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Moto Toshogu Shrine
A historically significant shrine beloved as “Mito’s Gongensan.”
The shrine was established in 1621 by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain, to enshrine his father, Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1936, Yorifusa himself was also enshrined, and the shrine now honors these two great figures. The Karamon gate and main shrine building are adorned with intricate designs and lavish decorations, fitting tributes to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan.
The precincts house numerous cultural treasures, including the bronze lantern donated by Yorifusa, the Tokiwazan Tokei bell crafted by Tokugawa Mitsukuni (commonly known as Mito Komon), and the Anjinsya war vehicle devised by Tokugawa Nariaki.
Due to Ieyasu's role in unifying Japan, the shrine is believed to bring blessings for business prosperity and career advancement. Many also visit as a “matchmaking shrine” to honor Ieyasu's efforts in bringing peace to a turbulent era. Additionally, the shrine holds frequent prayer ceremonies for traffic and construction safety, reflecting Ieyasu’s contributions to the development of Japan’s road networks, including the Tokaido.
Highlights
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A shrine established in 1621 to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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The grounds preserve valuable cultural assets, such as the bronze lantern and the Anjinsya war vehicle.
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Believed to bring blessings for business prosperity, matchmaking, and traffic safety.
Photos
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![The splendid shrine building was reconstructed in 1962, following post-war restoration efforts.]()
The splendid shrine building was reconstructed in 1962, following post-war restoration efforts.
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![The large torii gate was rebuilt in 2018.]()
The large torii gate was rebuilt in 2018.
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![The Anjinsya, said to be the oldest iron war vehicle in Japan.]()
The Anjinsya, said to be the oldest iron war vehicle in Japan.
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![The Bronze Lantern designated as a cultural property of Mito City.]()
The Bronze Lantern designated as a cultural property of Mito City.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
No free Wi-Fi available.
Q
Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?
There is a goshuin, but it is only available as a written slip. The sealing and calligraphy in goshuin books are not provided.
Q
Is parking available?
Approximately 30 parking spaces are available on the shrine grounds.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 水戸東照宮
- Postal Code
- 310-0015
- Address
- 2-5-13 Miyamachi , Mito City, Ibaraki
- Telephone
- 029-221-3784
- Closed
- Open every day
- Business Hours
- 8:30am - 5:00pm (open at 6:00am)
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- About 5 minutes walk from North Exit of JR Mito Station.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)