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Ueno Toshogu Shrine: A Glimpse into Edo-Era Splendor

Discover Ueno Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park: a golden Shinto shrine honoring Tokugawa Ieyasu, showcasing stunning Edo-era architecture and rich history.

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Nestled within Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Built in 1627 and renovated in 1651, its ornate golden architecture has survived centuries of earthquakes and wars, offering a rare glimpse into Tokyo's Edo period.

A brief summary to Ueno Toshogu Shrine

  • Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or autumn to enjoy the Peony Garden or the fall foliage in Ueno Park.
  • Pray for good fortune in academics, career, health, or longevity, as the shrine is believed to grant these blessings.
  • Take time to appreciate the intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations on the Karamon gate and main hall.
  • Explore the outer shrine grounds for free, but pay the small fee to access the inner shrine buildings for a closer look.
  • Look for the bronze lanterns donated by lords from all over Japan, designated Important Cultural Properties.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Ueno Park Exit of JR Ueno Station, Ueno Toshogu Shrine is approximately an 8-minute walk. Follow the signs within Ueno Park towards the central area. The shrine is located on the west side of the park, near Ueno Zoo and Shinobazu Pond. Look for the stone torii gate marking the entrance to the shrine grounds.

  • Public Transport

    From Ueno Station (various lines), follow signs for Ueno Park. Exit the station and walk towards Ueno Park. Once inside the park, follow the walking directions. Alternatively, from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, it is about a 12-minute walk to the shrine. Follow the signs to Ueno Park and then to Ueno Toshogu Shrine.

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Discover more about Ueno Toshogu Shrine

Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Constructed in 1627 by Todo Takatora, the shrine was dedicated to Ieyasu's memory. In 1651, Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun and Ieyasu's grandson, rebuilt the shrine in the elaborate gongen-zukuri architectural style, a signature of the Edo period. The shrine's buildings are adorned with gold leaf and intricate carvings, a major draw for visitors. The Karamon gate, Sukibei Wall, and bronze lanterns are designated Important Cultural Properties. The main hall (Honden) is not open to the public to preserve its cultural treasures, but visitors can still appreciate its beauty from the outside. In addition to Ieyasu, Ueno Toshogu enshrines Tokugawa Yoshimune and Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the eighth and fifteenth shoguns, respectively. Ueno Toshogu has survived numerous disasters, including the Battle of Ueno in 1868, the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, and the firebombing of Tokyo in 1945. Visitors can pray for good fortune, academic success, career advancement, longevity, and recovery from illness. The shrine also features a Peony Garden, open during specific times of the year, and a monument of peace with a flame from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.

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