Nikko Toshogu and Mito—Tracing the Landmarks of the Edo Shogunate

The former Mito domain was ruled by a branch of the Tokugawa clan known as the Mito Tokugawa family. Kodokan, located on the grounds of the Mito Castle ruins, was the largest domain school of the Edo period and provides an enthralling glimpse into education and teaching practices of the time. Mito Castle itself was largely destroyed, but the reconstructed main gate and the corner tower of the inner bailey still stand within the ruins of the castle grounds. Nearby, you’ll also find Mito Toshogu shrine, which was established in 1621 by the Mito clan lord in honor of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Kairaku-en was built by Mito lord Tokugawa Nariaki in the late Edo period and is considered one of Japan’s three top gardens. It’s especially famous for the 3,000 plum trees in over 100 varieties that wash the garden with color in late winter and early spring. As you stroll the grounds, look for Kobun-tei villa designed by Nariaki himself. Adjacent to the garden you’ll find Tokiwa Shrine where Nariaki is enshrined along with Tokugawa Mitsukuni.

Tochigi prospered as a post town and trading hub along the Uzuma River. Many of its historic storehouses have been preserved in the Kura-no-Machi district for visitors to explore. Come in autumn to catch the famous Tochigi Float Festival, a colorful celebration that emerged from the wealthy mercantile sector.

Nikko Cedar Avenue is a 37-kilometer tree-flanked road that runs along stretches of the Nikko Kaido (and two other Edo period roads). Today, it claims the mantle of the world’s longest tree-lined avenue. These giant cedars were first planted in the Edo period to build a majestic approach to Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine. An evergreen legacy of shogunate splendor, the immense trunks and lush foliage cast an almost other-worldly shade.

An opulent mausoleum to the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, Nikko Toshogu dazzles visitors with its lavish details and splendid carvings. Although the famed shrine is the main draw, there are also several other stately temples and shrines in the area with Tokugawa connections to explore. Rinno-ji Temple is the resting place of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun from the clan, while Nikko Futarasan Shrine boasts a worship hall and main shrine that were endowed by the second Tokugawa shogun, Hidetada.

Wrap up your time in Nikko with an afternoon in the beautiful natural surrounds of Nikko National Park and Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Waterfall, and British Embassy Villa Memorial Park on the shores of the lake.