Kunōzan Tōshōgū: A Shrine Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu

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Discover Kunōzan Tōshōgū, Shizuoka's historic shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, featuring stunning architecture and panoramic views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji.

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Kunōzan Tōshōgū

Kunōzan Tōshōgū is a Shinto shrine in Shizuoka, Japan, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate. Built in 1617, it's known for its vibrant architecture and serves as Ieyasu's original burial site. Visitors can ascend 1,159 stone steps or take a scenic ropeway to reach the shrine.

A brief summary to Kunōzan Tōshōgū

390 Negoya, Shizuoka, Negoya, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, 422-8011, JP
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Consider taking the ropeway from Nihondaira for easier access and scenic views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb the 1,159 stone steps from the base of Kuno Hill.
Purchase a combination ticket to access both the shrine and the museum to see artifacts related to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Check the ropeway schedule in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long waits.

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Kunōzan Tōshōgū Museum

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Nihondaira

Nihondaira: A Scenic Jewel in Shizuoka

Getting There

Public Transport

From Shizuoka Station, take the Shizutetsu Justline bus to Nihondaira. The bus ride takes approximately 45-50 minutes and costs around ¥710. From Nihondaira, transfer to the Nihondaira Ropeway, which takes about 5 minutes to reach the shrine. A one-way ropeway ticket costs ¥700, and a round trip is ¥1250. A combination ticket for the ropeway round trip and admission to both the shrine and museum is ¥1950.
Walking

From Shizuoka Station or Shimizu Station, take a bus to Kunōzan-shita bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes from either station, often requiring a transfer at Otani. From Kunōzan-shita, ascend the 1,159 stone steps to the shrine. The climb takes about 20 minutes. The entrance fee to the shrine is ¥700 for adults, or ¥1200 for a combined ticket to the shrine and museum.
Taxi

From Shizuoka Station, a taxi to Nihondaira Ropeway will take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated taxi fare is between ¥4,000 and ¥5,000. From Nihondaira, transfer to the Nihondaira Ropeway, which takes about 5 minutes to reach the shrine. A one-way ropeway ticket costs ¥700, and a round trip is ¥1250. A combination ticket for the ropeway round trip and admission to both the shrine and museum is ¥1950.

Discover more about Kunōzan Tōshōgū

Kunōzan Tōshōgū, located on Mount Kuno in Shizuoka, is a significant Shinto shrine established in 1617 to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, which brought 265 years of peace to Japan beginning in 1603. Before his death, Ieyasu requested to be buried at Kunozan. His successor, Tokugawa Hidetada, carried out these instructions and ordered the construction of the shrine. The shrine was built by Nakai Masakiyo, a master carpenter, and it became a model for other Tōshōgū shrines, including the one in Nikkō. The shrine complex features bright red buildings adorned with gold accents and colorful carvings. The main hall, the Ishi-no-ma, and the worship hall were designated as National Treasures in 2010. The Ishi-no-ma is a unique architectural element that connects the main shrine and the worship hall, a style that became a standard for shrine construction. Visitors can explore the Romon Gate, a stable, a drum tower, and a copper lantern. Ieyasu's tomb is located deeper in the woods. The Museum of Kunōzan Tōshōgū displays Ieyasu's personal belongings, such as swords, armor, and hanging scrolls. Kunōzan Tōshōgū is accessible via two routes: a challenging climb of 1,159 stone steps from the base of Kuno Hill or a scenic ropeway from Nihondaira Plateau. The ascent up the stone steps offers views of Suruga Bay. The ropeway provides panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area. The shrine attracts tourists and pilgrims, offering a serene environment for spiritual reflection and appreciation of Japanese artistry.