What other travelers are saying about Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a beautifully preserved Edo-period shrine that honors Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Unlike the grand Nikko Toshogu where Ieyasu himself is buried, this shrine serves as a Tokyo tribute and resting place for many other members of the Tokugawa family. The historical weight of the place can be felt as soon as you pass through the impressive torii gate and approach the richly decorated main hall.
The shrine’s architecture is stunning—adorned with intricate gold leaf and carvings that have survived fires, earthquakes, and war thanks to its designation as an Important Cultural Property. The long stone lantern avenue leading to the main shrine is particularly atmospheric, especially in the early morning or at dusk.
Though smaller than Nikko, Ueno Toshogu carries a quiet dignity and a deep sense of history. It’s a fascinating place for anyone interested in the Tokugawa legacy or Edo culture, offering a peaceful contrast to the lively surroundings of Ueno Park.
It is one of the ancient (400 years old )Thoshogu Shinto shrines of Japan. It is a great example Shinto Architecture and has got a very beautiful Karamon (gate), a type of curved gable ended peculiar Japanese style one.
The shrine is famous for the enshrining Tokugawa Leyasu, the founder of Shogunate along with few other Shoguns. This shrine withstood few wars and many earthquakes, and without noticeable damages.
The architecture is worth watching and with many beautiful features including that of the Karamon, Honden etc. It is one of the important cultural properties of Japan.
The property is located near to the Ueno Zooand the Nature Science centre. We walked from near the entrances to the shrine ( app 10 minutes). We could also see a folk singer on the way.
Tosho-gu Shrine is a dazzling piece of Japan history, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu(德川家康) and other Tokugawa shoguns. You’ll spot the Tokugawa family crest all around the grounds, adding to the sense of legacy and tradition. The golden details and intricate carvings are absolutely stunning, like walking through a living museum. It’s one of Japan’s most important historical sites.
What a beautiful shrine. We didn’t pay to visit the gardens, just the main complex. The architecture is simply stunning, we especially loved all of the rows of lanterns. And the gold colors on the main building was breathtaking.
About a 10 minute walk from JR Ueno Station.
Before reaching the shrine, you first pass through the stone lantern avenue, where rows of stone lanterns stand in order, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. At the end lies Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the shrine has stood for over 370 years, remarkably preserved, and is recognized as an important cultural heritage site.
The golden and resplendent Toshogu features exquisite carvings, gold leaf decorations, and ornate details. Under the play of light and shadow, it appears especially dazzling and is acclaimed as a representative work of Edo period ornate architecture.
Beside it stands a more modern building, the Shinsatsu Office, where various protective charms and votive plaques are sold. Visitors who wish to enter the shrine’s inner hall can also purchase an admission ticket there.
Visiting the exterior of Ueno Toshogu Shrine is free of charge. For those wishing to explore the interior and the peony garden, the admission fee is 500 yen for adults. There's a combined ticket for the shrine and peony garden that costs 1100 yen for adults. Discounts are available for groups and children, with children under 6 years old entering for free.
The Ueno Toshogu Shrine was built in honor of Tokugawa Ieyasu, but the specific individuals or groups responsible for its construction were likely patrons and craftsmen commissioned by the Tokugawa family or the shogunate. The original Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, which served as a model for others, including the one in Ueno, was constructed by Tokugawa Hidetada, the second Tokugawa shogun, and further embellished by his successor, Tokugawa Iemitsu.
"Toshogu" translates to "Toshogu Shrine," where "To" is an honorific prefix, "sho" means "shogun," and "gu" means "shrine." Therefore, Toshogu Shrines are dedicated to the deified spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who played a crucial role in Japan's history by founding the Tokugawa shogunate.
The Ueno Toshogu Shrine was built in 1627, shortly after the death of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1616. It was established as a place of worship and a symbol of respect for Ieyasu's contributions to Japan. The shrine has since been a site of historical and cultural significance, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Tokugawa era in Japanese history.
