Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine in Shizuoka is the original shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who unified Japan during the Edo period and ushered in more than 260 years of peace. According to his will, Ieyasu was buried here upon his death, and the shrine was constructed under the orders of his successor, Tokugawa Hidetada. This made Kunozan the very first of the many Toshogu shrines (shrines at which Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined) found across Japan, including the more famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
The shrine buildings, created in the early 17th century under master carpenter Nakai Masakiyo, are built in the gongen-zukuri style, where the main hall and worship hall are connected by a low-ceilinged “stone chamber.” The buildings are also lavishly decorated in brilliant colors and gold leaf. In 2010, they were designated a National Treasure for their architectural and cultural significance.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is also home to a museum preserving the legacy of the Tokugawa clan. The collection features over 2,000 artifacts, including Ieyasu’s personal belongings, armor, weapons, and donated treasures such as the “Western Clock of Tokugawa Ieyasu,” which was gifted by King Philip III of Spain in gratitude for the rescue of shipwrecked sailors. The displays are worth a visit for a glimpse into the life and times of one of Japan’s most influential leaders. The shrine is also located near the Nihondaira Plateau, which is connected by ropeway, and has stunning views of the valleys below and of Mt. Fuji.