Tosho-gu Shrine, Tokyo

A stunning time capsule, Tosho Gu Shrine is where history, grandeur, and a touch of samurai flair come together. This sacred site is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who took one look at Edo (now Tokyo) and thought, "Yeah, I’ll build my empire here." And unlike much of the city, which has seen its fair share of reinventions, this shrine has impressively held onto its original form—because, you know, timeless elegance never goes out of style...

It all started with Todo Takatora, a warrior who clearly knew how to honor his boss. He built the original shrine, but it didn’t stop there. Ieyasu’s son, Hidetada, and later his grandson, Iemitsu, gave it a bit of an upgrade, adding lavish details that would make even the fanciest daimyo (landholders) jealous. The complex now features 12 Buddhist and Shinto structures, including the final resting places of Ieyasu himself, along with two other legends—Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Minamoto Yoritomo—basically, Japan’s greatest hits of power and strategy.

Then there’s the Karamon, the shrine’s front gate—an absolute showstopper with gilded carvings of birds and flowers. If doors could flex, this one definitely would. Stepping inside, you’ll find the Haiden, the central hall for ceremonies, all enclosed by a 170-meter-long wooden masterpiece wall called the Mizu Gaki—intricately carved and seriously impressive. And as if the shrine wasn’t already grand enough, the entrance pathway is lined with 50 towering copper and massive stone lanterns that practically demand admiration.

For the art lovers in the crowd, Tosho Gu houses a collection of breathtaking murals painted by Kano Tan Yu, one of the Edo period’s top artists. It is like walking into a historical art gallery—except, instead of staring at the paintings in silence, you get to soak up centuries of culture in a living, breathing space.

And here’s a fun fact: after the Meiji Restoration, the government cleverly designed a park around the shrine, not just to make it prettier but as a fire barrier—because Tokyo and flames had a complicated relationship back then.

Oh, and don’t forget—on your way out—to grab a good luck charm. Be it for good health, prosperity, or just hoping your phone battery lasts the day, legend has it that these little tokens of fortune do the job.