attractions
Kegon Falls
One of Japan’s three great waterfalls. A magnificent waterfall cascading from a height of 97 meters. You can descend to the observation deck by elevator (570 yen round trip).
Lake Chuzenji
A dammed lake formed by the eruption of Mount Nantai. Enjoy sightseeing boats, boating, and fishing. Hot spring inns are scattered along the lakeshore.
Iroha Slope
A scenic road connecting Nikko city center and Lake Chuzenji. Its 48 curves are named after the 48 characters of the Iroha poem. Famous for its autumn foliage.
Summary
Nikko Shrine is a rare sacred site where Japanese history, culture, and nature harmonize. The magnificent architecture of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Futarasan Shrine, which conveys ancient mountain worship, and Rinnoji Temple, which preserves the traditions of the Tendai sect—each possesses its own unique blessings and charm, yet together they form the sacred site of Nikko.
When visiting, it’s recommended to allow ample time to appreciate the details of the historical buildings. The natural beauty of the four seasons is also a highlight, with the fresh greenery of May and the vibrant autumn foliage of November being particularly beautiful. While a day trip from Tokyo is possible, staying overnight to fully enjoy the charms of Nikko is also a great option.
