This is the "Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Tower Gate" (a National Important Cultural Property), located in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
After climbing the 909 steps of the approach to the shrine and passing through the first gate, you will reach this bright red gate after climbing a few more steps.
The construction of this "Tower Gate" (Romon) coincides with the time when the second shogun, Hidetada, commissioned the construction of the Toshogu Shrine's buildings for the burial of his father, Ieyasu. It dates back to the early Edo period, specifically the third year of the Genna era (1617).
Because the front of this gate displays a plaque bearing the inscription "Toshodai Gongen" (東照大権現), written in the hand of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, the 108th Emperor (reigned 1611-1629), it is also known as the "Imperial Plaque Gate" (Chokugaku Gomon).
Incidentally, Emperor Go-Mizunoo's Empress Consort (principal wife/principal consort) was Tokugawa Masako, the fifth daughter of the second shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada. She was the granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Another interesting fact is that Emperor Go-Mizunoo's mother was Konoe Maeko, the adopted daughter of the regent, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It's fascinating how everything is connected.
(*The difference between an adopted child and a foster child is whether or not they have inheritance rights.)
I will introduce more buildings in due course.
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).
