Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Shizuoka’s Alternative to Nikko

These days, almost all overseas visitors to Japan are aware of the many allures of Tochigi Prefecture’s Nikko region. Of course, chief among these is none other than the famed site enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This ornate shrine is absolutely breathtaking and definitely worth your time if you’re in the vicinity. Still, unbeknownst to many, it is actually not the only establishment of its kind in Japan. In fact, though far less well known that its northern sibling, Shizuoka Prefecture’s Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is every bit as spectacular. Moreover, it may actually be even more historically significant than the Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex for a number of reasons we will get into in a bit.

Alas, why this place is not more well known overseas is beyond me. It has all of the makings of a great travel destination. What’s more, it is also located squarely on the popular “Golden Route” meaning that a visit requires that one take but a mere single step off of the beaten path. Here, I am just going to chalk this shrine’s obscurity up to poor marketing. After visiting in person not too long ago, I was blown away by how amazing this place was. To be frank, it’s a real shame that Kunozan Toshogu Shrine does not have more awareness abroad given how conveniently located it is. Sadly, as remarkable as the Nikko Toshogu…