Hiyoshi Tōshōgū Shrine

Hiyoshi Toshogu enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, and was established in 1623 by the influential Tendai monk Tenkai. The current building dates to 1634 and served as a prototype for the famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It stands as one of the earliest examples of gongen-zukuri architecture, where a single roof covers the worship hall, main sanctuary, and connecting passageway. The exterior has weathered over centuries, but step inside and the gold leaf and vivid colors remain striking. The shrine building, gate, and fence are all designated Important Cultural Properties.