Toshogu Shrine (東照宮, Tōshōgū), located at the edge of Ueno Park, is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate. Dating back to 1651, it is one of Tokyo's most tastefully preserved shrines. Having miraculously escaped the disasters of the Battle of Ueno in 1868, the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, and the wartime bombings of Tokyo in 1945, Toshogu Shrine retains its original glory with its gold and green roof and luxurious gilt walls. Toshogu Shrine is approached through a paved tree-lined path under arches. At the end of the path is the main gate with one of the three largest lanterns in Japan standing on the left side. Both sides of the gate, also called the Karamon, are carved with flowers and birds, but what stand out are the two exquisitely carved dragons. There are 50 large copper lanterns in front of the Karamon, many of them lining the path approaching the shrine. Each of these lanterns has been given as an offering by a daimyo making a visit. The name of the daimyo is written at the base of the lantern.
Once inside the gates, the main Hall of Worship, or the Haiden is approached. This is where the priests and shrine maidens participate in the ceremonies of the Toshogu. The walls and ceilings of the hall are covered with paintings believed to have been painted by the members of Kano school. Surrounding the Haiden are intricately carved corridors. A long wooden wall, called Mizu-Gaki, is built around the whole Haiden structure. This wall is also intricately carved with figures of birds, fish, and flowers. In 1873 Toshogu Shrine was declared a Tokyo Municipal Shrine, and in 1907, the Haiden, Karamon and Mizu-Gaki were declared National Treasure.
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