The shrine can be accessed via a ropeway from Nihondaira, which offers a scenic view of Suruga Bay, or by climbing the 1,159 stone steps from the base of Mount Kunozan.
Inside the shrine, visitors can admire intricate wood carvings, lacquered pillars, and other examples of Edo-period craftsmanship, as well as the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The shrine hosts several events throughout the year, including the Toshogu Grand Festival in April, which features traditional ceremonies, performances, and a parade.
Yes, the shrine is suitable for visitors of all ages, though the steep climb may be challenging for some. Families often enjoy the combination of historical exploration and scenic views.
Traveler reviews
Impressive construction, also good spot to watch the shores, the strawberry farms, and the stairway you have struggled to climb up.
The Romon (gate tower) of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is part of the shrine complex designated as a National Treasure, and is a magnificent gate that welcomes visitors. It was built in 1617 to coincide with the founding of Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its imposing two-tiered structure is adorned with vibrant, colorful decorations based on vermilion and green, and it conveys the excellent architectural techniques and artistic craftsmanship of the early Edo period. The gate features intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations and plays an important role as an entrance leading to the Gongen-zukuri style shrine buildings. Reached via stone steps and a ropeway, the Romon is one of the highlights that leaves visitors with a solemn impression of Toshogu Shrine, and it continues to fascinate many people as an iconic building of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.
Romon Gate (Important Cultural Property) Once you pass through the shrine office reception, you will see a large vermilion-painted gate. It is a two-story gate called Romon Gate. In the center under the eaves hangs a plaque reading "Tosho Daigongen" written by the 108th Emperor Gomizunoo, so it is also known as the "Chokugaku Gomon" (Imperially Plaqueed Gate). There is a carving of a Baku (a frog) on the central frog-legs, and inside the lattice doors on the left and right of the front are zuishin (attendants), and inside the kongou fence on the left and right of the back are komainu (lions without horns, and komainu with horns).
This is an Important Cultural Property.
This gate was the first thing I encountered after buying my entrance ticket at the shrine office.
The vermilion-colored gate, standing atop a steep stone staircase, had a magnificent and dignified appearance.
The stone steps were steeper and longer than I expected, so caution is needed both when climbing and descending.
It is also known as the Imperial Gate.
Statues of guardian figures were housed on either side of the gate.
It is often compared to the Yomeimon Gate in Nikko, but I thought this one suited the surrounding atmosphere well.
