Kunōzan Tōshōgū

Kunōzan Tōshōgū is the birthplace of the Tōshōgū shrines dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Following Ieyasu's final years at nearby Sunpu Castle, his spirit was enshrined at Kunō Mountain according to his will. The beautiful gongen-style shrine buildings, constructed during the early Edo period, represent a masterpiece of architectural technique and are designated as National Treasures. The pilgrimage path of 1,159 stone steps serves as a spiritual practice, and the view of Suruga Bay from the summit is spectacular. Ieyasu's teaching, "A person's lifetime is like carrying a heavy burden on a distant journey," continues to live on in this historic sacred place.