Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Tokyo

last update: March 09, 2021

Practical info, hours and fees

Admission:: free for the outdoor area, 500¥ for the innermost area;

Opening hours: 9-16:30, mar-sep until 17:30

Closing days: none

Other useful info:

All the details on the Ueno Toshogu Shrine

This shrine was built in 1616 in honor of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate. For centuries it was just one of many buildings in the huge Kaneiji Temple, before it was destroyed in 1868. Unlike most buildings in the area, this shrine has withstood all earthquakes, fires and wars over the centuries, and has remained almost intact. It is one of the best examples of Shinto architecture of the Edo period (1603-1868).

You can freely access the shrine by walking along an avenue with about 200 large stone lanterns on both sides. Among them, one in particular has taken the nickname of "monster lantern". 6.8 meters high, it is one of the three largest stone lanterns in Japan. The other two are located respectively at Nagoya's Atsuta Shrine and Kyoto's Nanzenji Temple. In front of the entrance door, on the right, there are about 50 bronze lanterns, donated over the centuries by various feudals from all over the country. Walking along the driveway, you can also get a close look at the five-story pagoda of the old and glorious Kaneiji Temple, which is located inside the zoo and is therefore separated from the temple by a fence, but can be seen very easily. The entrance gate (Karamon), covered with gold and decorations, is one of the oldest and most precious structures of the shrine, dating back to 1651. In particular, along the two side columns stand out the figures of two dragons, which according to legend drink water every night at the nearby Shinobazu pond. To continue beyond this golden entrance gate you have to pay 500¥. In this way you will be able to observe closely the main building of the shrine, also dating back to 1651. It is a large structure covered with gold that encompasses both the prayer hall and the shrine (Ishi-no-ma-zukuri architecture). However, the building is always closed and cannot be visited, to preserve the priceless interiors.

Peony garden

(admission 700¥)
The Toshogu Shrine also has an enchanting garden with over 500 peonies, open to the public only twice a year during flowering, i.e. from early January to mid February and then again from mid April to late May. The garden was created as a symbol of friendship between Japan and China, the country from which peonies were imported many centuries ago.

How to get to the Ueno Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine is located inside Ueno Park. Once inside the park, you will find the directions very easily.

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