What is the admission price for Kunozan Toshogu?

500 yen (shrine only) 400 yen (museum only) 800 yen (shrine and museum)

Kunozan Toshogu

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Kunozan Toshogu (久能山東照宮, Kunōzan Tōshōgū), located in Shizuoka, is a significant shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the unifier of Japan who ended centuries of civil wars. This shrine, second in importance only to Nikko’s Toshogu, is perched on Mount Kunozan, where Ieyasu spent his final years at the nearby Sumpu Castle. After his death, Ieyasu requested a mausoleum on the mountain, which was constructed in his honor. Visitors can reach the shrine by climbing over 1,000 stone steps that wind their way up the mountain, offering breathtaking views of Suruga Bay and the coastline below. Alternatively, a more leisurely option is to take the ropeway from the Nihondaira plateau, providing an easy and scenic route to the shrine.

The shrine complex is a masterpiece of intricate red and gold architecture, with beautifully detailed carvings and paintings embellishing its structures. Notable buildings within the shrine include the Haiden (worship hall) and the Honden (main hall), along with the impressive Romon Gate. Deeper within the surrounding forest lies Ieyasu’s tomb, a serene and solemn site. The Museum of Kunozan Toshogu offers a fascinating glimpse into Ieyasu’s life, displaying personal items such as his swords, armor, and scrolls. Above the shrine, the Nihondaira plateau provides sweeping panoramic views of Suruga Bay, Shimizu Port, and Mount Fuji, making it an excellent spot for visitors to take in the beauty of the region.

Hours and Fees

Kunozan Toshogu

Getting there

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Kunozan Shrine can be reached by climbing 1,000 stone steps from the south or by taking a ropeway from the Nihondaira plateau. To reach the south entrance, take a 30-minute bus ride from Shizuoka or Shimizu Station to the Kunozan-shita bus stop, then walk for 20 minutes. Alternatively, take an hourly bus from Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira (45 minutes), then ride the ropeway (5 minutes) to the shrine. The ropeway costs 700 yen one way, 1,250 yen round trip, or 1,950 yen for a round trip including shrine and museum admission.