Question 1

How do I get there by train?

Accepted Answer

From Nikko Station on the JR Nikko Line or Tobu Nikko Station on the Tobu Nikko Line, take the Tobu bus World Heritage tour route and get off right at the Omotesando stop, about 10 minutes.

Question 2

Can I bring a pet?

Accepted Answer

As the shrine grounds are a sacred place, pets are generally not permitted. Please check the official website or call before visiting.

Question 3

Can I visit Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Toshogu, Nikko Futarasan Shrine and Nikkosan Rinnoji are all within a few minutes' walk of each other, and we recommend visiting all three. Each requires its own admission fee.

Question 4

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 from April to October (reception until 16:30) and 9:00-16:00 from November to March (reception until 15:30). Hours vary by season, so please check the official website in advance.

Question 5

Are you open all year? Are there temporary closures?

Accepted Answer

It is essentially open all year, but areas may be closed for festivals or major repairs. We recommend checking the official website (toshogu.jp) for the latest information before visiting.

Question 6

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are extensive, and seeing the main sights — the National Treasure main shrine, the Yomeimon gate, the five-storey pagoda and the Okumiya — takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Allow half a day or more if you also visit the treasure hall and the other two of the two shrines and one temple (Rinnoji and Futarasan Shrine).

Question 7

Can I take photographs?

Accepted Answer

You may photograph the exteriors and the gardens. Photography is restricted inside the shrine buildings and in some areas. Please follow the signs and the instructions of staff.

Question 8

How much is admission? Is there a children's rate?

Accepted Answer

Admission only is 1,300 yen for adults and 450 yen for elementary and junior high school students. The combined ticket with the treasure hall is 2,100 yen for adults and 770 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Please see the official website regarding pre-school children.

Question 9

When was it listed as World Heritage?

Accepted Answer

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, including Nikko Toshogu, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1999. The site comprises Toshogu, Nikko Futarasan Shrine and Nikkosan Rinnoji (including the Taiyuin mausoleum), known as the two shrines and one temple.

Question 10

When is it busiest?

Accepted Answer

Spring (Golden Week), autumn (the foliage season from mid-October to early November) and the summer holidays are especially busy. Large numbers also visit for the spring grand festival in May and the autumn festival in October, with its procession of a thousand warriors.

Question 11

Where are the three monkeys, the sleeping cat and the Yomeimon gate?

Accepted Answer

The three monkeys are carved on the outer wall of the sacred stable. The sleeping cat is a National Treasure carving above the east corridor at the entrance to the path to the Okumiya. The Yomeimon is the central gate of the precinct, directly ahead as you enter.

Question 12

Is there parking, and is there a charge?

Accepted Answer

There are several paid car parks near the Shinkyo junction. Toshogu has no large car park of its own, so please use one around Shinkyo. They are busy in peak periods, so we recommend public transport.

Question 13

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults (admission only) 1,300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 450 yen. The combined ticket with the treasure hall is 2,100 yen for adults and 770 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

Question 14

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year round.

Question 15

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

April to October 9:00-17:00 (reception until 16:30); November to March 9:00-16:00 (reception until 15:30).

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes on the Tobu bus World Heritage tour route from Nikko Station on the JR Nikko Line or Tobu Nikko Line, alighting right at Omotesando.

Question 17

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

2301 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

Question 18

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

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