Kunōzan Tōshō-gū

Kunōzan Tōshō-gū

Kunōzan Tōshō-gū is a Shinto shrine located in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. After rising to power, Tokugawa Ieyasu conquered various feudal domains by force and unified all of Japan. Following his death, he was revered as the guardian deity of the Tokugawa shogunate, known as "Tōshō Daigongen," and the Tōshō-gū shrine is dedicated to Tōshō Daigongen. There are many Tōshō-gū shrines across Japan, so they are customarily distinguished by adding the name of the location to the shrine’s title.

In his later years, Tokugawa Ieyasu resided in Suruga. After his death in 1616, his son Tokugawa Hidetada followed his father’s will and buried him on Mount Kunō, where a shrine was built to honor him. However, his remains were later moved to Nikkō Tōshō-gū. Since its completion, most of the structures at Kunōzan Tōshō-gū have been well preserved. The only exception is the five-story pagoda, which was dismantled during the anti-Buddhist movement. The shrine grounds are covered with ancient towering trees, complementing the elaborately carved buildings, creating a solemn and elegant atmosphere. It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. The shrine holds its annual regular festival on April 17, as well as spring and autumn festivals in mid-February and mid-October, attracting many worshippers.

Kunōzan Tōshō-gū

Must-visit reason: One of Japan’s most famous Tōshō-gū shrines

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Japan

Prefecture/State: Shizuoka Prefecture

City: Shizuoka