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Kunou Toshogu Shizuoka: Ieyasu's Shrine & 1,159 Steps

Niigata Toyama Ishikawa Fukui Yamanashi Nagano Gifu Shizuoka Aichi
Kunou Toshogu Shizuoka: Ieyasu's Shrine & 1,159 Steps
Kunouzan Toshogu in Shizuoka is the original burial shrine of Tokugawa Ieyasu, atop 1,159 stone steps or by Nihondaira Ropeway. Adults ¥600; sea views.

Highlights

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine – Visitor Guide

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is a prestigious Shinto shrine in Shizuoka dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, known for its richly decorated buildings and views over Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji.

Climbing the 1,159 Stone Steps

Kunozan Toshogu is reached by climbing 1,159 stone steps, with views of Suruga Bay along the way. Comfortable shoes and water are a good idea.

Brilliantly Ornate Shrine Buildings

The main hall, worship hall, and stone torii are designated Important Cultural Properties, showcasing vivid colors and intricate carvings. Comparing the fine details of the decorations is part of the experience.

Ieyasu’s Mausoleum

The Ieyasu Mausoleum (Shinbyo) is the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu and is a historically significant place to pay respects. It’s a quiet spot to pause and reflect.

Access (Bus & Ropeway)

Take a local bus from Shizuoka Station to Kunozan-shita (transferring at Higashi-Otani is common). From there, walk to the stone steps. You can also access the shrine by ropeway from Nihondaira (operations vary by date and weather).

Notes for Drivers

There is no road that lets you drive directly up to Kunozan Toshogu; you’ll need to use the ropeway or walk to reach the top. Parking is available nearby, but weekends can be busy, so allow extra time.

Fees, Time Needed & Tips

Admission (shrine buildings) is 700 yen for adults / 300 yen for children; the museum is 600 yen for adults / 300 yen for children; a combined ticket is 1,200 yen for adults / 500 yen for children (subject to change). Plan about 2–3 hours, and early mornings tend to be quieter and easier for sightseeing.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

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What Is Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine?

Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a historic shrine that enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu.

It is also known as the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu was buried on Mount Kunō, and it has long been cherished as a site where history and faith live on.

The shrine buildings (main sanctuary, connecting hall, and worship hall) showcase brilliant colors in the gongen-zukuri style, a representative architectural form.

With a harmonious blend of historic architecture and sweeping views over Suruga Bay, it’s recommended not only for history lovers but also for travelers who want to enjoy beautiful scenery.


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How to Get to Kunōzan Tōshōgū Shrine (Access Guide)

There is no road for driving directly up to Kunōzan Tōshōgū, so cars cannot enter the shrine precincts.

There are two routes for visiting: the Nihondaira Ropeway or the Omotesandō stone steps.

Using the Nihondaira Ropeway

  1. Bus from JR Shizuoka Station
  2. From Shizuoka Station, take a Shizutetsu Justline bus bound for Nihondaira Ropeway (about 45 minutes).
  3. Get off at the last stop, then take the Nihondaira Ropeway (about 5 minutes) to Kunōzan Station.
  4. Drive to Nihondaira
  5. From Nihondaira Kunōzan Smart Interchange to the Nihondaira summit takes about 20 minutes.
  6. From Tomei Shizuoka IC or Shimizu IC to the Nihondaira summit takes about 40 minutes.
  7. There is a free parking lot at the Nihondaira summit (200 spaces).

Climbing via the Omotesandō (stone steps)

  1. From Kunōzan-shita along National Route 150, climb 1,159 stone steps to visit the shrine.
  2. It takes about 20 minutes one way.
  3. Nearby, there are strawberry-picking farms, and many people combine their visit with strawberry picking from winter to spring.


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Highlights

1. The Omotesandō stone steps (1,159 steps)

Kunōzan Tōshōgū’s Omotesandō is a worship route that climbs 1,159 stone steps from the seaside.

Enjoy the scenery along the way as you make your way to the shrine buildings at the top.

2. The shrine buildings

The shrine complex of the main sanctuary, connecting hall, and worship hall is a gongen-zukuri structure decorated in vivid colors.

Brilliant lacquerwork and intricate carvings allow you to fully appreciate early Edo-period architectural beauty.

Within the grounds, cultural heritage structures such as the gate tower (rōmon) and sacred stable (shin-kyū) still remain.

3. The mausoleum (Ieyasu’s tomb)

Behind the shrine buildings, deeper on Mount Kunō, the mausoleum (shinbyō) is known as a place connected to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

With a sacred atmosphere, it’s recommended for those who want to pay their respects quietly.

4. Views from the Nihondaira Ropeway

The ropeway connecting Nihondaira and Kunōzan offers about five minutes of “sky walking” with views over Suruga Bay.

Crossing a deep valley adds a touch of thrill, making the ride itself a sightseeing experience.


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Nearby Attractions

When you visit Kunōzan Tōshōgū, pairing it with nearby sights makes the trip even more enjoyable.

1. Nihondaira

Nihondaira, connected to Kunōzan Tōshōgū by ropeway, is one of Shizuoka’s best-known scenic spots.

From viewpoints, you can enjoy sweeping scenery such as Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay.

2. Miho no Matsubara

Known for its beautiful pine-lined shore and views of Mount Fuji.

It is one of the attractions you can reach by car from Kunōzan Tōshōgū.

