Nemuri Neko (Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine/Higashikairou)

Sleeping Cat of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nemuri Neko (Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine/Higashikairou)

Area

The Nemuri Neko, or sleeping cat, of the world heritage spot, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, is located in Nikko City of northern west Tochigi Prefecture. This national treasure has been engraved into the Higashikairou of the Toshogu Shrine. The artist of this work is anonymous. It is widely believed that a man by the name of Jingorou Hidari from the Edo period made this work of art. The sleeping cat is associated with Nikko because the cat slept under the warm sun in the middle of a field of peony flowers. It is also said that "The more the cat sleeps, the more peaceful the era will be". Therefore, the sleeping cat protects over the safety of Nikko. The sleeping cat has been carved in a fairly high position, so make sure not to miss it. If you walk past the Higashikairou, you will come across the rear shrine. This shrine, which has the Tokugawa Family's graveyard, is a crucial feature to the Temple. Please make sure to check this spot out!

Basic Information

Address
2301, Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1431
Phone
0288-54-0560
Hours
Apr 1~Oct 31  8:00am-5:00pm
Nov 1~Mar 31 8:00am-4:00pm
Closed
n/a
Fee
Adult/High School Student: (Individual 1-34 persons) 1,300 JPY, (Group 35 and more) 1,170 JPY
Elementary/Middle School Student: (Individual 1-34 persons) 450 JPY, (Group 35 and more) 405 JPY
Guide
[Japanese (For adults/for children) /English/Chinese]
Rental Fee: 500 JPY per day
Rental Spot: straight ahead past the front gate
Reception hours: April~October 9:00am-4:00pm, November~March 9:00am-3:00pm
How to Reserve: For large groups, please contact (toshoguonsei@gmail.com)
*no need to make reservations for individual use

Access

  • FromBus Stop [Toubunikko Station]
    Toubu Bus/Oku Yashio Bound
    →[West approach street entrance]→walk (about 5 minutes)
  • FromJR Nikko Station/Toubunikko Station, Station front bus stop
    Toubu Bus/Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen Bound
    →[Shinkyou]→walk (about 10 minutes)

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