Kunozan Toshogu is the original shrine of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, built on Mount Kuno overlooking Suruga Bay immediately after his death in 1616 as his first burial place, before his remains were later enshrined at the more famous Nikko. Its brilliantly ornate halls, decorated with lacquer, gold leaf and intricate carvings, are designated National Treasures and predate Nikko’s, and the shrine is reached either by a scenic ropeway from the Nihondaira plateau or by climbing more than 1,100 stone steps up from the coast below.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Shizuoka City, Shizuoka |
| Hours | ~9:00–17:00 (seasonal variation) |
| Admission | Around ¥500; ropeway extra |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; clear days for bay views |
What to See
- Brilliantly ornate lacquered halls, designated National Treasures.
- The original burial place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- A scenic ropeway from the Nihondaira plateau.
- Views over Suruga Bay and the strawberry farms along the coast below.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Miho no Matsubara across the bay.
- Pair with Shizuoka Green Tea tasting nearby.
- Read our Shizuoka overview .
Getting There
- By bus + ropeway: bus from Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira, then the ropeway to the shrine.
- By car + steps: park at the coast and climb the 1,100-plus stone steps if you prefer the traditional approach.
Tips
The ropeway from Nihondaira is the easy way in, while the 1,100-plus stone steps from the coast are the traditional pilgrim approach — pick according to your energy, or ride up and walk down. History fans should note this shrine predates Nikko Toshogu and held Ieyasu’s remains first, giving it a strong claim to significance despite being far less visited.
