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Kunōzan Tōshō-gū (久能山東照宮) Shintō shrine in Shizuoka city (April 21, 2024)

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Kunōzan Tōshō-gū (久能山東照宮) Shintō shrine in Shizuoka city (April 21, 2024)

We visited several Shinto shrines on this trip, but this was by far the most elaborate and impressive. It was built in 1617 to enshrine the most famous samurai Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868), which is the third and last of the shogun governments in Japanese history.

The shrine sits atop Mount Kunō (708 feet), reached by gondolas which pass through lush dense forest, then a series of steep stone stairs leading from the entrance to the tomb
Ema: a small wooden plate that people write down their wishes and dedicate it to the shrine
Stone lanterns
Saki barrels
The Gongen-zukuri, the Main Shrine
The Worship Hall
Portrait of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Architectural and decorative details
Tokugawa Ieyasu’s tomb
Joe’s attempt to emulate Tokugawa

2 responses to “Kunōzan Tōshō-gū (久能山東照宮) Shintō shrine in Shizuoka city (April 21, 2024)”

  1. Mary Nonamaker Avatar
    Mary Nonamaker

    The paint colors are so vibrant! Was there ever restoration done?Nice Samurai Joe shot!

    Reply
    1. diggerdeb39gmailcom Avatar
      diggerdeb39gmailcom

      The shrine is protected by the national government as a National Treasure of Japan as of 2010, and the whole mountain is protected as a National Historic Site. So I assume the site is always being monitored and well-maintained. I read that the painting is renovated every 50 years. But I also read there was a restoration project 11 years ago.

      Reply

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