Three Wise Monkeys at Nikko Toshogu – Mizaru, Iwazaru, Kikazaru Explained
Three Wise Monkeys Nikko Toshogu
The Three Wise Monkeys are among the most famous carvings at Nikko Toshogu, and many visitors are eager to locate them quickly.
They appear on the Sacred Stable (Shinkyusha), a simple wooden building that houses sacred horses.
Understanding the exact placement of the carvings ensures you won’t miss them in the busy shrine grounds.
Shinkyusha location and access within Toshogu
The Three Wise Monkeys are carved on the second panel of a wooden frieze running along the eaves of Shinkyusha.
This stable stands just inside the paid area of the shrine complex, so you will encounter it soon after passing through the main gate.
There are eight panels in total, with the monkeys placed in a sequence narrating human life stages.
- Shinkyusha is located near the entrance to the paid zone.
- Eight monkey panels line the stable.
- The “See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” scene is the second panel.
Admission & photo etiquette specific to the monkeys
Visitors sometimes wonder if photography is allowed at Toshogu.
While indoor halls such as Yomeimon or the main sanctuary prohibit pictures, the Shinkyusha carvings are outdoors and can be photographed freely.
Always respect signage and avoid blocking the path when large tour groups arrive.
- Photography is permitted at the Sacred Stable.
- No flash or touching the wooden beams.
- Keep walkways clear for smooth visitor flow.
Three Wise Monkeys Meaning – The Maxim and the Wordplay
The famous gestures of covering the eyes, ears, and mouth carry a deeper lesson.
In Japan, they are tied to a Confucian proverb that urges people to avoid improper sights, words, and sounds.
This teaching was adopted into Buddhist moral practice and became an emblem of self-discipline.
The proverb behind Mizaru / Iwazaru / Kikazaru
Each monkey has a name and gesture: Mizaru covers his eyes, Iwazaru covers his mouth, and Kikazaru covers his ears.
The Japanese suffix “-zaru” means “not to,” creating a direct link between action and prohibition.
This explains why the proverb is interpreted as a guide to live ethically rather than to ignore reality.
- Mizaru = “see not” → covers eyes.
- Iwazaru = “speak not” → covers mouth.
- Kikazaru = “hear not” → covers ears.
Why monkeys at a stable?
In Japanese tradition, monkeys are guardians of horses, which explains their placement on a horse stable.
The animals were thought to ward off illness or misfortune that could affect valuable steeds.
Additionally, the wordplay between “zaru” (negative verb form) and “saru” (monkey) made the imagery both memorable and educational.
- Monkeys were protectors of horses in Japanese lore.
- The pun of “saru” (monkey) and “-zaru” (not) adds meaning.
- Carvings combine religious wisdom with wordplay.
Three Wise Monkeys Panels – The 8-Panel Life Story in Wood
Most travelers know the famous second panel, but the Shinkyusha frieze is actually a complete story in eight parts.
Each panel illustrates a stage in human life, from birth to maturity.
Reading them in sequence reveals the full moral journey envisioned by the artisans.
Reading the sequence (panel order & themes)
To understand the monkeys in context, consider the full cycle of eight panels.
The narrative begins with the birth of a child, moves through childhood, and highlights stages of love, friendship, and family.
The final scenes show maturity and preparation for the next generation.
| Panel | Scene | Theme | What to Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birth of a child | Innocence begins | Mother monkey cradling baby |
| 2 | Three Wise Monkeys | Moral teaching | Eyes, ears, and mouth covered |
| 3 | Youth with ambition | Growing independence | Monkey gazes at horizon |
| 4 | Companionship | Value of friendship | Two monkeys side by side |
| 5 | Love and marriage | Forming bonds | Pairing of male and female |
| 6 | Pregnancy | Continuation of life | Female monkey expecting |
| 7 | Parenting | Responsibility | Family group with child |
| 8 | Maturity | Life’s cycle complete | Older monkeys looking back |
What the “three monkeys” panel really teaches
When seen in this context, the famous image is not about ignoring problems.
Instead, it emphasizes the innocence of childhood and the guidance needed to grow into a moral adult.
For visitors, understanding this meaning adds depth to what might otherwise seem like a simple tourist photo stop.
- The panel represents moral education in early life.
- It encourages self-control rather than ignorance.
- Context in the full series highlights human growth.
Three Wise Monkeys Photo Tips & Timing
Many travelers want to capture the carvings in the best possible way.
Because Toshogu receives heavy crowds, timing and positioning are crucial.
Knowing when to visit and how to shoot makes your photo both respectful and memorable.
Best time & angle
Morning visits often bring softer light and fewer crowds.
Step back to frame the entire row of eight panels, which highlights the story beyond the three monkeys.
Angling your camera slightly upward reduces glare from the overhanging roof.
- Visit early to avoid groups
- Capture the whole transom, not just panel two
- Position camera low and tilt upward
Etiquette & conservation-minded shooting
Respectful photography ensures the preservation of these cultural treasures.
Do not use flash, as repeated exposure can harm delicate wooden pigments.
Always stand aside quickly after taking your shot so others can enjoy the view.
- No flash photography.
- Limit time in front of carvings.
- Observe signs and staff instructions.
Three Wise Monkeys Souvenirs & Symbols
Travelers often want to take home a reminder of the Sanzaru.
Souvenirs range from charms to miniature carvings, often sold at Toshogu’s shops or in Nikko’s town center.
Choosing items with clear cultural explanations helps preserve the proverb’s meaning for younger generations.
What to buy near Toshogu
Shops offer many Sanzaru-themed goods that make thoughtful gifts.
Keychains, wooden plaques, and protective amulets are among the most popular.
Explaining the deeper moral lesson behind these souvenirs enriches their value beyond decoration.
- Omamori charms featuring the monkeys.
- Wooden plaques (ema) with Sanzaru designs.
- Keychains and small carvings.
FAQ About Three Wise Monkeys
Travelers often have quick questions about the Three Wise Monkeys.
- Where exactly are the Three Wise Monkeys inside Toshogu?
-
They are on the Sacred Stable (Shinkyusha), just inside the paid area.
- Are the carvings original or restored?
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Yes, they are original Edo-period works, though conservation has ensured their survival.
- What do “Mizaru, Iwazaru, Kikazaru” literally mean?
-
They mean “see not, speak not, hear not,” each embodied by one monkey.
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Final Thoughts on the Three Wise Monkeys at Nikko Toshogu
The Three Wise Monkeys of Nikko Toshogu are far more than a playful image.
They are a moral lesson expressed in wood. By locating them at the Sacred Stable, exploring the meaning behind their gestures, and placing them within the larger eight-panel story, visitors can appreciate the depth of their symbolism.
For travelers, pausing to reflect on “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” transforms a quick photo stop into an encounter with Japan’s cultural wisdom that still resonates today.