Kunozan Toshogu — The First Mausoleum of Ieyasu on the Cliffs of Nihondaira

This page introduces Kunozan Toshogu, one of Shizuoka's leading power spots, from the angle of its spectacular views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji. Enshrined on Kunoyama (216 meters elevation) in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Kunozan Toshogu was the first Toshogu built for Tokugawa Ieyasu after his death in 1616. Even after a portion of the deity was later enshrined at Nikko Toshogu, Ieyasu remains are said to rest at Kunozan, and it is known as the origin of all the Toshogu shrines across the country. It can be reached by 1,159 stone steps or by ropeway from Nihondaira.

Highlights

• Shrine buildings (national treasure): the ornate main hall, stone room, and worship hall, designated a national treasure. A fine early Edo period structure decorated in gold, red, and black, it became a national treasure in 2010.
• Mausoleum (Ieyasu grave site): the mausoleum behind the main hall, said to hold Ieyasu remains. A stone tower rests in the stillness.
• The 1,159 stone steps: a steep flight from the first torii at the foot of the mountain. Known through a play on words, it opens up sweeping views of Suruga Bay partway up.
• Nihondaira Ropeway: linking the Nihondaira summit to Kunozan in about 5 minutes, with aerial views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji.
• Museum: a treasure house displaying swords, armor, and other items connected to Ieyasu.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring (February to April) the greenhouses of the strawberry farms below contrast with the blue Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji to create a spring like scene. In summer (June to August) a cool breeze passes through the deep green forest of Kunoyama, a pleasant season for a visit. In autumn (October to November) Mt. Fuji stands out clearly in the crisp air. In winter (December to February) the snow capped Mt. Fuji and the blue of Suruga Bay are exceptionally beautiful.

Practical Travel Notes

• This article introduces Kunozan Toshogu from the viewpoint of its scenery and vistas. For a detailed account of its history and national treasure architecture, please also see the dedicated Kunozan Toshogu page.
• To capture Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay in a single frame, aim for the view from the Nihondaira Ropeway. Mornings with clear air and the day after rain give the finest scenery.
• There is a lookout in the grounds overlooking Suruga Bay. If you climb the stone steps, a grand panorama of the sea opens up near the first torii partway up.
• Spring is the strawberry picking season at the foot of the mountain. Along with your visit, enjoy the scenery of the Kunou coast lined with white greenhouses.
• There are combined discount tickets for the ropeway with the shrine and museum. They are good value if you see both, so confirm the fees on the official website.

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.
• 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).
• Admission: admission is charged for the shrine and museum (a combined ticket is available). The ropeway is separate.
• Hours and latest fees: please confirm on the official website.

A Quick Tip

For first time visitors or those focused on the views, the Nihondaira Ropeway is recommended for its window views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. The stone step route takes stamina but offers the original pilgrimage experience along with a grand sea panorama. There are spots in the grounds where both Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay can be seen, so searching for the best views is part of the fun.

📚 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 main hall and the mausoleum, it refers to published information on these cultural properties. Admission fees, viewing hours, ropeway operating status, and the terms of combined discount 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 viewpoint
• Choosing access: The Nihondaira Ropeway for the views, or the 1,159 stone steps for the pilgrimage experience
• What to bring: For the stone-step route, non-slip shoes, a hat, and water
• How to get around: Make use of the combined discount ticket for the ropeway, halls, and museum
• Best for views: For Mount Fuji, aim for clear mornings or the day after rain
• Also enjoy: Spring is strawberry-picking season at the stone-wall farms below

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Visiting hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (open all year round; reception closes 10 minutes before the end)
• Admission: 700 yen for the shrine halls / 600 yen for the museum / 1200 yen for a combined ticket covering both (all for adults, meaning high school students and older). For children (elementary and junior high school students) the rates are 300 yen / 300 yen / 500 yen
• Nihondaira Ropeway: Departures from Nihondaira Station 9:10-16:45, and from Kunozan Station 9:30-17:00 (all year round). Return fare 1,250 yen for adults and 630 yen for children (aged 4-12); one-way fare 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children
• Parking: A free car park with 200 spaces at the summit of Nihondaira. If you walk the stone-step route, use one of the private car parks around the foot of Mt. Kuno
• Access: From JR Shizuoka Station, take the Shizutetsu Just Line Nihondaira Line to the terminus "Nihondaira Ropeway", about 45 minutes (710 yen one way for adults), then about 5 minutes by ropeway / for the stone-step route, take the Ishida Kaido Line to the terminus "Higashi-Oya" (about 40 minutes), change to a bus bound for "Kunozan-shita" and ride to the terminus (about 15 minutes), then climb the 1,159 stone steps, which takes about 20 minutes
• How to worship: Bow twice, clap twice, bow once
• Points to note when visiting: As the shrine halls can only be reached by stone steps, with no ramps or similar, visiting by wheelchair is not possible. Smoking is prohibited within the sacred precincts, and please refrain from eating and drinking. Pets may visit if kept on a lead, but are not allowed inside the museum

Note: There is no road up to Kunozan Toshogu, so you cannot drive directly to the shrine halls.

(Sources: Kunozan Toshogu official website, "Admission Information", "Access" and "How to Worship")