Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum
Explore the colourful temple complex surrounding the mausoleum of Japan's most successful shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nikko's grand shrine, Tosho-gu, houses the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of Japan's most influential shogunate who ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. This era, known as the Edo Period, was characterised by political stability in Japan after the Tokugawa shogun beat almost every other enemy in the land, but also isolation from the international community reducing trade relations to limited interactions with the Dutch and Chinese in the port of Nagasaki. During this time Japanese culture such as the martial arts, philosophy, literature and the tea ceremony flourished.
Tosho-gu is an elaborate complex of more than a dozen temples and shrines in an atmospheric forest setting. Unlike religious structures elsewhere in Japan where simplicity is key, Toshogu features elaborate, colourful wood carvings. The most famous carving is of three wise monkeys and this is where the saying "hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil" originated.
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Journey through the lush rural landscapes in Tohoku, a land steeped in tradition and mystery, on this classic two-week itinerary.
Northern Highlights
When the famous Haiku poet Matsuo Basho set off on his pilgrimage to the North he was to discover rural Japan, a land of lush landscapes and rich in legend. As you journey through the pilgrimage towns of Tohoku you'll experience some of the same Japan as the great poet.
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