Iemitsu Mausoleum Taiyuin-byo in Nikko

Facts & Figures

The Taiyuin-byo Iemitsu Mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its architecture style with influences from China. The Tokugawa clan created two mausoleums in Nikko and Taiyuin-byo Iemitsu Mausoleum, a subtemple of Rinnoji, is one of them.  Explore Ryokans in Nikko >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. It is dedicated to the 3rd shogun of Japan with the name Iemitsu (1604 - 1651). He was the grandson of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616). Taiyuin is the posthumous name of Iemitsu. The area contains a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist structures comparable with the Toshugu Shrine nearby. My personal highlights were the colorful Yashamon and Nitenmon Gate, Honden Main Hall, Kokamon Gate and Mausoleum. The best time to visit this place is during the autumn season.

• Taiyuin-byo Iemitsu Mausoleum:
• Opening Hours - 08:00 am to 5:00 pm (from April till end of October, last entry 4:30 pm)
• Opening Hours - 08:00 am to 4:00 pm (from November till end of March, last entry 3:30 pm)
• Closed - never
• Admission Fee - 550 yen (Adults)

My tips for local activities

How about exploring Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Kegon Waterfall with a local guide. Check out this page > for more tour details.

History

In 1653 Ietsuna Tokugawa (1641 - 1680), the fourth Shogun, completed the construction of the mausoleum. It was two years after Shogun Iemitsu (1604 - 1651) died. The mausoleum was built on a smaller scale to not overshadow the Toshugu Shrine, where Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543 - 1616), founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate was buried.

Sightseeing spots at Toshogu

Top:

5 Gates - Nio-mon Gate, Niten-mon Gate (Gate of two Gods), Yasha-mon Gate, Kara-mon Gate and Kohka-mon Gate are beautiful decorated pieces of art.

Main Hall Honden - Building is not open to the public, but the structure is known for its beautiful exterior design.

Omizuya Water House - Before you enter the inner grounds this place is used for purification ritual.

Festival & Events in Nikko (dates can change without notice)

April

Yayoi Matsuri (16th - 17th)
The Mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) procession will be held at the Futarasan Shrine.

May

Toshogu Shrine Grand Festival (17th - 18th)
The most important annual festival in Nikko includes a horesback archery and a procession of 1000 warriors. The festival is a re-enactment of the funeral procession of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo (Tokyo).

October

Toshogu Shrine Autumn Festival (16th - 17th)
Is an repetition of the festival in May.