Kunozan Toshogu: First Toshogu Shrine Enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, Older than Nikko

The First Toshogu

Kunozan Toshogu in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City is a Toshogu shrine whose main buildings were constructed in 1617, the year after Tokugawa Ieyasu died in 1616. Known as the first Toshogu, older than Nikko Toshogu in Tochigi Prefecture. Built at the summit of Kunoyama (216m elevation), it is accessible by ropeway from Nihondaira or by climbing the stone steps from the coast.

1,159 Stone Steps

Kunozan Toshogu can be visited by climbing 1,159 stone steps along the approach from the first torii. The number is remembered through a play on words. Spectacular views spread along the switchback stone steps, with grand panoramas of Suruga Bay, Miho no Matsubara, and Mt. Fuji. The climb takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes.

Ieyasu Mausoleum and Shrine Buildings

The shrine buildings consisting of three structures (main hall, stone room, worship hall) are built in the Gongen-zukuri style and were designated a national treasure in 2010. In the back is Ieyasu mausoleum, where his remains were interred. The treasure museum in the grounds holds swords, armor, and other items connected to Ieyasu.

Practical Travel Notes

• The stone steps form a steep switchback climb. Wear shoes with good grip and drink water often. In summer there is little shade, so a hat is helpful.
• You can mix the two routes to suit your fitness, for example climbing the steps and riding the ropeway down. Discount tickets combining the ropeway with the shrine and museum are available, so check the official website in advance.
• Admission fees apply to the shrine and the museum. A combined ticket is better value if you plan to see both.
• For sharp views of Mt. Fuji, aim for the morning or the day after rain, when the air is clearest.
• The strawberry picking at the foot of the mountain runs from about January to May. If you plan to stop by, check the strawberry farms' opening status first.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 390 Negoya, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Nihondaira route: About 40 minutes by bus from JR Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira, then about 5 minutes by the Nihondaira Ropeway to Kunozan.
• Stone step route: Take a Shizutetsu Just Line bus from JR Shizuoka Station, get off at Kunozan-shita, and climb the 1,159 steps from the first torii (about 20 to 30 minutes uphill).
• Hours and admission: Admission is charged for the shrine and museum, with a combined ticket available. Please confirm the latest fees, opening hours, and ropeway operation on the official website.
• Parking: Available on the Nihondaira side, with parking also near Kunozan-shita on the stone step side.

A Quick Tip

If it is your first visit or you are unsure about the climb, the scenic Nihondaira Ropeway is convenient. If you want to feel the history, the approach up the 1,159 stone steps offers the original pilgrimage experience. There are spots in the grounds where Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay can be seen together, so enjoy searching for the best views.

📚 Sources

This article is based on official guidance from Kunozan Toshogu, operating information for the Nihondaira Ropeway, and tourism information from the city of Shizuoka. For the National Treasure halls and Ieyasu's mausoleum it refers to published information on these cultural properties, and for the stone-wall strawberries below it draws on local introductions. Admission fees, viewing hours, ropeway operating status, and the terms of combined tickets may change, so please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1 to 2 hours to see the halls, museum, and mausoleum
• Choosing access: The Nihondaira Ropeway for the views, or the 1,159 stone steps for the pilgrimage (about 20 to 30 minutes up)
• What to bring: Non-slip shoes, a hat, and water, as the steps are a steep zigzag climb
• How to get around: Make use of the combined ticket for the ropeway, halls, and museum
• Best for views: For Mount Fuji, aim for clear mornings or the day after rain
• Also enjoy: Strawberry picking at the stone-wall farms below (peak around January to May)