Majestic Shintō shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Nestled in the mountains of Nikkō and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famous for its lavish architecture blending Shintō and Buddhist elements. Highlights include the iconic “Three Wise Monkeys” and the sleeping cat carving (nemuri-neko). The shrine is surrounded by towering cedar trees, adding to its spiritual atmosphere.

Price: ¥1,300 for full access (including Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum)
Touristy?: Very touristy. One of Japan’s most visited shrines, popular with both domestic and international travelers.