ABOUT
About this spot
Kunozan Toshogu in Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan's first Toshogu shrine, founded according to the dying wish of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ended the Sengoku period and built an era of peace. It enshrines Ieyasu, who spent his later years in Sunpu, and because of its high historical value, the main hall, stone chamber, and worship hall are designated National Treasures. The biggest highlight is the gorgeous architectural beauty known as "gongen-zukuri." The shrine buildings, adorned with colorful carvings, gold leaf, and lacquer, shine with a brilliance that overwhelms viewers. The attached museum also lets you appreciate precious cultural properties up close, such as Ieyasu's personal belongings and favorite swords. There are two routes to the shrine: a course that takes a comfortable aerial stroll by ropeway from Nihondaira, and a course that climbs the 1,159 stone steps from the foot of the mountain one step at a time. Whichever you choose, from near the top you can enjoy a spectacular view of the vast Suruga Bay spreading below. It is ideal for a solo historical walk as well as a drive trip with friends and family. Why not spend a soul-cleansing moment in the solemn atmosphere that makes you feel the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate?
Last updated March 28, 2026