Nemuri Neko (Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine/Higashikairou)

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!