Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
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Encounter History and Tradition:Historic building
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The tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu: Kunozan.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. When he died at the age of 75, on April 17, 1616, he left a command to be buried on Mount Kuno. The 2nd Lord Tokugawa, Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Toshogu Shrine there for his worship.
With an elevation of 216 meters, this mountain located in the southern part of the city of Shizuoka, has a sheer face to the south overlooking Suruga Bay, with equally impressive views of the Izu Peninsula to the east and distant Omaezaki to the west. Standing atop the cliff overlooking the sea, the shrine appears a formidable fortress. To reach the shrine you may climb the 1,159-step stone staircase, or take the easier cable car. The stairs are marked with plates showing which step you have reached, encouraging you to take a rest while enjoying the view almost unchanged for centuries. While ocean and mountains remain, below the greenhouses of Shizuoka’s famous Ishigaki strawberries are visible.
Gongen-zukuri architecture, a fusion of art and technique.
The main hall, designed as a tomb for the worship of Ieyasu, was completed in only one year and seven months. Built in the unique gongen-zukuri architectural style, the gorgeous lacquer and colorful ornamentation reflects the prestige of Ieyasu. Designated a national treasure, it was constructed using the finest technology of the era, including Momoyama-period techniques in sculpture, patterns, and textiles. The main hall is a masterpiece of beauty, combining art and technique. A number of structures have been built around Japan in the years since modelled after Toshogu Shrine.
Ieyasu is famed as a general for putting an end to the widespread wars of the era, but also for his successful intellectual and political strategies. This is a site you mustn’t miss, including the quiet tomb slumbering quietly at the rear of the main hall.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Address |
390 Negoya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture |
Hours |
8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Oct. - Mar., 8:30 am to 4:00 pm)
|
Closed |
Open daily |
Cost |
Entrance: Adult, 500 yen; child, 200 yen (Audio guide, 500 yen per unit) about 30 min, ♦ Japanese, English, Chinese) |
Phone |
054-237-2438 |
Access |
By train, from Tokaido Shinkansen Shizuoka Sta. to end of Shizutetsu Justline Nihondaira Line, about 50 min. Ascent to Kuno-zan, about 5 min. |
Web site |
https://www.toshogu.or.jp/ |
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