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Most international visitors to Japan may know about Nikko Toshogu, but they may not know the fact that Nikko Toshogu was constructed as an imitation of Kunozan Toshogu. 

Kunozan Toshogu, which is no less beautiful than Nikko Toshogu, was designated as a national treasure in December 2010. Its significant artistic values attract many visitors, not only Japanese but also international. The buildings are covered with beautifully elaborated carvings and sculptures. Visitors will be astonished at the breathtaking beauty of the carvings and sculptures, and simultaneously, can learn the peculiar architectural beauty and values of the shrine.

In Kunozan Toshogu, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first ‘Shougun’, generalissimo, of the Edo period (1603 to 1868), has been enshrined since his death. According to his wish, his body was buried on the top of Mt. Kuno, which has a beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.  Right after the burial, the shrine was constructed with the finest technology and art of those days in order to enshrine the Shogun. 

Kunozan Toshogu has a historical museum.  Visitors can observe many historically valuable displays, such as Japanese swords, armors and objects which Ieyasu loved.  Among them, an old beautiful clock sent to Ieyasu by a Spanish King is the most significant.  Amazingly, it still works properly!

Located within Shizuoka city, access to Kunozan Toshogu is easy.  However, there are no direct bus services.  Take a bus bound for Nihon Daira, a hill located next to Mt. Kuno, from which a cable car takes you to Kunozan Toshogu. 

( By Izumi )

＊Not only Izumi but also other FUSION members can guide you through Kunozan Toshogu !
Contact us if you are interested in a trip to Toshogu.

The buildings of Toshogu Shrine are decorated with many colorful carvings. They look like pictures. Each has a story or a meaning just like a message from Ieyasu.

その一『命を大切にせよ』
(1. Nothing is more important than human life)

This is a sort of moral lesson based on the story of Shiba Onko, an ancient Chinese politician.

When he was a child he was playing with his some friends and one of the friends happened to fall down into a large pot with full of water.  The pot was really expensive and his father treasured it. Although he knew that, he broke the pot with a stone, without any hesitation. Thanks to him, his friend safely came out of the pot.  Later, Shiba Onko apologized to his father for the broken pot.  However, his father praised him instead of scolding him, saying “There’s nothing more important than human life.” 

Other carvings including below;

その二『人間力を鍛えよ』
(2. Strengthen humanity both in body and in mind)


The carving of a Chinese lion and peony flowers

その三『平和を維持せよ』(3. Keep peace)

The carving of a tapir (an imaginary Chinese holy animal)

(By Hiro )

＊Not only Hiro but also other FUSION members can guide you through Kunozan Toshogu !
Contact us if you are interested in a trip to Toshogu.