Hands down, Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the best shrine we saw in all of Japan—a historical masterpiece that absolutely blows every other shrine out of the water. With 55 buildings spread across the complex, it's a breathtaking tribute to Tokugawa Ieyasu that feels like stepping into another world. The Yomeimon gate is a showstopper, dripping with gold leaf and carvings so detailed you could spend hours just trying to take it all in.

The little details make this place unforgettable. There's the famous sleeping cat hidden away, the three monkeys that have become a piece of global folklore, and an atmosphere that just radiates historical significance. Even with some areas under restoration, the shrine tells an incredible story of Japan's past. The nearby museum adds even more depth, giving you the full picture of the first shogun who changed the nation. This isn't just another shrine—it's the shrine. The kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with Japanese history and culture.