3. Strawberry picking around Kunōzan

The Kunōzan area is famous for strawberry cultivation in its mild climate and is also known for “Ishigaki Ichigo” (stone-wall strawberries).

Strawberry picking is typically offered from around December to May.


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Etiquette and Notes

Kunōzan Tōshōgū is a historic sacred site.

Please be considerate of others, follow on-site guidance, and behave quietly while visiting.

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Practical Info for Travelers

Best time of day

Earlier in the morning tends to be a time when you can visit more calmly.

On clear days, views over Suruga Bay are especially beautiful, so it’s helpful to check the weather forecast.

Admission fees

  • Shrine buildings: Adults (high school and older) 700 yen / Children (elementary and junior high) 300 yen
  • Museum: Adults 600 yen / Children 300 yen
  • Combined ticket (shrine buildings + museum): Adults 1,200 yen / Children 500 yen

If using the Nihondaira Ropeway, a separate fare applies (round-trip: Adults 1,250 yen / Children 630 yen).

Visiting hours

Visits are possible from 9:00 a.m.

Closing time varies by season.

Reception ends 10 minutes before closing.

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes (many stone steps).
  • Drinks (for hydration if using the stone-step route).
  • A hat and sunscreen (some areas have little shade).

Multilingual support

At reception, multilingual guidance sheets may be available.

Summary

Kunōzan Tōshōgū is a popular Shizuoka destination where you can experience history and culture while enjoying views of Suruga Bay.

The sense of achievement from climbing the 1,159 stone steps—and the scenery waiting at the top—makes for a memorable trip.

Using the Nihondaira Ropeway also makes it easier to visit for those who are less confident about the climb.

When you visit Shizuoka, consider adding Kunōzan Tōshōgū to your itinerary.


Frequently Asked Questions

A. Kunozan Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and he was buried on Mt. Kunozan according to his final wishes. There are many steps, so deciding on rest points in advance can help you pace yourself.
A. Visiting hours are 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:50). Admission is ¥700 for adults and ¥300 for elementary/junior-high students. Close to closing time it can feel rushed, so visiting from morning to midday helps you avoid that.
A. The Nihondaira Ropeway takes about 5 minutes one way. Fares are ¥700 (adult) / ¥350 (child) one way, and ¥1,250 (adult) / ¥630 (child) round trip. Approaching from the ropeway side involves fewer steps up to the shrine precincts.
A. The Omotesando approach has 1,159 stone steps. If you go at a relaxed pace, allowing about 20–30 minutes is a safe guideline. In summer, plan for sweat and hydration; in winter, shaded sections can feel cold, so gloves help.
A. Yes, goshuin (a calligraphy stamp as a visit record) is available at the shrine office. When it’s crowded, finishing your visit first and getting it on the way out often means shorter lines and easier time management.
A. Photography rules vary by area and are posted on-site, so follow local guidance. Stepping to the side so you don’t stop foot traffic is safer, and it’s also best to avoid tripods especially when it’s crowded.
A. Plan about 1.5–2 hours to cover the shrine visit and the museum. With slopes and stairs, taking breaks on benches helps you avoid fatigue and gives you time to appreciate the detailed carvings.
A. The Nihondaira area has multiple viewpoints and is easy to pair with the ropeway. If you’re hoping to see Mt. Fuji, mornings are often less hazy than afternoons, which can improve your chances for photos.

Useful Japanese Phrases

Meaning
How do I get to Kunōzan Tōshōgū? — Use this at JR Shizuoka Station or a bus stop when asking for directions. There is no direct vehicle access to the shrine, so you will need to take either the Nihondaira Ropeway or climb the stone steps.
Meaning
A round-trip ticket for the Nihondaira Ropeway, please. — Say this at the ropeway ticket counter. The ride itself is scenic, so this is a natural phrase when you want the easiest route to the shrine.
Meaning
Is there a combined ticket for the shrine and the museum? — Ask at the admission window. A combined ticket covering both the shrine buildings and the Kunōzan Tōshōgū Museum is available.
Meaning
What is gongen-zukuri (a traditional shrine architectural style)? — Ask staff or a guide while admiring the brilliantly ornate main sanctuary, worship hall, and connecting hall, all designated Important Cultural Properties.
Meaning
May I take photos here? — Photography rules vary by area within the shrine grounds. Always check before shooting, avoid blocking foot traffic, and refrain from using tripods when it is crowded.
Meaning
Where is Tokugawa Ieyasu's tomb? — Use this to locate the mausoleum (shinbyō) at the top of the shrine complex. It is a sacred space for quiet reflection, so speak softly and be considerate of others.
Meaning
I would like a goshuin (calligraphy stamp), please. — Say this at the shrine office. Goshuin are handwritten calligraphy records of your visit. It is best to collect them on your way out to avoid holding up the line.
Meaning
How many stone steps are on the Omotesandō approach? — A good conversation starter with locals or staff. The climb is famous and can feel demanding, so comfortable shoes and water help.
Meaning
Can I go strawberry picking near here? — The Kunōzan area is known for Ishigaki Ichigo (stone-wall strawberries). Ask this if you want to combine the shrine with a local farm visit.
Meaning
Could you tell me how to get to Miho no Matsubara? — Ask this when planning your next stop after the shrine. Miho no Matsubara is a nearby pine-lined shore famous for its views of Mt. Fuji, making it a natural side trip.
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