Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Kunozan Toshogu (久能山東照宮, Kunōzan Tōshōgū) is a shrine dedicated to the famous leader Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) who brought a long period of civil wars to an end and united all of Japan. Having spent the last decade of his life at the nearby Sumpu Castle, Ieyasu expressed his wish for a mausoleum on Mount Kunozan. Of the many Toshogu shrines dedicated to Ieyasu throughout Japan, Shizuoka's is second in importance only to Nikko's Toshogu.

The main approach to Kunozan Toshogu is from the south and involves a considerable climb up the mountain. Over a thousand stone steps zig zag up the mountainside, allowing for impressive views of Suruga Bay and the oceanside along the way. Travelers who would rather not subject themselves to the climb can access the shrine by ropeway from the north from the Nihondaira plateau instead.

The shrine complex itself is extensive and consists of a large number of bright red buildings decorated with gold accents and colorful carvings and paintings. The Romon Gate is located right after the ticket booth, behind which the route leads past a stable, a drum tower and a copper lantern to the main buildings, the Haiden and Honden halls. Even deeper in the woods, sits the tomb of Ieyasu.

Outside the shrine stands the Museum of Kunozan Toshogu which exhibits some of Ieyasu's personal belongings and shrine treasures, such as swords, armors and hanging scrolls.

Further up the mountain - above the shrine - is the Nihondaira plateau (日本平), which can be reached by the Nihondaira Ropeway. The plateau is well known for its views over Suruga Bay, Shimizu Port, tea fields and - most famously - Mount Fuji.