SHIZUOKA CITY KANKO NAVI

(This is the route to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine via the ropeway from Nihondaira)

From his early childhood, Tokugawa Ieyasu overcame every hardship and adversity to become Shogun. Having spent his later years in Sunpu (present-day Shizuoka City), Ieyasu passed away on April 17, 1616, at the age of 75.

Shortly before his death, Lord Ieyasu entrusted his vassals with a final wish: “Bury my remains on Mount Kunō.” The second shogun, Lord Tokugawa Hidetada, immediately carried out this wish and issued an order to construct a shrine on Mount Kunō to enshrine Lord Ieyasu. This marked the beginning of Kunōzan Tōshōgū.

Nakai Masakiyo was selected as the master carpenter, and construction began in May of that same year; the shrine buildings were completed in one year and seven months. The “Gongen-zukuri” style, which brought together the finest architectural techniques and artistry of the time, became the model for Tōshō-gū shrines nationwide, including Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

Master carpenter Nakai Masakiyo was responsible for many important structures that still stand today, including Nagoya Castle (a Nationally Designated Special Historic Site), Ninnaji Temple (an Important Cultural Property), and Nijo Castle (a National Treasure and World Cultural Heritage Site). However, Kunozan Toshogu is regarded as the masterpiece of his later years and was designated a National Treasure in 2010.

Furthermore, the adjacent museum houses the “Important Cultural Property: Hada Armor,” the armor worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle of Sekigahara; the “National Treasure: Paulownia Crest Silk-Wrapped Tachi Mounting (National Treasure: Tachi, inscribed ‘Shinkō’);”and the “Statue of Tōshō Daigongen,” a divine image of Tokugawa Ieyasu.