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Toshogu

Yomeimon at Nikko Toshogu
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Yomeimon at Nikko Toshogu

Toshogu (東照宮) is any Shinto shrine in which Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the last shogunate of Japan, is enshrined with the name Tosho Dai Gongen.

Toshogu shrines are found throughout Japan. The most famous Toshogu is located in Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists.

Hear no evil, Speak no evil, See no evil (Nikko)
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Hear no evil, Speak no evil, See no evil (Nikko)

Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine greatly enlarged and lavishly decorated.

Intricate carvings on Yomeimon (Nikko)
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Intricate carvings on Yomeimon (Nikko)

The Toshogu at Ueno Park in Tokyo is also widely known. Another, at Kunozan in Shizuoka prefecture, rivals Nikko's for decorative splendor.

Last updated: 08-11-2005 14:51:53
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