Kunouzan Toshogu

The shrine was built in 1617 to worship Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first barbarian general of the Edo shogunate.

The shrine is located on the southern slope of Kunouzan facing Suruga Bay and is reached by 1159 winding stone steps. Today, it is also accessible by a ropeway from the north.

During the Edo period, the shrine and buildings were periodically repainted with lacquer.

Beauty and history intermingle.

The main shrine building, Ishinoma (stone room), and the hall of worship, in a gorgeous architectural style called Gongen-zukuri, have been designated national treasures, conveying both beauty and an eye for future generations.

Shrines associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu

This shrine, with a history of more than 400 years, was founded in accordance with Tokugawa Ieyasu’s last will and testament: “His remains must be buried at Mt.

The site where Tokugawa Ieyasu was buried sits on the site of Kuno Castle, once an important stronghold in the Suruga region, reflecting the geopolitics of the time and the desire for peace.

There is a stone staircase at the end of the hall of worship, and up this staircase is the “Shimbyo” or Shinto mausoleum, the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The whole area of Kunouzan is also designated as a historic site, attracting visitors with its beautiful natural surroundings.

Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine is,

A museum exhibiting valuable historical materials

The Toshogu Museum houses more than 2,000 valuable cultural properties and exhibits related to Tokugawa Ieyasu and other successive shoguns of the Edo Shogunate.

Visitors can view valuable exhibits such as Tokugawa Ieyasu’s armor and an important cultural property, a paulownia crest itomaki tachi sword preparation.

In particular, Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Western-style clock, a gift from King Felipe of Spain, is of great historical value.

Ropeway from Nihondaira to Kunouzan

Kunouzan ropeway departs from the summit of Nihonpira, a famous scenic spot.

Two gondolas, the blue “Aoi” and orange “Tachibana,” are in operation. From the gondolas, visitors can enjoy a 1,065-meter aerial walk and magnificent views of the cliffs of Byobu-dani, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula.

Climb the stone steps to Mt.

Kunou, and the south side of the mountain is a series of 1159 stone steps leading from the foot of the mountain to the main gate.

The area around the foot of the mountain is known as “Kunouzan Strawberry Coastal Street,” and since strawberry farms were opened to visitors, Kunouzan is considered the birthplace of tourist strawberry picking.

Many vinyl greenhouses are lined up along the coast, and visitors can experience strawberry picking from January to April.

Historic Kunouzan

Kunou (216 meters above sea level) was originally formed by the uplift of the sea floor in prehistoric times, along with Nihon-daira. Over the years, erosion and other factors left only the hard parts of the mountain, and it became the isolated mountain that it is today.

Kunouzan has a long history. Kunouji Temple was built around 600. Since that time, Kunouzan has been visited by famous monks such as Gyoki, a Buddhist monk, and Enji (Seiichi Kokushi), the founder of Shizuoka tea, and Kunouzan has prospered.

In 1568, Shingen Takeda, who invaded Suruga, moved Kunouji Temple and built Kunou Castle. However, the Takeda clan was destroyed in the Koshu conquest, and Suruga came under the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Kunou Castle also came under the control of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Mt. Kunou played an important role as a political and religious center.

Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine is a precious place where visitors can experience the great deeds of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the history of Japan through the combination of its gorgeous beauty and rich history.

Its magnificent scenery and stately history are sure to impress visitors. We invite you to visit Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine and contemplate the achievements of Tokugawa Ieyasu.