Shōyō-en

Nikkō


This Edo-era strolling garden can feel like a refuge from the temple crowds – except during autumn, when the turning leaves are a great attraction.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nikkō attractions

1. Hōmotsu-den

0.01 MILES

This museum has an interesting collection of temple artefacts, sculptures and scrolls. Admission includes entry to the lovely Edo-period garden Shōyō-en.

2. Rinnō-ji

0.06 MILES

Rinnō-ji's grand main hall, Sanbutsu-dō ('Hall of Three Buddhas'), was first built in 848; the current structure dates to 1645 and, with restoration work…

3. Nikkō Tōshō-gū Museum

0.11 MILES

Opened in 2015 for the 400th anniversary of Tokugawa Ieyasu's death, this modern building behind Rinnō-ji contains artefacts relating to the shogun,…

4. Ishi-dorii

0.14 MILES

A towering stone torii (entrance gate) at the head of the stone steps on Omotesandō leading up to Tōshō-gū, burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

5. Gōjūnotō

0.17 MILES

This five-tiered pagoda at Tōshō-gū is an 1819 reconstruction of the mid-17th-century original. Buying a supplementary ticket affords you the chance to…

6. Omote-mon

0.18 MILES

Tōshō-gū's main gateway, protected on either side by Deva kings.

7. Shin-kyō

0.2 MILES

This much-photographed red footbridge over the Daiya-gawa is located at the sacred spot where Shōdō Shōnin is said to have been carried across the Daiya…

8. Sanjinko

0.22 MILES

In Tōshō-gū's initial courtyard are these 'Three Sacred Storehouses'; on the upper storey of the Kamijinko (upper storehouse) are relief carvings of …