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Kunozan Toshogu (‹v”\ŽR“ŒÆ‹{, 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 (“ú–{•½), 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.

Getting there and around

Kunozan Shrine can either be accessed from the south by climbing approximately 1000 stone steps or by ropeway from the north from the Nihondaira plateau.

By foot from the south

It is about a 30 minute bus ride from either Shizuoka Station (most connection require a transfer at Otani ‘å’J) or Shimizu Station to Kunozan-shita bus stop (‹v”\ŽR‰º), from where the climb to the shrine takes about 20 minutes.

By ropeway from Nihondaira

There are hourly buses from Shizuoka Station to Nihondaira (“ú–{•½, 45 minutes, 590 yen one way) from where the ropeway can be taken to the shrine (5 minutes, every 10-15 minutes). The ropeway costs 700 yen one way, 1250 yen round trip or 1950 yen for a round trip and admission to the shrine and museum.

How to get to and around Shizuoka

Hours and Fees

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Shizuoka

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    • Guesthouse Hitoyado
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      Well set in the Aoi Ward district of Shizuoka, Guesthouse Hitoyado is located 19 km from Rengejiike Park Fuji Festival, 1.2 km from Shizuoka Station and 13 km from Shimizu Station. Located around 3.4 km from Twin Messe Shizuoka, the guest house is also 12 km away from Nihondaira Ropeway. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. All units in the guest house are equipped with a kettle. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and slippers, units at the guest house also provide guests with free WiFi. The units include bed linen. There is a coffee shop and lounge. A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house. The nearest airport is Shizuoka Airport, 32 km from Guesthouse Hitoyado.
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