First established in 1627 by Tōdō Takatora and renovated in 1651 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the shrine has remained mostly intact since that time, making it a great example of Shinto architecture in the Edo period.

[1] Tōshō-gū shrines are characterized by enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu with the name Tōshō Daigongen (東照大権現).

The karamon at Ueno Tōshō-gū was built in 1651,[3] and it is designated an Important Cultural Property.

In addition to the gold foil, there are several hand carved decorations, including flowers, birds and dragons on both sides of the gates.

[3] It is said that the carvings on the gate and on the sukibei wall depict a total of over two hundred species of plants and animals.